Erosion Control
Local Government is responsible for the management of around 15,000km of roads in the NT. Poor road management can have negative impacts such as the erosion of soil. Erosion is the wearing away of the land surface by water, wind and ice. Erosion is a natural process, but it can be accelerated through changes in land use, vegetative cover and drainage patterns. The main components of soil erosion are water, wind and gravity; with water being the most significant cause. Damage from soil erosion worldwide is estimated to be $400 billion per year.
Improved roads management will help to reduce soil erosion, help protect the natural environment and reduce overall maintenance and disaster repair costs associated with road washouts and disrepair.
It is important for councils to:
- understand the erosion process
- recognise types of soil erosion
- understand the impacts of erosion on the environment
- assess erosion problems and identify their causes
- understand and be aware of best-practice land management
Although erosion occurs naturally in the environment, this process is accelerated through a disturbance to the soil or vegetation, particularly during:
- grading new roads, tracks and fence lines
- pipe line location and construction
- removing vegetation
- off road driving
- impacts from animals (cattle pads, overgrazing, feral animals)
- impacts of fire (leaving soils exposed to wind and water)
The economic, social and environmental costs of erosion and sediment can be high:
Economically – Soil erosion can impact on a council and the community financially by:
- reducing land available for cattle grazing
- reducing land available for growing food
- creating the need for expensive repair works
- reducing land values
Socially – Soil erosion can impact on quality of life by:
- creating health problems associated from dust (e.g. Asthma)
- lowering the quality of drinking water
- reducing visibility on roads and creating rough roads
- damaging recreational areas, such as riverbanks and lakes
Environmentally – Soil erosion can affect the environment by:
- creating large bare areas which create dust
- reducing areas of native vegetation
- reducing available food and habitat for native animals
- encouraging the establishment of weeds
- impacting upon fresh water ecosystems and marine ecosystems
However, there are many benefits to be gained by fixing erosion.
Economically:
- Less costs by reducing the amount of maintenance required on roads, fence lines, etc
- Fewer accidents and less maintenance costs to vehicles
- Greater productivity, crops, beef (= greater profits)
Socially:
- Increased water quality for drinking and/or stock
- Less maintenance of dams, pumping equipment and storage tanks
- Safer roads and tracks
- Improved visibility and fewer health problems from improved air quality
- More enjoyment from recreational facilities and locations
- Less maintenance and cleaning of houses and air conditioners
- Reduce the effects on your neighbours
Environmentally:
- Maintain level of habitat for wildlife and aquatic species
- Maintain shelter, food, windbreaks for stock and wildlife
- Reduced risk of invasion from weed species
- Reduce the risks of further erosion and the potential damage to the environment
LGANT supports responsible land use practices which minimise accelerated erosion processes. For more information go to the NRETAS website at
http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/natres/soil/management/index.html