Why Working From the Upslope Safeguards Your Soil Absorption System

Why Every Hand‑on Crew Should Pick the Upslope: The Quiet Rule of Wisconsin’s Mound Soil Absorption System

Ever stood on a construction site and felt that nagging sense that you were walking on thin ice? The ground cracks, dust clouds rise, and the wind carries tiny splinters of soil everywhere. You’re wondering if you’re doing it right, or if somewhere deeper—literally—lies a hidden danger. One of the simplest, most overlooked safety moves is choosing the right angle for your work. In Wisconsin’s case, especially when you’re dealing with the Mound Soil Absorption System (MSS), the answer is plain: work from the upslope.

---

1. The Upslope Advantage

Imagine a gentle hill in a meadow. If you pour water on the top, gravity pulls it downhill, and the lower slope collects a splash. In construction, that splash becomes a potential enemy—it can erode soil, carry sediment, and mess up any system you’ve laid out for water to soak back into the ground.

By starting at the upper end of the hill (the upslope), you act like a guard pushing the water back upward with every cut and trench. Think of it as a reverse sweep: instead of letting the rain run unchecked, you’re controlling the flow before it reaches the tender soil of the downstream slope.

---

2. When Soil Meets Water: The MSS Story

The Wisconsin Mound Soil Absorption System was engineered to let water seep naturally and slowly, reducing runoff and flooding. Picture it as a sponge planted within the ground—only it’s built of engineered layers that allow groundwater to flow back into the system after storms.

If even a speck of sediment slides into that sponge, it can clog the pores, turning the MSS from a high‑capacity absorber to a sluggish sump. Therefore, any activity that might disturb the soil has to be choreographed with the same precision as a ballet – but, of course, with heavy equipment.

---

3. Let’s Get Practical – Planning Your Upslope Work

a) Map the Site, then Reverse‑Map It

Pull up a topographic map and trace the slope. Highlight the upslope side—this is your “safe zone”. You’ll often find that the upslope area has slightly better lighting and easier access for crew trucks, which is a bonus.

b) Set Up a Protective Barrier

Before anyone lifts a shovel, place a sheet of geotextile or a temporary retaining wall upslope. It stops soil from sliding in the first place. Think of it like lining your shoes before a big hike; you’re preventing a slip before it even occurs.

c) Dig, Dig, Then Backfill – Keep It In Order

Start digging at the highest point, move downward. Fill trenches as you go. This way, any potential erosion channels are filled before you encounter them.

d) Keep a Hand on the Water

Install a temporary drainage channel upslope, directing runoff back toward the MSS entry points. Use a simple gravel layer followed by rockwool to capture fine particles.

---

4. What Happens When You Work the Wrong Way? – A Cautionary Tale

Picture a crew that mistakenly starts digging from the downslope side. The first shovel cut destabilizes the soil. Suddenly, a handful of loose earth begins to slide toward the MSS. This tiny avalanche can:

1. Block Drain Pipes – The MSS channels get clogged.

2. Slightly Overturn the Mound – By shifting mass, the engineered profile is altered.

3. Reduce Soil Permeability – Small particles clog the porous layers, turning a “sponge” into a leaky sponge.

The outcome? More stormwater on the surface, higher risk of local flooding, and a maintenance nightmare that costs both time and money. It’s an avoidable chain reaction that starts with a single directional mistake.

---

5. Why Side Slope and Drainage Slope Are Not the Winners

The side slope might look tempting because it often offers a flat working surface. However, it has two major downsides:

• Water Accumulates at the Base – The slope can act like a catch‑all bucket, making erosion more likely.

• Disruption of the Upslope Protection – By working there, you interfere with the gradient that keeps water away from the MSS.

Similarly, the drainage slope—while essential once the MSS is in place—can become a breeding ground for sediment if disturbed during installation. It’s like trying to clean a vase with a sponge that already carries dust; you’ll spread it around, not remove it.

---

6. Quick Checklist For Your Upslope Tasks

• Confirm Upslope Direction – Use a simple compass or GPS.

• Inspect Soil Stability – Look for loose patches before beginning.

• Set Up Protective Screens – Keep the topsoil intact.

• Plan Work Order – Dig first, backfill as you go.

• Manage Runoff – Direct any water toward the MSS entrance zone.

• Keep Records – Note any changes in slope or soil type.

---

7. Dig Deeper: Why Your Team Should Talk About It

Talking through the plan with the crew before kicking off is essential. A quick hallway chat can spark ideas—maybe a teammate remembered a similar situation on a previous site. These conversations often surface practical tweaks—like adding a temporary berm to a steep upslope—to keep projects running smooth.

It’s not all hard work; it’s about making that small, deliberate choice to act as if you’re guiding water like a careful gardener, not a reckless bulldozer.

---

8. Bottom Line – Upslope is the Unsung Hero

If you’re managing construction or restoration in Wisconsin, you’ve got a secret weapon: the upslope of the site. By respecting nature’s gravity and directing your work from top to bottom, you protect the Mound Soil Absorption System, avoid costly erosion, and keep your crew safe. It’s a rule so simple it often slips under the radar, but it delivers results that speak louder than any checklist.

So, next time you look at a hill on your site, pause. Ask yourself this one question: “Which side can I start from to keep the water and the soil in peace?” The answer will almost always be, “From the upslope.”

Remember, in the world of soil and water, the direction you choose to work can make the difference between a resilient landscape and a nightmare of runoff and sediment. Choosing the upslope isn’t just best practice; it’s an act of stewardship for the ground that cradles everything around it. Take it seriously, execute it well, and watch your projects flow—both literally and figuratively—smoothly through Wisconsin’s unique climate.

---