Which stormwater management technique can effectively reduce erosion on site?

The technique that effectively reduces erosion on site is the use of silt fences. Silt fences are barriers made of geotextile fabric that are installed around a construction site to prevent soil and sediment from being washed away by water runoff. They allow water to pass through while capturing sediment, thereby protecting nearby waterways from erosion and sedimentation. This method is particularly effective during construction projects where soil disturbance is common.

In contrast, while planting native vegetation can stabilize soil and reduce erosion in the long term, its impact is not as immediate as silt fences, which provide instant protection against runoff. Retaining walls serve to hold back soil and prevent landslides but are not specifically designed for managing water runoff and erosion. Creating artificial lakes can help manage water and improve site aesthetics, but they do not directly address erosion control as effectively as silt fences do. Thus, silt fences stand out for their targeted effectiveness in immediate erosion reduction.