What action should be taken if soil stockpiles remain inactive for a specified duration?

• A. Cover them with plastic
• B. Apply temporary stabilization
• C. Ignore them
• D. Move them to a different location

Answer: (B)

Applying temporary stabilization to inactive soil stockpiles is essential for preventing sediment runoff and erosion, which can lead to water pollution. When soil stockpiles are left untouched for an extended period, they are susceptible to erosion from wind and rain, which can cause sediments to wash into nearby waterways and contribute to stormwater pollution.

Temporary stabilization methods may include seeding the stockpiles with grass or covering them with mulch or erosion control blankets. These measures help protect the soil from the elements while maintaining the stockpiles in a condition that minimizes environmental impact. This proactive approach ensures the soil remains in place and reduces the risk of sediment-laden runoff entering storm drains or local water bodies.

Other options, such as covering the piles with plastic or moving them to another location, might not effectively address the erosion risk posed by inactive soil piles. Simply ignoring the stockpiles would lead to significant environmental concerns, including potential legal consequences due to non-compliance with stormwater regulations. Thus, temporary stabilization is the best practice to manage inactive soil stockpiles responsibly.