What pollutants are commonly associated with construction activities?

Construction activities generate a variety of pollutants, but sediment and fertilizers are particularly significant because they are commonly encountered on construction sites. Sediment, which includes soil particles, is often disturbed during excavation and grading activities, leading to increased erosion and transport of these particles into nearby water bodies. Elevated sediment levels can harm aquatic ecosystems, smother fish habitat, and reduce water clarity.

Fertilizers may also be introduced to construction sites for landscaping purposes or to improve soil conditions, and their runoff can contribute to water quality issues such as nutrient pollution, which can lead to algal blooms that deplete oxygen in water bodies and harm aquatic life.

While heavy metals and oils can be associated with construction activities as well, they are less ubiquitous compared to sediment and fertilizers. Organic materials can include various types of debris and are also a concern, but they do not typically pose the same immediate risk to water quality as sediment and fertilizers do.