Erosion is the displacement and deposition of soil particles. In short, it's the picking up and setting down of dirt.

Erosion is a concern for storm water professionals because of the detrimental effect it can have on water quality.

When soil erodes the particles stay suspended in water for quite a while. This can clog fish gills, shade out aquatic life and make our streams appear "muddy".

When the particles finally fall out of suspension, large amounts of sediment are deposited. The sediment can smother vegetation, cause the filling in of streams and ponds and destroy aquatic habitat.

How can erosion be controlled?

The best way to control erosion is to plant vegetation in bare soil.

The roots of plants will bind the soil particles together and reduce the potential for erosion considerably.