What’s a common sign of erosion on a construction site?

A common sign of erosion on a construction site is exposed soil with noticeable gullies or rills. This condition indicates that the soil is being displaced by water runoff, which can occur due to a lack of protective cover such as vegetation or erosion control measures.

Gullies or rills form when water flows over the surface of the ground, channeling into depressions and gradually carving into the soil, which leads to visible erosion patterns. Detecting these features is critical for identifying areas where sediment control practices need to be implemented or enhanced to prevent further degradation and protect water quality.

Conversely, intact topsoil would suggest a healthy and stable site, while large piles of sediment might indicate that erosion has occurred in some areas but is not necessarily an immediate sign of ongoing erosion. Vegetation growth, although beneficial for erosion control, typically signifies a stable site where erosion risks are minimized rather than a direct sign of erosion.