See below to learn simple ways you can help prevent sediment from running off your yard, work site or farm and getting into our streams, rivers and drinking water reservoirs!
Table of Contents
- For Homeowners
- For Contractors
- Implementation of Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs)
- Glossary
- For Farmers
- Learn more about stormwater runoff!
For Homeowners
Cover bare dirt in your yard!

When soil is exposed, rain carries sediment into streams.
Mulch and plants keep soil in place, so water stays clear.
Ways to keep yard soil covered:
Need more ideas on what to plant?
Native plants and grasses are hardier and keep soil in place better than non-native plants. Click here to go to the NC State Extension Native Plant Toolbox to find what works for you.

You can also check out this article on CWEP’s website to learn more about “The importance of native plants”.
For Contractors
Implementation of Sediment Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs)
Glossary
- Stormwater: The water that runs off hard surfaces like roofs, roads, or sidewalks when it rains. Stormwater runoff is not treated before it flows to creeks, lakes and rivers.
- SCM: Stormwater Control Measure. Permanent structural devices that are designed, constructed, and maintained to remove pollutants like sediment and nutrients from stormwater runoff before it reaches our waterways like streams and reservoirs.
- Sediment: Loose particles of sand, silt and clay that settle on the bottom of rivers, lakes, estuaries and ocean (EPA 2022).
- Erosion: The wearing away of the land surface by wind or water (EPA 2010).
- Riparian Buffer: An unmowed strip of grass, shrubs or trees on either side of a stream that helps filter runoff and pollution before it reaches the stream.
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For Farmers


Fence cattle out of streams, install alternative watering sources and create stable livestock crossing areas to reduce sediment and erosion in waterways.
Learn more about stormwater runoff!
Contact your city, town or county stormwater or sediment and erosion control department with questions specific to your area!