Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District

EARTHWORK ADMINISTRATION

Soil Stabilization

Compost/Woodchip Berms

The Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District this year has started recommending the use of woodchip or compost berms as one of the means for controlling the discharge of sediment from constructions sites. The berms are usually 3' high and 4'wide and installed along the toe of the slope. The dimensions of the berm can be modified depending on the drainage area.

Woodchips are readily available at most sites. They can be installed as berms using a bobcat. Blower trucks specifically designed for this type of application are also available.

Among the advantages of compost berms are: easy application and less maintenance; it amends native soil, assists in vegetation establishment, can be easily incorporated when the job is completed, can be applied in any direction or configuration or adjust to outlines of areas, and is an annually renewable resource that is all organic and 100 % natural.

Compost berms are found to be more effective in containing solids than regular silt fence. Woodchips or compost can also be spread over an area to serve as an erosion control blanket.