Natural Resources
Historical Summary
Farmland Protection
USDA Programs
Erosion Control
Stormwater Control
Education
Contact Us
Gaston County Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control
The biggest threat to Gaston County's lakes and rivers is not some toxic chemicals or deadly pesticides.
It is soil erosion . . .
Gaston County adopted a local Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program to protect the county's water quality. The process included:
-
A directive - by the Gaston County Board of Commissioners to the Gaston County Quality of Natural Resources Commission to make recommendations regarding one of the issues affecting water quality - sedimentation.
The formation - of a broad-based coalition of support from Gaston County Commissioners, Gaston County Homebuilders Association, Quality of Natural Resources Commission, municipalities, Chamber of Commerce, Gaston Natural Resources Department, organizations and citizens.
-
The designation - of the Gaston County Natural Resources Department for program implementation.
Soil and Water Quality
Gaston County -
Has an abundant supply of clean water, a resource vital to our high quality of life. Rivers, lakes and groundwater are crucial to public health, economic development, and recreational opportunities. However, our water sources are constantly threatened with degradation by such activities as imprudent development, improperly managed agricultural and industrial activities, and unsound waste disposal practices.
The soil -
Exerts an important influence on water quality. How we manage the soil determines, in part, the level of treatment required to make our water supplies safe and enjoyable. 
Damage to water quality occurs when the eroded soil settles out in a body of water, a process called sedimentation.
Sediment comes from many sources: highway road banks, agricultural fields, construction sites, and mining operations. By volume, sediment is the largest water pollutant in North Carolina and Gaston County. It affects water quality physically, chemically, and biologically. Damage from sediment is expensive, both economically and environmentally. Sedimentation destroys fish spawning beds, reduces useful storage volume in reservoirs, clogs streams, and makes costly filtration necessary for municipal water supplies. Suspended sediment can reduce photosynthesis and alter a stream's ecology. Because the environmental damage from sediment is often additive, the ultimate effects and costs may not be evident for years.
The consequences of off-site sedimentation can be severe, both for those immediately affected and for those who must cope with subsequent problems. Sediment often carries organic matter, animal or industrial wastes, absorbed nutrients, and toxic chemicals. 
Sediment may also carry pesticides - such as herbicides and insecticides-that may be toxic to aquatic plants and animals. The most troublesome nutrient element is phosphorus: it stimulates the production of algae blooms that can choke out beneficial plants and smother aquatic animals. Excessive phosphorus may come from such sources as farm and lawn fertilizers, organic matter, and animal manure. 
Because phosphorus is concentrated in the top few inches of soil, it is very susceptible to erosion and likely to be present in sediment.An understanding of soil properties and their management is essential for reducing the input of water pollutants from the soil. Reducing soil erosion is the key to reducing the damaging effects of sedimentation. Fortunately, with current technology, erosion can be reduced to acceptable levels.
Water quality can be improved without sacrificing the quality of the soil for agricultural, development, industrial, and recreational uses. We can have both productive soil and clean water by applying good soil management practices.
Did you know?
- Over half of Gaston County's soil loss occurs in urban areas?
- By volume, sediment (soil) is the largest water pollutant in Gaston County?
- Each year in Gaston, over one quarter of a million tons of soil are
kept from eroding into the streams through conservation practices? That these practices have an annual value of more than $4 million dollars for nonpoint source pollution control and soil erosion reductions that improves water quality? - Five tons of topsoil spread over an acre is only as thick as a dime?
- Gaston County has 4,224 acres of water in large lakes and rivers; and 1,850 acres of water in areas of less than 40 acres?
- That in 1985 Gaston had 20 miles of streams that were threatened - In 1992, Gaston had 138 miles of streams that were threatened by pollution?
Do You Know Us?
Gaston County Natural Resources Department employees are committed to providing quality natural resources management that produce public benefits that everyone enjoys: clean air, clean water, safe and abundant food, open space for recreation and wildlife habitat and much more. Our efforts enhance the quality of life for everyone and brightens the future for our children and future generations to come.
"Soil and Water Conservation - Yours for Life"
Telephone: 704-922-4181 Fax: 704-922-2158
Click here to return to Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program