Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

A sediment basin is designed specifically to manage stormwater runoff by collecting sediments that may wash away during rain events. Its primary function is to slow down the water flow, allowing particles suspended in the water, such as soil and other contaminants, to settle out of the water column. This process helps to reduce the amount of sediment that can be discharged into nearby water bodies, which is crucial for maintaining water quality and preventing erosion.

By providing a space for sediment to settle, the basin effectively minimizes the negative impacts of sediment-laden runoff on downstream aquatic ecosystems. This function is critical in areas prone to erosion or where construction activities disturb the soil. The design of sediment basins focuses on maximizing sedimentation while ideally capturing other pollutants as well, but its main goal revolves around sediment control specifically.

In contrast, enhancing vegetation growth, storing rainwater, or filtering pollutants are functions associated with other types of systems or practices and do not capture the primary role of a sediment basin.