scope:

The purpose of this Engineering Practice is to provide planning, design, construction and maintenance information and criteria for agricultural drainage outlets by means of open channels. Drainage, so provided, will enhance agricultural production and protect environmental resources. This Engineering Practice is compatible with ASAE EP302, Design and Construction of Surface Drainage Systems on Agricultural Lands in Humid Areas, ASAE EP480 Design of Subsurface Drains in Humid Areas, and ASAE EP481, Construction of Subsurface Drains in Humid Areas.

This Engineering Practice covers all engineering phases of open-channel planning, design, construction, and maintenance for projects within the following limits:

Watersheds larger than 2.6 km² (1 mile²) and smaller than 260 km² (100 mile²) with average slopes generally less than 4.7 m/km (25 ft/mile).

Channels excavated in earthen material, to convey design flows within banks and to be stable and maintainable.

Channel work that will not have a serious impact on significant environmental resources and adverse effects will be minimized.

Project development that will be physically and economically sound, environmentally and socially acceptable and compatible with long-term use of natural resources.