When should wire mesh and gravel inlet protection be used?

Wire mesh and gravel inlet protection should be used specifically when flows exceed a certain threshold, in this case, 0.5 cubic feet per second (cfs), and when construction traffic is present. This measure is crucial because higher flows can lead to an increased potential for sediment transport, which can adversely affect nearby water bodies.

The presence of construction traffic adds another layer of risk, as the movement of vehicles can increase soil disturbance and compaction, leading to more sediment being dislodged and contributing to runoff. By implementing wire mesh and gravel inlet protection during these circumstances, you ensure that sediment is captured before it can enter into storm drains or other water conveyance systems, minimizing the risk of sediment pollution.

This approach is more targeted and effective, addressing situations where sediment control measures might not be sufficient, rather than applying these protective measures indiscriminately across all construction sites or only focusing on heavy rain events. Utilizing such protective methods when flows are anticipated to exceed specific thresholds helps to ensure sound environmental practices during construction activities.