Chapter 4 - Best Management Practices for Erosion and Sediment Control

4.38 TEMPORARY CHECK DAMS

Definition

Small temporary dams constructed across a swale or stormwater conveyance channel.

Purpose

To reduce the velocity of concentrated stormwater flows, thereby reducing erosion of the
swale or ditch. This practice also traps small amounts of sediment generated in the ditch
itself. These sediments will require periodic removal. However, this is not a sediment
trapping practice and should not be used as such.

Conditions Where Practice Applies

This practice is limited to use in small open channels which drain 10 acres (4 ha) or less. It
should not be used in a live stream. This practice is especially applicable to sloping sites
where the gradient of waterways is close to the maximum for a grass lining. Some specific
applications include:

1. Temporary ditches or swales which, because of their short length of service, cannot
receive a non-erodible lining but still need some protection to reduce erosion.

2. Permanent ditches or swales which for some reason cannot receive a permanent
non-erodible lining for an extended period of time.

3. Either temporary or permanent ditches or swales which need protection during the
establishment of grass linings.

Planning Considerations

Temporary check dams can be constructed of filter fence or straw bales for very short term
applications; or either stone or logs for longer or permanent applications. Filter fence and
straw bale check dams are economical to purchase and simple to install. Log check dams
are economical as for material costs, since logs can usually be salvaged from clearing
operations. However, log check dams require more time and hand labor to install. Stone
for check dams, on the other hand, must generally be purchased. However, this cost is
offset somewhat by the ease of installation.

Specifications

No formal design is required for a check dam; however, the following criteria should be
adhered to when specifying check dams.

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Plate 4.38a Log Check Dam

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The drainage area of the ditch or swale being protected should not exceed 10 acres (4 ha).
The maximum height of the check dam should be 2 feet (60 cm). The center of the check
dam must be at least 6 inches (15 cm) lower than the outer edges. (See Plate 4.38a) The
cross-sections of the dams should be as shown in Plates 4.38a through 4.38d,
respectively, for logs, stone, straw bales, and filter fence. The maximum spacing between
the dams should be such that the toe of the upstream dam is at the same elevation as the
top of the downstream dam. (See Plate 4 .38c).

Log check dams should be constructed of 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) logs salvaged from
clearing operation site, if possible. The logs should be embedded into the soil at least 18
inches (45 cm). The 6 inch (15 cm) lower height required at the center can be achieved
either by careful placement of the logs or by cutting the logs after they are in place. (See
Plate 4.38a). Logs and/or brush should be placed on the downstream side of the dam to
prevent scour during high flows.

Stone check dams should be constructed of FDOT No. 1 Coarse Aggregate (1.5 to 3.5
inch stone) (4 to 9 cm). The stone should be placed according to the configuration in Plate
4.38b. Hand or mechanical placement will be necessary to achieve complete coverage of
the ditch or swale and to insure that the center of the dam is lower than the ends. (See
Plates 4.38b & 4.38e)

Straw bale and filter fence check dams shall be installed as per STRAW BALE BARRIER -
Section 4.05 (Channel Flow Applications) (See Plates 4.38c & 4.38f) and SILT FENCE -
Section 4.06 (Channel Flow Applications) (See Plate 4.38d).

Sediment Removal

While this practice is not intended to be used primarily for sediment trapping, some
sediment will accumulate behind the check dams. Sediment should be removed from
behind the check dams when it has accumulated to half of the original height of the dam.

Removal

Check dams must be removed when their useful life has been completed. In temporary
ditches and swales, check dams should be removed and the ditch filled in when it is no
longer needed. In permanent structures, check dams should be removed when a
permanent lining can be installed. In grass-lined ditches, check dams should be removed
when the grass has matured sufficiently to protect the ditch or swale. The area beneath
the check dams should be seeded and mulched or sodded (depending upon velocity)
immediately after they are removed.

If stone check dams are used in grass-lined channels which will be mowed, care should be
taken to remove all the stone from the dam when the dam is removed. This should include
any stone which has washed downstream. Since log check dams are embedded in the
soil, their removal will result in more disturbance of the soil than will removal of stone check
dams. Consequently, extra care should be taken to restabilize the area when log dams are
used in permanent ditches or swales.

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Plate 4.38b Rock Check Dam

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Plate 4.38c Straw Bale Check Dam

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Maintenance

Check dams should be checked for sediment accumulation after each significant rainfall.
Sediment should be removed when it reaches one-half of the original height or before.
Regular inspections should be made to insure that the center of the dam is lower than the
edges. Erosion caused by high flows around the edges of the dam should be corrected
immediately.

Plate 4.38d Silt Fence Check Dam

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Plate 4.38e Rock Check Dam Details

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Plate 4.38f Straw Bale Check Dam Details

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