Soil loss is caused by a variety of factors, including erosion from wind and water, mechanical tilling, logging, agricultural practices, and poor water management. Erosion and sedimentation, the major effects of soil loss, are widespread and can be devastating.
Erosion
Erosion is a natural process on hill slopes. The rate of erosion is determined by several factors, including soil type, rainfall, and length and percent of slope. Generally, human-induced changes in the landscape lead to higher levels of erosion than would occur naturally. While there are many ways to minimize erosion, vegetative cover is the most effective over the long term. Eroding road.When vegetation is removed, the rate of soil erosion is greatly accelerated, often beyond sustainable levels.
Sedimentation
Eroded soil deposited downslope is referred to as sedimentation. When severe rain or wind events occur or soils are disturbed by human activities, soils are moved off site and deposited on land and in lakes, wetlands, and streams. Sediment, the single largest nonpoint source pollutant, contributes to the decline of surface water quality, imperils aquatic wildlife, and leads to increased stream bank erosion and flooding. Sources of Total Suspended Sediment to Streams, Haywood County.Levels of sedimentation increase due to roads, residential and commercial development, agricultural practices, timber harvesting, and any other land-disturbing activity.
The Sedimentation Control Act of 1973 requires operators to implement short- and long-term mitigation measures to reduce erosion on- and off-site. Forest landowners who wish to harvest trees are exempt from these regulations if they comply with forestry practice guidelines, which include erosion control measures and mitigation. Best management practices (BMPs) are voluntary practices that reduce sources of sedimentation and runoff, confine sediment on site, and trap the movement of sediment so that it settles. Sediment Removal at Lake Junaluska.Although these practices are not required by law, it is estimated that about 85-90 percent of landowners and loggers voluntarily comply with BMPs and regulations. If loggers/landowners are found to be out of compliance, the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources (NCDFR) works with operators to correct problems. If not resolved, the operator may forfeit their exemption under the Sedimentation Control Act and must seek a permit to continue the activity.
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