Erosion and sediment control is an important part of how we protect the environment. Sedimentation (the settling of material carried by wind and water in to our waterways) can destroy fish habitat and affect our water supply, infrastructure, flood control, navigation, and recreational activities.
Erosion and sediment control training
Learn more about our annual training opporunities: erosion and sediment control courses.
Erosion and sediment control guidelines
Please find a variety of resources below regarding City of Calgary guidelines and reference material for erosion and sediment control.
Water drainage and dewatering permits
Under the
Drainage Bylaw, no person should discharge, release or cause to be placed any substance other than storm drainage into a Storm Drainage Collection System unless they are authorized to do so, in writing, by the Director of Water Resources or the release is authorized under a City of Calgary Bylaw. View the currentApplication Information for Drainage and Dewatering Permits.
For more information about drainage and dewatering permits, please call 3-1-1.
How does sediment get in our waterways?
Water from rainstorms or melting snow enters street drains and flows through the underground pipes of the stormwater system to nearby rivers and creeks or temporary detention ponds. Our stormwater system can act as a major conduit for the movement of sediment and other pollutants to our natural watercourses.
Silt and sediment enter the stormwater system from a variety of sources—work in or around watercourses, lack of protection of exposed soil and soil stockpiles, and dirt washed from city streets. Because the water in the stormwater system is not treated before it reaches its destination, anything that goes down a street drain has the potential to end up in our rivers.
How does sediment impact water?
The effects of sediment in the stormwater system are outlined here:
Water quality
Increased turbidity (cloudiness) is expensive to treat; fine sediments damage fish habitats and freshwater ecosystems
Air quality
Dust from exposed soil and stockpiles is a significant problem in dry, windy weather; dust reduces air quality and affects health, safety, and the environment
Infrastructure and property
Sediment clogs our stormwater system and leads to flooding, expensive clean-up and repair needs, and other problems
