Summertime’s here, and if you’re working anywhere in Northern California, you know the drill, dry soil, dusty roads, and the occasional surprise storm. Construction’s in full swing, but the season brings some real erosion control headaches. Whether you’re cutting lots for a new subdivision or grading out a country hillside, having the right tools on hand for erosion and sediment control Marin County keeps your site in compliance, your crew moving, and your neighbors happy.
Let’s talk through the gear every summer jobsite should have ready.
Just because it’s dry doesn’t mean your site is safe from erosion. In fact, without moisture to bind the soil, all that loose topsoil turns into dust and one good gust of wind or a mid-July downpour can send it downhill fast. That runoff can carry sediment right into creeks, drains, or sensitive areas, which can mean big fines and even work stoppages.
Staying on top of your Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) requirements and EPA regulations isn’t just about avoiding penalties, it’s about keeping your site safe, steady, and on schedule. Without erosion control in place, you risk washouts, rutting, and even compromised foundations. And nobody wants to redo work they’ve already paid for.
If you’re only going to install one type of erosion control, start with silt fences. These workhorse barriers trap sediment and keep soil from wandering offsite with runoff water. You’ll see them around perimeters, slopes, and freshly disturbed dirt.
There are light-duty versions for small jobs and heavy-duty woven fabric ones with steel reinforcement for bigger or longer projects. Either way, the trick is proper install:
It’s not glamorous, but silt fence done right can save you major headaches.
Straw wattles (sometimes called fiber rolls) are those flexible, tube-shaped barriers you’ll spot on slopes or around storm drains. They’re made from straw, coconut fiber, or even recycled materials packed in netting, and they’re awesome for slowing down runoff and keeping soil in place.
They come in sizes like 9″, 12″, and 20″ diameters. Make sure they hug the ground and overlap ends tight. Stake them in with wood or rebar, and they’ll do their job rain or shine.
Erosion control blankets (ECBs) are a go-to for stabilizing soil and helping vegetation take hold. Made from natural fibers like straw or coconut, they shield topsoil from wind and rain while giving grass or seed a chance to root.
Just grade the area, stake down the blanket, and overlap your edges. You’ll often see ECBs required on slopes over 3:1 until things green up.
Nothing gets neighbors or inspectors worked up faster than a dusty jobsite. Loose dirt on haul roads, pads, and piles becomes airborne fast in summer heat.
It’s not just about compliance, good dust control keeps air clear for your crew, protects equipment, and shows you’re a pro who respects the job and the community.
At Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co., erosion control isn’t just a category, it’s what we live and breathe, especially during our busy Northern California summer season. We stock the silt fence, wattles, blankets, stakes, and accessories you need in the quantities you actually want.
Need help mapping out a plan that checks all the SWPPP boxes? We’re happy to walk the site with you and tailor a setup based on your project’s grading and layout.
Don’t let erosion control be the thing that trips up your project halfway through. Whether you’re building a driveway or a subdivision, starting strong with the right materials makes all the difference.
Come by the yard, give us a ring, or line up a jobsite consult. Stevenson Supply is here to help you build better, with the right tools, advice, and old-fashioned reliability you can count on.
Stop by, contact us online, or give us a call at (707) 575-3335
