The EPA requires that operators of construction sites that are one acre or larger establish plans to reduce sedimentation, pollution, and ________.

The EPA requires that operators of construction sites that are one acre or larger establish plans to reduce sedimentation, pollution, and ________.

• A. Sedimentation
• B. Erosion
• C. Contamination
• D. Runoff

Answer: (B)

Controlling erosion on construction sites is essential because soil loss starts the chain that leads to waterway sedimentation and polluted runoff. The plan is meant to prevent soil from being washed or blown away, which in turn reduces the amount of sediment that can settle in streams and lakes and carries pollutants off the site. By focusing on erosion, you address the root cause of sedimentation and downstream water quality issues. Sedimentation is the result you’re trying to lessen, not the action you take to meet the requirement. Runoff is the transport process that can carry sediment and pollutants, and contamination refers to the pollutants themselves; the action that directly reduces all of these is controlling erosion.

Controlling erosion on construction sites is essential because soil loss starts the chain that leads to waterway sedimentation and polluted runoff. The plan is meant to prevent soil from being washed or blown away, which in turn reduces the amount of sediment that can settle in streams and lakes and carries pollutants off the site. By focusing on erosion, you address the root cause of sedimentation and downstream water quality issues.

Sedimentation is the result you’re trying to lessen, not the action you take to meet the requirement. Runoff is the transport process that can carry sediment and pollutants, and contamination refers to the pollutants themselves; the action that directly reduces all of these is controlling erosion.