Which practice helps control dust and sediment during trench work?

Which practice helps control dust and sediment during trench work?

• A. Erosion and sediment control practices like silt fences, straw or hay bales, and stabilized stockpiles
• B. Painting trench walls
• C. Utilizing only water spray
• D. Leaving soil exposed

Answer: (A)

Keeping dust under control and preventing sediment from leaving the trench site hinges on erosion and sediment control measures that keep soil in place and minimize runoff. Silt fences act as barriers in the drainage path to capture sediment as water exits the site. Straw or hay bales provide a simple, movable barrier to slow surface water flow and trap sediment. Stabilized stockpiles keep exposed soil from washing or blowing away by covering, compacting, or using temporary stabilization like mulch or fabric. Used together, these practices reduce airborne dust and sediment-laden runoff, helping protect nearby waterways and air quality and meeting typical construction-site regulations. Painting trench walls does not address erosion or sediment control. Relying only on water spray may suppress dust briefly but doesn’t control sediment movement and can create runoff. Leaving soil exposed increases erosion and dust and undermines control efforts.

Keeping dust under control and preventing sediment from leaving the trench site hinges on erosion and sediment control measures that keep soil in place and minimize runoff. Silt fences act as barriers in the drainage path to capture sediment as water exits the site. Straw or hay bales provide a simple, movable barrier to slow surface water flow and trap sediment. Stabilized stockpiles keep exposed soil from washing or blowing away by covering, compacting, or using temporary stabilization like mulch or fabric. Used together, these practices reduce airborne dust and sediment-laden runoff, helping protect nearby waterways and air quality and meeting typical construction-site regulations.

Painting trench walls does not address erosion or sediment control. Relying only on water spray may suppress dust briefly but doesn’t control sediment movement and can create runoff. Leaving soil exposed increases erosion and dust and undermines control efforts.