What is classified as a Land-Disturbing Activity (LDA)?

Land-disturbing activities (LDA) are defined as activities that result in the disturbance of the earth's surface, which can lead to erosion and sedimentation if not managed properly. The act of clearing and grading land surface explicitly involves altering the topography of a site, often for construction or development purposes. This process exposes soil, making it susceptible to erosion by wind and water, which is why it is closely regulated within erosion and sediment control guidelines.

In contrast, other activities such as planting a home garden, repairing existing sidewalks, and watering lawns typically do not involve significant disturbances to the land's surface that would contribute to erosion and sediment runoff. These activities either maintain existing landscapes or involve minimal disturbances that are unlikely to cause significant environmental impacts. Therefore, clearing and grading land surface stands out as the definitive example of a land-disturbing activity that requires oversight and control measures to prevent negative environmental consequences.