Straw Bale Barriers
Installing and Using Straw Bale Barriers
Straw bales staked into the ground may be used for intercepting and detaining small amounts of sediment from disturbed areas of a limited size and to decrease the velocity of sheet flows and low-level channel flows. Straw bales may be used as a BMP for v-shaped ditches.
Limitations:
- Requires specific standards for effective use (i.e. barriers are defined by slope gradient and areas being drained).
- Not for use in streams or swales where there is a possibility of a washout.
Maintenance Requirements:
- Inspect barriers regularly and immediately after each rainfall. Check for undercutting beneath bales as well as damaged bales. Replace damaged bales and repair barrier.
- Remove sediment deposits after each runoff producing rainfall. Do not allow sediment to deposit to greater than one-half the height of the barrier.
Storm Water Management Manual for Western Washington, BMP Reference (2005):
Available at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/index.html
- Straw Bale Barrier – BMP C230, Volume II, Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention
