Pollution from construction related activities as both on and off site consequences, ranging from the loss of topsoil to numerous water quality issues, can have both environmental and human health impacts. Landscape vitality can be limited by compaction and or loss of topsoil which reduces the soil's ability to maintain its microbic biodiversity, to store water and to maintain nutrient levels.
On site, this can lead to the increased use of fertilizers, irrigation and pesticides which in turn risks polluting the local hydrology through stormwater runoff.
Off site, pollutants in stormwater runoff add to the pollution of streams and lakes which can hasten eutrophication by causing unwanted aquatic plant growth and can limit sun penetration and the process of photosynthesis causing lower oxygen levels and a resultant loss of aquatic biodiversity. In addition, increased sedimentation can cause a loss in flow capacity of streams, thereby contributing to aquatic habitat loss and increased flooding. Furthermore, airborne dust can travel for miles to contaminate lakes and streams, increasing their acidity and changing nutrient balances.
Strategies for controlling erosion and sedimentation due to construction activities:
Lois Hole Library had an Erosion and Sediment control plan in place to limit erosion from the site and to protect the local hydrology. Installing silt fences and sediment basins to keep surface water sediment from running off the site, using inlet protection around sewer inlets to prevent sediment from entering and stockpiling and protecting topsoil were all measures that were used to control construction related erosion.