# Construction BMPs: Erosion and Sediment Control Basics

> Erosion and sediment control basics: silt fence, inlet protection, construction entrances, sediment basins, seeding, inspections and SWPPPs.

Canonical: https://kueselinc.com/guides/construction-bmps-erosion-sediment-control
Last updated: 2026-10-31

Erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs) keep soil on the site and out of streets, inlets and streams while ground is disturbed. In Missouri, [Missouri DNR land disturbance permits](https://dnr.mo.gov/water/business-industry-other-entities/permits-certification-engineering-fees/stormwater/construction-land-disturbance) and local requirements govern what is required on a given site. This guide explains the common measures in general terms. Our post on [land disturbance permits and stormwater requirements](https://kueselinc.com/blog/land-disturbance-permit-stormwater-requirements-st-louis) covers permit coverage.

## Common BMPs

### Silt fence

Fabric fence along the downhill edge of disturbed areas slows runoff and traps sediment. It needs to be trenched in and kept upright to work.

### Inlet protection

Filters or barriers at storm inlets keep sediment out of the storm sewer, both on site and at nearby street inlets.

### Construction entrances

A stabilized stone entrance knocks mud off truck tires before they reach the street.

### Sediment basins and traps

On larger sites, basins hold runoff long enough for sediment to settle before water leaves the site. Some are later converted to permanent detention.

### Stabilization and seeding

Disturbed areas are stabilized with seed, mulch, blankets or hydroseeding when work in that area stops or is finished, as the plan and permit require.

## Inspections and maintenance

BMPs only work if they are maintained. Permits commonly require routine inspections and inspections after rain events, with repairs made promptly: removing sediment, fixing torn fence, replacing inlet filters and refreshing the entrance stone. Check the permit for the actual inspection schedule and record-keeping.

## SWPPP basics

- A stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) describes the BMPs, where they go and when.
- It is generally kept current as the site changes.
- Inspection records are generally kept with it.
- The permit and local requirements govern its contents.

For permanent stormwater features, see our [stormwater requirements guide](https://kueselinc.com/guides/stormwater-requirements-for-developers).

## Questions

### Who decides which BMPs a site needs?

The erosion control plan prepared for the site, under the Missouri DNR land disturbance permit and local requirements that apply.

### Why inspect after it rains?

Rain is when BMPs get tested. Inspecting afterward finds damaged fence, full inlet filters and washed-out areas so they can be fixed before the next storm.

This guide is general information from a site contractor, not engineering or legal advice. The engineer of record, the approved plans, the permits and the reviewing agencies govern your project.

## Related

- [Request a bid](https://kueselinc.com/bid-invite)
- [Commercial Site Prep Sequence: From Clearing to Pad Hand-Off](https://kueselinc.com/guides/commercial-site-prep-sequence)
- [Stormwater and Detention: What St. Louis-Area Developers Should Plan For](https://kueselinc.com/guides/stormwater-requirements-for-developers)
- [MSD Utility Work: How Permitted Sewer and Storm Work Generally Flows](https://kueselinc.com/guides/msd-utility-work-for-contractors)
- [All resources](https://kueselinc.com/resources)