Erosion is the process by which the land surface is worn away by the action of wind, water, ice, or just the slow pull of gravity. Eroding soils may sound like a triviality, but such action ultimately fills in creeks and lakes. Water-generated erosion is unquestionably the most damaging. Every time it rains, exposed soils are detached and transported by runoff. Such erosion is not only an eyesore, but creates a negative environmental impact on the local streams, rivers, and lakes inundating them with silts and sands. Stream bottoms fill, destroying natural habitat and reducing the volume of water a stream can carry. This filling also leads to upstream properties being inundated by flood waters and eventually impacts drinking water reservoir capacities. Treatments to eliminate sediments carry high costs, all of which are passed onto the consumer. Therefore enforcement to minimize these impacts falls under the purview of the Public Works Department.
Some general questions concerning soil erosion;
Q: What should I do if I see Soil Erosion occurring?
A: Contact the Soil Erosion Inspector at (770) 974-5233 or email Travis Tallent.
Q: How can I prevent Soil Erosion from occurring on my property?
A: If you have a fescue lawn, be sure to over seed in the fall so a well-established lawn is present throughout the year. If you have steep slopes on your property, pine straw or mulch can help. Shrubs give good ground cover and banks will require less maintenance.
Q: The grass in my yard died after I moved into my newly constructed home. What can I do about this?
A: Most homeowner's in new subdivisions have fescue lawns planted. These lawns are difficult to establish. The builder is required to seed, fertilize and mulch these yards at the completion of the home. However, most builders have language in their contracts that states the owner is required to maintain his or her lawn when the homes title is transferred.
City Ordinance now requires all new developments in the City are to have sod lawns.