Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Practice Test

Which factor of erosion can a contractor control most effectively?

1. Vegetation cover

2. Ground cover

3. Soil type

4. Weather conditions

The correct answer is: Ground cover

Ground cover is a factor of erosion that a contractor can control most effectively because it directly relates to how the soil is protected from the forces of erosion, such as wind and water. Ground cover refers to the material that is present on the soil surface, which can include vegetation, mulch, gravel, or any other materials that help to bind the soil and reduce its exposure to erosive forces. By installing appropriate ground cover, a contractor can significantly diminish soil erosion on construction sites. While vegetation cover is also a form of ground cover and plays a significant role in erosion control, it usually takes longer to establish and may not always be feasible in the short term during construction activities. Soil type and weather conditions, on the other hand, are largely beyond the contractor's control. Soil type cannot be changed or manipulated at will, and weather conditions, including rain or wind, are natural occurrences that cannot be influenced directly by the contractor. Therefore, focusing on ground cover presents the most immediate and effective way to manage erosion during construction activities.