This test method evaluates temporary ditch checks and their means of installation to:

5.1.1 Reduce soil loss and sediment concentrations in stormwater runoff under conditions of varying channel conditions and soil type; and

5.1.2 Improve water quality exiting the area disturbed by earthwork activity by reducing suspended solids.

This test method models and examines conditions typically found on construction sites involving earthwork activities, including: highways and roads; airports; residential, commercial and industrial developments; pipelines, mines, and landfills; golf courses; etc.

This test method is a performance test. It is a comparative tool for evaluating the erosion control characteristics of different temporary ditch checks and can be used for quality control to determine product conformance to project specifications. Take caution when comparing results from different laboratories because information about between-laboratory precision is incomplete and slight differences in soil and other environmental and geotechnical conditions may affect temporary ditch check performance. Unique project-specific conditions should be taken into consideration.

1.1 This test method covers the guidelines, requirements, and procedures for evaluating the ability of temporary ditch checks to protect earthen channels from stormwater-induced erosion. Critical elements of this protection are the ability of the temporary ditch check to:

1.1.1 Slow and/or pond runoff to encourage sedimentation, thereby reducing soil particle transport downstream;

1.1.2 Trap soil particles up stream of structure; and

1.1.3 Decrease soil erosion.

1.2 This test method utilizes full-scale testing procedures, rather than reduced-scale (bench-scale) simulation, and is patterned after conditions typically found on construction sites at the conclusion of earthwork operations, but prior to the start of revegetation work. Therefore this test method considers only unvegetated conditions.

1.3 This test method provides a comparative evaluation of a temporary ditch check to baseline bare soil conditions under controlled and documented conditions.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are provided for information purposes only.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Also, the user must comply with prevalent regulatory codes, such as OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) guidelines, while using the test method.