Fact Sheet F2 – Ditch Cleaning Strategies
What is Ditch Cleaning?
Ditch Cleaning
Strategies
Fact Sheet F2
Ditch cleaning is a corrective maintenance activity for ditches focused on sediment and debris removal.
The three types of ditch cleaning methods and an inventory of equipment needed are summarized in
the table below.
Method
Description
Common Equipment
and Materials
Photo Example
Hand Ditching
Removing sediment
and debris manually
using a rake, hoe, or
shovel.
Rake, hoe, or shovel
Wheelbarrow or buckets
Erosion control BMPs
(e.g., wattles, check dams,
silt fence)
Bucket Ditching
(Mechanical
Excavation)
Removing sediment
and debris using a
backhoe, excavator,
or front-end loader
in deep ditches
where hand ditching
is impractical.
Backhoe or excavator
with ditching bucket or
DitchMaster
Erosion control BMPs
(e.g., wattles, check dams,
silt fence)
Shoulder
Ditching
(Blade Ditching
or Shoulder
Pulling)
Reshaping and
cleaning ditches by
removing excess sod
from the shoulder.
Grader
Belt loader
Erosion control BMPs
(e.g., wattles, check dams,
silt fence)
Photo source: King County
February 7, 2019
Fact Sheet F2 – Ditch Cleaning Strategies
Surface
Type
Description
Applicable Ditch Cleaning
Methods
Photo Example
Vegetated
Typically seeded or
sodded grasses placed in
and along the channel.
Hand Ditching
Bucket Ditching
Shoulder Ditching
Bare Soil
Soils without established
vegetation (e.g., due to
overcompaction, low
organic content, nutrient
deficiencies, etc.);
typically located in areas
where slopes are mild,
flow depths are shallow,
and there is a low risk
for erosion.
Hand Ditching
Bucket Ditching
Shoulder Ditching
Rock
Small rounded cobbles
with a uniform gradation
or riprap.
Hand Ditching
Paved
Concrete or asphalt-
lined.
Hand Ditching
Metal
Half-culvert; typically
located in areas with
steep slopes and a high
risk of erosion.
Hand Ditching
Where is Ditch Cleaning Applicable?
Fact Sheet F2 – Ditch Cleaning Strategies
Field Tips
Cleaning should be performed during low flow
or no flow periods if possible.
Install erosion control best management
practices (BMPs) prior to conducting sediment
removal.
Consider “skip ditching” where vegetation is
retained in portions of the ditch near outlets to
help preserve water quality.
Cleaning should utilize low-impact equipment if
feasible.
Keep excavation equipment on the roadway and
off the ditch bank.
Reseed and install erosion control BMPs after
sediment has been removed if needed.
Ensure runoff can sheet flow into the ditch. Avoid
creating a “curb of sod” along the road shoulder
during ditch cleaning activities.
Ditches should be cleaned to ensure that they are functioning as designed to convey runoff away from
road surfaces and minimize high flows, erosion, and pollution. Excess sediment and debris buildup
in ditches can limit vegetation growth, contribute to the pollutant loads carried by runoff in ditches
to water bodies, decrease ditch capacity, and cause flooding. Ditch cleaning may be necessary when
excess sediment is impeding flow and/or causing erosion. Ditch cleaning may also be needed for spill
response to remove contaminated soils.
Dispose of dirt and debris from road surfaces after completing ditch cleaning activities.
Separate removed material into soil and vegetative matter (e.g., leaves, grass, needles,
branches) categories.
Accumulated sediment removed during ditch maintenance may be reclaimed, recycled, or
reused when allowed by local codes and ordinances.
Vegetative matter may be composted or placed in a clean green stockpile at your
maintenance facility.
Roadside ditch cleanings contaminated by spills or other
releases known or suspected to contain dangerous
waste must be handled following the Dangerous Waste
Regulations (Chapter 173-303 WAC). Soils that are identified
as contaminated pursuant to Chapter 173-350 WAC shall be
disposed at a qualified solid waste disposal facility. If testing
determines materials are not designated as a dangerous
waste, but contaminants are present, consult with your
local health department to determine the most appropriate
disposal option.
If invasive species or noxious weeds are present in waste, consult the Washington State Noxious
Weed Control Board.
Why is Ditch Cleaning Important?
Disposal Considerations
Compost, Photo source: King County
This fact sheet was developed by Herrera Environmental Consultants with input from King County and the Regional Operations and Maintenance
Program (ROADMAP). Project funding was provided by a National Estuary Program grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology.