Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Practice Test

What is the most frequent cause of accelerated erosion on construction sites?

1. Heavy rainfall

2. Wind erosion

3. Human activity

4. Wildlife disturbance

The correct answer is: Human activity

The most frequent cause of accelerated erosion on construction sites is human activity. Construction activities often involve land disturbance, which exposes soil to the elements and removes vegetation that normally protects soil from erosion. This disruption increases the susceptibility of soil to both water and wind erosion. When humans modify the landscape—such as clearing land, grading, or excavating—they significantly alter the natural erosion processes. The lack of vegetation, combined with other construction activities, leads to a higher rate of runoff, which can carry soil particles away more readily during rain events. As a result, construction sites can experience much higher erosion rates than undisturbed land due to these human-induced changes. While heavy rainfall can contribute to erosion, it typically exacerbates the conditions created by human activity rather than being the primary cause. Wind erosion mostly affects more arid environments or areas with loose, dry soil, while wildlife disturbance is generally not a significant factor in erosion rates compared to the impacts of construction.