What does the USLE fail to calculate on construction sites?

The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) is a widely used model for estimating soil erosion caused by rainfall and surface runoff. While it is designed to estimate annual soil loss from a specific area, it has certain limitations, especially when applied to construction sites.

The model primarily provides an estimate of average annual erosion rates based on various factors such as rainfall, soil type, slope length, and land cover. However, it is not designed to calculate or account for specific conditions that are highly variable on construction sites, particularly during different storm events or changes in site management practices.

Annual erosion rates, while useful for general agricultural or managed lands, may not capture the immediate or extreme conditions present at construction sites where erosion can vary dramatically due to factors like disturbance level, temporary stabilization measures, and rainfall intensity. Construction sites often experience significant changes in topography, soil exposure, and vegetation cover, which can lead to erosion rates that are significantly higher or lower than those predicted by the USLE. Consequently, while the USLE provides valuable insights, it doesn't effectively calculate the unique and potentially rapid changes in erosion that can occur during construction activities.