Different States will have different requirements for controlling pollution near and within waterways. For your project, be sure to reach out to your local Department of Natural Resources or Pollution Control Agency (Some areas may require Federal consideration). However, any construction or major urban project near or within a river or on a shoreline will need to consider erosion control. If you’re upstream of a major waterway, or near protected land, you’ll want to take special considerations in the requirements of your local area.
Any bare dirt or unstable soil near or around water will be a major source of erosion and sediment in rain and inclement weather. Turbidity in the water is a concern, and you’ll want to employ several tools to control erosion and sediment. Vegetation, tarps, and mulch help prevent particles from being dislodged in the first place while other physical barriers can redirect water from flowing in or out of your site. In places where you’re very likely to see a lot of erosion, silt curtains are a good way to catch sediment once it’s been carried out of your site.
