Virginia DEQ Storm Water Management (SWM) Inspector Practice Exam 2025 - Free Storm Water Management Practice Questions and Study Guide

Ineffective stormwater management during construction primarily leads to erosion and sediment loss. When construction sites do not effectively manage stormwater, rainfall can result in the displacement of soil and sediment, which can be washed away into nearby waterways. This erosion not only harms the construction site itself by destabilizing the land but can also have far-reaching environmental impacts. Sediment can clog waterways, disrupt aquatic habitats, and lead to increased pollution levels in water bodies due to the introduction of soil and potential contaminants.

The significance of controlling erosion and sediment is particularly crucial because they can degrade water quality and affect the health of ecosystems. Effective stormwater management practices, such as installing sediment control measures, reducing runoff through grading techniques, and maintaining vegetative cover, are essential in preventing these adverse effects and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements related to water quality.

Thus, the main consequence of ineffective stormwater management during construction is indeed the increase in erosion and subsequent sediment loss.