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During large scale development a lot of clearing and grading of the soil occurs. Depending on the slope of the land, the soil may erode very quickly with wind and rain. When eroded soil is carried into streams and lakes it caused sedimentation and excess turbidity that can harm aquatic life.

High levels of sediment in the water column can decrease the amount of sunlight that penetrates the water, therefore decreasing photosynthesis by aquatic plants and decreasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. Development projects can last for several months or years and can cover large areas. The amount of silt entering a stream could be severally detrimental to the ecosystem.

Developers are required to put up silt fencing to reduce the amount of silt that runs off the construction site and into streams. Silt fencing does not always work, but it is more effective than no fencing at all. Aside from leaving the land as it was, planting vegetation is the best way to reduce soil erosion.

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