What is the required depth for a storm inlet sediment trap?

The required depth for a storm inlet sediment trap is 1-2 feet. This depth is optimal for effectively trapping sediment that is washed into stormwater systems, allowing for the settling process to occur without the risk of an overly deep trap that could lead to more sediment resuspension during heavy rains or prolonged periods of stormwater flow. A shallower depth ensures that the sedimentation process is efficient and manageable, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and allowing for easier extraction of accumulated sediment.

By maintaining a depth of 1-2 feet, the design leverages both the gravitational settling of particles and minimizes the potential for the trap to become a source of sediment pollution itself, which can happen with deeper structures where sediment can be disturbed. Additionally, this depth is usually sufficient to handle the type of sediment and debris typically encountered in stormwater runoff without compromising the performance of the storm inlet system.