Soil & Erosion 101

What is the difference between mud, soil, dirt, erosion and sediment?

• Mud - wet dirt
• Soil - particle with organic and inorganic matter
• Sand - large particles, good filter
• Silt - medium size, mixed types (loam)
• Clay - very small grain size, holds water
• Dirt - the stuff of the bottom of your shoe
• Erosion - soil that has been undercut
• Sediment - deposition of eroded soil

What are the rules when it comes to erosion?

• Sediment Pollution Control Act(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab)
• NCDEQ Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab)

Do I need a permit when I disturb the soil?

• Projects that disturb over 0.50 acre require a permit thru the town

What should I do if I see sediment?

• Call the Wake Forest Erosion & Stormwater Hotline at 919-435-9750
• Report the issue with SeeClickFix

My backyard is constantly flooding, eroding, or soggy, what can I do?

While the Town is unable to perform maintenance in private property, there are a number of things homeowners can do to improve backyard stream health and slow down erosion. Resources include: 

• Understanding the topography and type of soils in your yard. (Turn on the topography layer and the soils layer in the 'Layers' panel located in the bottom right)
• Implementing NC Cooperative Extension recommendations for backyard stream health.
• Install a rain garden  to soak up rain flow and slow down erosion issues.