True or False: Baffles in a sediment basin are used to shorten the flow length.

Baffles in a sediment basin are indeed utilized to shorten the flow length. By incorporating baffles into the design of sediment basins, the flow of water is redirected, which increases the residence time of the water within the basin. This design feature allows for enhanced sedimentation as it encourages particles to settle out of the water column more effectively.

Shortening the flow length is crucial because it minimises the velocity of the water as it moves through the basin, allowing suspended solids to settle quickly before the water is discharged. This process helps trap sediments and reduce the amount of sediment that can be transported away from the site.

While there may be variations in design and effectiveness depending on specific site conditions, the primary function of baffles is fundamentally rooted in optimizing sediment removal through controlled flow dynamics.