Effectiveness of Compost and Mulch Practices for Erosion Control in a Reclaimed Rock Quarry

Overview and Goals

Storm water runoff from areas of bare soil can convey extremely large amounts of suspended solids into streams and lakes. Providing a protective mulch cover and establishing vegetation on disturbed land substantively reduce erosion and the deposition of sediments in nearby streams and lakes.

Quarries include a variety of disturbed lands that are often lack vegetation almost completely. Similarly, areas disturbed by construction also generate large amounts of sediment during storms, leading to highly visible impacts on nearby surface waters. A quarry-reclamation project in Parker County was selected for field trials.

The aim of this project is to compare the effectiveness of two types of manure compost products and a commonly used wood-based hydromulch in reducing erosion and sediment loss from disturbed soils. The products will also be evaluated to determine how much nitrogen and phosphorus are lost to runoff from each of the treatments.

Results are being used to determine the most effective erosion controls and the potential load reductions associated with the tested practices. See the related Composted Manure Incentive Project.

Reports

• Field Trials of Erosion Control Compost in Reclamation of Rock Quarry Operations, Final Report from the Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research (PDF. Help with PDF.)
• Quarry BMP Guidance Document

For More Information

For additional information regarding this project, please contact Bill Carter at 512-239-6771. Or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov, and reference “Practices for Erosion Control in a Reclaimed Rock Quarry” in the subject line.

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