Vegetative Buffers

 

VEGETATIVE BUFFERS

 

 

Code References

  • "For sites with less than 5 acres disturbed at one time, filter fences, straw bales or equivalent control measures shall be placed along all side slope and down slope sides of the site." (Reference: Section 290-7.2.e-5 of the City Code of Ordinances).
  • "Perimeter erosion control measures shall be placed within 24 hours of beginning excavating." (Reference: Section Comm 21.125(1)(a) of the Wisconsin Administrative Code).
  • "Erosion control measures shall be placed along down slope areas and along side slope areas as required to prevent or reduce erosion where erosion during construction will result in a loss of soil to waters of the state, public sewer inlets or off-site." (Reference: Section Comm 21.125(1)(a) of the Wisconsin Administrative Code).

 Quick Tips

  • Vegetative buffers shall be inspected weekly at minimum and within 24 hours after a precipitation event of 0.5 inches or greater.
  • If vegetative buffers become soil covered, contain rills, or are otherwise compromised, other perimeter sediment control measures shall be installed.
  • Buffers shall be maintained to have dense vegetation between 3 and 12 inches in height.
  • Vegetative buffers shall be used for sheet and rill erosion only.
  • Vegetative buffers shall be located on the contour and along the entire length of the down slope edge of the disturbed area.
  • The width of the vegetative buffer shall be a slope of no greater than 5%.
  • The disturbed area draining to the vegetative buffer shall have slopes of 6% or less.
  • The vegetative buffer shall have a minimum width of 25 feet.  25 feet of buffer is adequate for 125 feet of up slope disturbed area.  An additional 1 foot of buffer width shall be added for every added 5 feet of up slope disturbed area.

Applicable Standard

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