The Impact of A Dirt Hill

Garrett Park Estates, MD - Wilson Faucette - 5.1.2021 - 7:27

Photo: Wilson Faucette

A Dirt Hill has A Large Impact on The Environment

A hill, such as the one at the construction site above releases dirt into the environment, and is prone to erosion. According to the World Meteorological Organization(WMO), airborne dust could pose significant health and environmental consequences. If the dust particles are small enough to be inhaled(less than 10 μm), they could be trapped in the nose and mouth and they could lead to respiratory disorders such as asthma. Dust particles that are too large to be inhaled could damage external organs such as your eyes.  The WMO also talks about how the dust can cover roads if it is in large enough quantities. Although the WMO is mostly talking about large Saharan Dust Storms, you still want to try to avoid inhaling dirt whenever possible.

Dirt hills are especially prone to erosion because there are no plants or even grass roots to hold the soil in. When it rains, or the wind blows(There was a wind storm recently), the soil will erode and will eventually make its way to our waterways such as Rock Creek, the Potomac River, and even the Chesapeake Bay. Soil or sediment in the water is a problem. It can damage smaller organisms at the bottom of streams and bodies of water. That disrupts the food chain according to the EPA. 

So, although small dirt hills won't cause as much damage as a Saharan dust storm, it could still be a potential health and environmental hazard to humans and our rivers, creeks, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay.

How to Stop The Erosion

It takes only something as simple as planting a tree (which has lots of roots to hold in the soil), planting grass, or planting other ground cover to stop erosion. Anything that can hold the soil in and stop erosion will prevent airborne dust and sediment pollution.