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Water Pollution
When land is cleared, graded and excavated in preparation for construction, the underlying soil is exposed, leaving it susceptible to erosion and loss of fertility. As rainwater flows over a construction site during this phase, it washes sediment, litter and chemicals into the storm drain, where it is discharged, usually untreated, into local rivers, lakes or the ocean. Compared to undisturbed forest land, a poorly managed construction site can contribute up to 100 times the soil loss per acre per year to local waterways. Runoff containing sediment and other pollutants harms wildlife, destroys aquatic habitat and contributes to flooding.
Air Pollution
Construction and demolition play a substantial role in the generation of air pollution. Typical emissions from building activities include particulate matter and nitrous oxides from fuel combustion, dust from soil disturbance, and reactive organic gasses and volatile organic compounds from paving and architectural coatings. Although the level of emissions from construction sites is dependent on factors such as the area of land being worked and the level of activity, a national estimate of dust emissions from construction sites has been calculated at 220,151 short tons.
Land Pollution
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that approximately 170 million tons of construction and demolition waste is generated each year in the United States. This is equal to 3.2 pounds of construction and demolition materials generated per person per day. Waste materials from construction, renovation and demolition include concrete, wood, asphalt, gypsum, bricks and salvaged building components, as well as some hazardous materials. These wastes can contribute to litter problems, landfill capacity issues and soil contamination at the site.
Noise Pollution
When excessive noise from construction activities interferes with normal activities and diminishes quality of life for local residents or workers, it is considered noise pollution. The amount of noise generated at a site is a function of the type of equipment, the equipment location, and the timing and duration of the noise-generating activities. Trucks, scrapers, tractors and backhoes contribute the most noise at a construction site with sound levels ranging up to 103 decibels. These figures are well above 85 decibels, the level at which ear protection for workers is recommended.