V. Soil and Erosion Control in Patterson
What is soil erosion and why is it so important? Soil erosion begins with rainfall. We become so accustomed to the rain we don't realize how much force is in a single raindrop. But when a rain drop impacts the soil surface, it does so with enough force to dislodge and begin breaking the soil particles into much smaller pieces which are much easier to move. When a sufficient amount of rainfall has accumulated on the ground's surface it begins to move downhill. The more rainfall, and the steeper the hill, the faster the rainfall will flow over the surface. The rainfall or storm water moving over the surface of the land picks up those tiny particles of soil and nutrients and carries them down the hill. The faster the storm water is flowing (its velocity), the more energy it has to carry particles of soil and nutrients. Storm water runoff will continue to carry these particles of soil until its velocity is slowed, at which time most of the particles fall out of the storm water and are left behind. This is called soil erosion. Unfortunately, the soil particles are usually left behind in the most inappropriate places like stream bottoms or lakes.
To help prevent soil erosion, in February of 2002 the Town of Patterson adopted a Soil Erosion Control Law aimed at protecting property owners from uncontrolled erosion. The Law requires that an individual obtain a permit prior to commencing any of a number of activities.
Activities That Require Permits |
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There are certain practices which you as a homeowner can do to help reduce the potential for soil erosion.
Things You Can Do |
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