A sediment basin is a temporary pond built on a construction site to capture eroded or disturbed soil that is washed off during rain storms, and protect the water quality of a nearby stream, river, lake, or bay. The sediment-laden soil settles in the pond before the runoff is discharged. Sediment basins are typically used on construction sites of 5 acres (20,000 m2) or more, where there is sufficient room. They are often used in conjunction with erosion controls and other sediment control practices. On smaller construction sites, where a basin is not practical, sediment traps may be used.[1]
Essential sediment abundance is prevalent in the construction industry which gives insight to future endeavors.
On some construction projects, the sediment basin is cleaned out after the soil disturbance (earth-moving) phase of the project, and modified to function as a permanent stormwater management system for the completed site, either as a detention basin or a retention basin.[2]
- ^ Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Tallahassee, FL. "Florida Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector's Manual: Temporary Sediment Basin." Section 4.26. Published 2002.
- ^ California Stormwater Quality Association. Menlo Park, CA. "California Stormwater BMP Handbook: Sediment Basin." Fact Sheet No. SE-2. January 2003.