What are sediment basins primarily designed for?

Sediment basins play a crucial role in managing stormwater runoff by being specifically designed to filter out sediments from the water. When rain falls and water runs off surfaces, it often carries with it particles such as soil, debris, and other pollutants. Sediment basins function by allowing water to slow down in a designated area, which encourages the sediments to settle at the bottom of the basin rather than flowing into nearby water bodies.

The design of these basins typically includes features that help manage flow and enhance settling, thus improving water quality by reducing the amount of sediment entering waterways. This sedimentation process is vital for protecting aquatic ecosystems and maintaining water clarity and quality.

While stormwater management may touch on concepts like storing rainwater, providing aesthetic value, or even mixing chemicals for certain purposes, the primary function of sediment basins is to filter out sediments from water runoff, making the removal of pollutants from the water their key purpose.