Empirical modeling on sediment loss assessment for disturbed land using MUSLE and gauging weirs

Abstract

Erosion is a common problem occurring on construction sites. It is a leading cause of water quality dilemmas in our water bodies. Our soils will become vulnerable to erosion as when construction activity removes or disturbs vegetative cover, high rainfall intensity and the failure of the sediment basins to function effectively on site. Vegetative covers shield soil surface from the impact of rain, reduce the velocity of runoff, maintain the soil's capacity to absorb water, and hold soil particles in place. A healthy ecosystem in properly functioning watersheds depends on maintaining soil onsite. Soil loss is very difficult to measure and may go unnoticed until it becomes a severe problem to surroundings area. Hence, the present study aims is to estimates soil loss occurring on a construction site [disturbed land] located at Sungai Ara, Penang State of Malaysia. Using the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation [MUSLE] for soil loss assessment on site, the Sharp Crested Rectangular Weirs were also built for runoff measurement. Results showed that large amount of sediment has being eroded from the study area during construction activities. The highest erosion rates anticipated for individual storm event is 64 ton/ha.