In land development, erosion control is important. Aside from preventing water pollution due to runoff and the potential habitat loss of nearby ecosystems, erosion control also staves off soil loss and consequently, property loss. In urban areas, erosion control techniques are primarily concerned with storm water runoff management, but soil loss due to winds and sloped properties must be considered as well. Multiple factors can cause erosion, and every situation calls for specific solutions based on the site and the severity of the problem.
Controlling erosion is important not just for preserving the construction site and protecting the new structure but also for minimizing the environmental impact that the project has on the surrounding area. Erosion control measures can add significantly to the project cost, and manufacturers are continually developing innovative products to minimize cost as well as environmental impact.