According to Amador County Public Works Dept., inspectors will be out checking job sites this week to make sure that the October 15 deadline has been met for erosion control. Erosion control measures must be in place if you have disturbed soil on your property from any type of grading or construction, including construction of septic systems and wells. County ordinance defines October 15 through May 1 as the rainy season -- and earth grading or disturbed soils are particularly vulnerable to erosion when it rains. You may conduct grading during the official rainy season, but during that time, you are required to install special protective measures to minimize damage. Ways to prevent construction site erosion include covering piles of soil, seeding, straw mulching, hay bales, and straw wattles – those rolls of chopped straw you often see on construction sites. Officials are most concerned about muddy water going into any drainage, creek (seasonal or not), roads, or adjacent properties. If you have any questions about erosion on your property, call the Public Works Department at 223-6429. According to Public Works Administrative Assistant Sharon Murphy, inspectors are happy to visit your site and offer guidance on best practices.