USDA / EPA Methodology

Erosion & Sediment Control

Comprehensive erosion inventory using USDA soil assessment standards and EPA sediment control guidelines. Every scene generates 100+ site-level fields plus 54 per-face observations across 6 directions—erosion classification, soil erodibility ratings, hydrology assessment, existing controls inventory, risk analysis, and prioritized remediation recommendations.

What Is Erosion & Sediment Control Assessment?

This analysis applies USDA erosion classification standards to identify, categorize, and measure erosion features. Combined with EPA sediment control guidance, it evaluates existing BMPs, drainage patterns, and sediment transport pathways to generate actionable management recommendations.

Each scene is analyzed across all six cube faces, with special attention to the DOWN face for ground surface conditions. The result is a complete erosion inventory with condition grades, risk ratings, and prioritized intervention lists—documentation that supports NPDES compliance, MS4 permits, and capital improvement planning.

100+

site-level fields

per-face × 6 faces

assessment categories

Erosion Types Classified

Sheet Erosion

Uniform surface removal across slopes

Rill Erosion

Small channels <2" deep

Gully Erosion

Larger channels >2" deep

Bank Erosion

Channel/stream bank undercutting

Slope Failure

Mass movement, slumping

Wind Erosion

Aeolian soil transport

Condition Rating System

Each scene receives a composite condition grade (A-F) based on erosion severity, extent, risk factors, and control effectiveness. Scores enable system-wide prioritization and trend monitoring.

A — Excellent (5-8 pts) B — Good (9-12 pts) C — Fair (13-16 pts) D — Poor (17-20 pts) F — Critical (21-25 pts)

What Gets Measured

Scene Context 6

Location and positioning

Scene number, GPS coordinates
Elevation, trail position
Confidence scores

Site Measurements 15+

Physical dimensions estimated

Affected area (sq meters)
Slope gradient estimate
Channel dimensions (width, depth)
Bank height measurements
Feature extent estimates

Erosion Inventory 8+

Feature identification

Erosion types present
Severity (minor/moderate/severe)
Active vs stabilized status
Progression indicators
Contributing factors

Soil Assessment 12+

Material properties

Soil type (clay, silt, sand, gravel)
Erodibility class (Very Erodible → Very Resistant)
Compaction indicators
Moisture conditions
Organic content indicators

Hydrology Assessment 20+

Water and drainage

Drainage pattern type
Flow direction and path
Concentration points
Flood/high water indicators
Culvert/outfall locations
Groundwater seepage signs

Sediment Transport 12+

Material movement

Deposition locations
Transport pathways
Sediment type and volume
Downstream impact potential
Source identification

Vegetation Assessment 18+

Ground cover analysis

Cover percentage
Vegetation type
Root exposure indicators
Bare soil areas
Establishment success
Disturbance evidence

Existing Controls 10+

BMP inventory

Control type (riprap, silt fence, etc.)
Control condition rating
Effectiveness assessment
Maintenance needs
Failure indicators

Risk Assessment 15+

Hazard evaluation

Risk level (Low → Critical)
Infrastructure threat
Water quality impact
Safety hazards
Progression likelihood
Downstream consequences

Condition Rating 10

Overall assessment

Composite score (5-25)
Letter grade (A-F)
Component scores
Trend indicators
Priority ranking

Recommendations 20+

Management guidance

Priority level (Immediate/High/Medium/Low)
Intervention type
Cost category ($, $$, $$$)
Implementation notes
Monitoring requirements

Per-Face Analysis (9 keys × 6 faces = 54 observations)

Each cube face is analyzed independently with 9 directional keys: face_direction, erosion_features (array with type, severity, extent, measurements), soil_exposure, vegetation_cover_percent, drainage_features, existing_controls, infrastructure_visible, notable_conditions, and face_confidence. The DOWN face receives special emphasis for ground surface analysis.

Front Right Back Left Up Down ★

Management Recommendations Structure

Immediate Safety hazards, active failures, infrastructure threats
High Severe erosion, water quality impacts, rapid progression
Medium Moderate issues, preventive measures, maintenance items
Low Minor conditions, monitoring only, future planning

Who Uses This

MS4 Permit Holders

Stormwater Utilities

Sewer Districts

DOT / Highway Depts

Watershed Districts

Conservation Districts

Mining / Energy

Construction QA/QC

Use Cases

NPDES/MS4 compliance — Document erosion conditions and BMP effectiveness for permit reporting with GPS-located, timestamped evidence
Capital improvement planning — Prioritize stabilization projects by condition grade and risk rating across entire systems
Storm damage assessment — Rapid post-event documentation with before/after comparison capability
Construction site monitoring — Track BMP performance and identify failures requiring immediate correction
Stream restoration planning — Bank erosion inventory with measurements to support design and grant applications
Asset management integration — Condition scores feed deterioration modeling and work order generation