What is a common mistake in sediment control planning?

Underestimating the potential for extreme weather events is a common mistake in sediment control planning because it directly affects the effectiveness of erosion and sediment control measures. Extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt, can lead to significant increases in runoff and sediment transport, overwhelming even well-designed sediment control practices. Planners must account for worst-case scenarios to ensure that their controls can handle such extreme conditions. This consideration allows for the design of more robust systems that can prevent soil erosion and sedimentation into nearby water bodies, thus protecting water quality and preventing costly damage to infrastructure. Failure to adequately factor in the possibility of severe weather can lead to insufficient protection and increased risk of erosion-related problems on construction sites or other sediment-generating activities.