Sediment barriers at construction sites are designed to prevent sediment from leaving the site. Which material best describes what is being blocked?

Sediment barriers at construction sites are designed to prevent sediment from leaving the site. Which material best describes what is being blocked?

• A. Water
• B. Soil
• C. Air
• D. Wildlife

Answer: (B)

Sediment barriers prevent loose earth from being washed off a construction site. Sediment is basically soil particles that have been detached and mobilized by erosion. Devices like silt fences catch these soil particles as runoff flows, reducing how much soil can leave the site. Water can still move, but the main job of the barrier is to keep soil from exiting. That’s why the material being blocked is soil, not water, air, or wildlife.

Sediment barriers prevent loose earth from being washed off a construction site. Sediment is basically soil particles that have been detached and mobilized by erosion. Devices like silt fences catch these soil particles as runoff flows, reducing how much soil can leave the site. Water can still move, but the main job of the barrier is to keep soil from exiting. That’s why the material being blocked is soil, not water, air, or wildlife.