A grade control structure is an earthen, wooden, concrete, or other type of structure built across a drainageway that prevents gully erosion.
How it helps...
Grade control structures are often used at the outlet of a grassed waterway to stabilize the waterway outlet, preventing gully erosion
Grassed, non-eroding waterways made possible with a grade control structure provide better water quality, can be easily crossed with equipment, and look better than non-stabilized gullies
If designed to store water, a grade control structure may provide a water source and habitat for wildlife
Benefits
Soil Erosion
Water Quality
Wildlife
Planning
Pipe outlet structures are typically used if the area upstream of the dam can temporarily hold most of the water from a storm. Drop structures are used where the area upstream of the site has minimal storage capacity.
Grade stabilization structures can be expensive to install and should always be designed by a qualified person.
If planned to store water, a grade stabilization structure can also provide a water source and habitat for wildlife.
Adequate soil conservation practices are needed upstream of the structure to avoid sedimentation.
Check to see if any permits are required.
Maintenance
Remove trees and shrubs within 30 feet of the structure.
Keep burrowing animals away from earthen structures.
Repair cracks in concrete.
Keep inlets, outlets and the area 50 feet downstream of the outlet free of debris.
A grade control structure is an earthen, wooden, concrete, or other type of structure built across a drainageway that prevents gully erosion.