What is an essential first-step measure in land-disturbing activities?

An essential first-step measure in land-disturbing activities is the construction of sediment basins and traps. These structures play a critical role in managing sediment and water runoff before any significant land disturbance occurs. By capturing sediment-laden runoff early, they help prevent the spread of pollutants into nearby water bodies, thereby protecting water quality and complying with environmental regulations. Sediment basins and traps provide a way to control and treat stormwater runoff, ensuring that sediment is settled out before water is released downstream.

The other options do not achieve the same level of soil and water protection as sediment basins and traps. For example, clearing all vegetation without controlling sediment can lead to increased erosion and loss of topsoil. Immediate grading of the entire site can exacerbate erosion if not managed properly, and relying solely on silt fences would not provide comprehensive sediment control and could lead to failure during heavy rainfall events. Thus, starting with sediment management measures establishes a solid foundation for responsible land-disturbing activities.