Which method can reduce sediment entering waterways?

Utilizing detention basins to manage water flow is an effective method for reducing sediment entering waterways. Detention basins serve to temporarily hold stormwater runoff, allowing sediment and other pollutants to settle out before the water is released downstream. This facilitated sedimentation process decreases the amount of sediment that could otherwise be washed into nearby waterways during heavy rain events, which can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Additionally, detention basins can help regulate the timing and quantity of runoff, mitigating the effects of peak flow rates that can lead to soil erosion. By managing the flow of water, these basins not only help keep sediment from moving into water bodies but also enhance overall water quality in the area.

Other options do not provide the same level of effectiveness in controlling sediment. For example, unrestricted runoff typically leads to increased erosion and sediment transport, while increasing building heights does not directly address runoff or sediment management. Minimal soil disturbance practices can help reduce erosion, but without specific implementations like detention basins, they might not be as effective in removing sediment from runoff before it reaches waterways.