Which BMP class focuses on preventing erosion by stabilizing exposed soils and surfaces during construction?

Which BMP class focuses on preventing erosion by stabilizing exposed soils and surfaces during construction?

• A. Perimeter controls and inlet protection
• B. Stabilization
• C. Sediment basins and traps
• D. Outlet protection/energy dissipation

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is preventing soil loss by keeping exposed surfaces in place during construction. The stabilization BMP class is designed to do exactly that—establish a protective cover or other stabilization measure so the soil isn’t easily washed or blown away. Examples include temporary seeding or hydroseeding, mulching, erosion-control blankets or geotextiles, matting, and surface sealing when appropriate. By stabilizing the soil, these practices reduce erosion at the source rather than just handling sediment after it’s already moved. The other options are about capturing or dissipating sediment or energy after erosion has occurred or at the discharge point, not about preventing erosion on the site itself: perimeter controls and inlet protection focus on keeping sediment from entering storm drains; sediment basins and traps collect sediment after it’s been detached; outlet protection/energy dissipation reduces erosive power of water leaving the site.

The main idea here is preventing soil loss by keeping exposed surfaces in place during construction. The stabilization BMP class is designed to do exactly that—establish a protective cover or other stabilization measure so the soil isn’t easily washed or blown away. Examples include temporary seeding or hydroseeding, mulching, erosion-control blankets or geotextiles, matting, and surface sealing when appropriate. By stabilizing the soil, these practices reduce erosion at the source rather than just handling sediment after it’s already moved.

The other options are about capturing or dissipating sediment or energy after erosion has occurred or at the discharge point, not about preventing erosion on the site itself: perimeter controls and inlet protection focus on keeping sediment from entering storm drains; sediment basins and traps collect sediment after it’s been detached; outlet protection/energy dissipation reduces erosive power of water leaving the site.