Can wood waste from a construction site be used for erosion control and soil amendment?

Unpainted and untreated wood that is chipped or shredded can be used for erosion control. Landscaping, trail surfaces and soil amendment in accordance with exemptions provided in section NR 500.06(2)(a) and (e), Wisconsin Administrative Code. Wood may be from any source such as tree trimming, construction or demolition, but the wood must be unpainted, untreated and free of contaminants like plaster, metals, plastic and other physical contaminants. No prior approval from the DNR is required, however certain limitations apply.

• Placement of wood within an area designated as a floodplain should be limited to thin layers for landscaping and trail surfaces.
• Improper use of wood chips and sawdust can damage surface and groundwater quality.
• Erosion control and soil amendment activities aren't appropriate within a wetland, lake, river or stream.
• Exemptions to use don't apply to use of glued wood products or wood treated to prevent insect damage or rot.
• Placement of large quantities of wood chips or sawdust in thick layers might be considered disposal and be subject to local ordinances.

For more information about the above limitations and other references please refer to the DNR guidance document Wood Chips Exempt Use Guidance listed under publications on the C&D web site. The following information provides general use guidelines:

• Landscape and Trail Surfaces: Wood chips generally should be placed no thicker than one to two inches.
• Construction Site Erosion Control: Erosion control methods at certain sites are required to meet regulations under the Department of Commerce and local ordinances. Loose wood materials (chipped or shredded) are not proven effective erosion control and may not replace silt fence or erosion control mats
• Soil Amendment: Wood materials alone is not a good soil amendment. In most cases, nutrient addition (nitrogen) would also be needed. Site specific evaluation of soil and plant nutrient needs is advisable.