Stormwater management has become an increasingly important aspect of construction activities in the state of Iowa. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit No. 2 requires the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) develop a stormwater pollution prevention plan for all construction activities that are covered by the permit. The stormwater pollution prevention plan includes the design, installation, and maintenance of erosion and sediment control practices to minimize downstream impact from stormwater discharges.

Currently, the Iowa DOT has specifications, standard drawings, and guidance for the design of erosion and sediment control practices. Many of the practices included in these documents had not been formally evaluated for field performance. Furthermore, recent research performed by other state highway agencies has led to the development of new and improved erosion and sediment control practice. Opportunities existed to better understand the performance of standard Iowa DOT erosion and sediment control practices, improve the design and performance of practices, and to develop additional design manual guidance for the proper selection and design of practices.

Practices were selected based on frequency of use, agency interest, and potential for improved performance. This creative component outlines the five standard erosion and sediment control practices and several modified practices evaluated in an ongoing research project sponsored by the Iowa DOT. Selected practices include several ditch check types, sediment barriers, and detention practices.