In urban areas erosion controls are often part of stormwater runoff management programs required by local governments (SWPPP). The controls often involve the creation of a physical barrier, such as vegetation, rock, silt fence etc. to absorb some of the energy of the wind or water that is causing the erosion. All construction site operators engaged in clearing, grading, excavation activities that disturb one acre or more, including smaller sites in a larger common plan of development or sale, are required to prepare a SWPPP and obtain coverage under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
