Dirt road sediment ranks second only to row cropping as the primary source of sediment flowing into our streams. The picture is a spray application of 'Coherex' in Gilmer County. This is a stable, nonvolatile non-leachable water emulsion consisting of approximately 60% petroleum resins and 40% wetting solution. When in contact with ground surfaces, it coats soil particles and forms membranes that attach themselves to adjacent particles. This results in large agglomerates too heavy to be easily dislodged and carried away by water.

Two Rivers RC&D received a grant from the Georgia EPD covering 5 watersheds in the state, one of which is the Sallacoa Creek located in the Coosa watershed. LVRCD will partner with Two Rivers RC&D on approximately 3 sediment and erosion projects in the Sallacoa creek system. These projects will utilize Best Management Practices (BMPs) to help 'restore impaired waters to meet designated use standards'. We will also be involved in the educational outreach portion of the grant for each of our counties. This involves workshops, demonstrations and publication of 'Georgia Better Back Roads Sediment Reduction' manual to be distributed to all county road maintenance departments.

The field manual and fact sheet for 'Georgia Better Back Roads Manual' can be downloaded by visiting the
Two Rivers RC&D Better Back Roads site.