What is the primary cause of erosion in stormwater management?

The primary cause of erosion in stormwater management is the combination of water flow and soil disturbance. When rainwater flows over the ground, especially in areas where the soil is disturbed or lacks vegetation, it can dislodge soil particles, leading to erosion. This process is exacerbated when the ground has been disturbed by construction or land development activities, which leave the soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion.

Water flow can carry these dislodged particles away, contributing to sedimentation in nearby water bodies, which is a significant concern in stormwater management. Managing this erosion involves implementing practices that reduce both the velocity of water and the disturbance of soil, such as using silt fences, sediment basins, and vegetation cover to stabilize the soil.

While wind action on bare soil, human activity on vegetated areas, and overirrigation of agricultural land can also contribute to erosion, they are not the primary factors in the context of stormwater management. Water flow interacting with disturbed soil is the most critical factor leading to erosion in these scenarios.