Master the CESSWI 2025 – Dive into Erosion, Sediment & Stormwater Success!

A sediment basin is specifically designed to capture and manage sediment-laden runoff from construction sites or disturbed areas. Its primary function is to provide a controlled environment where sediment can settle out of the water column, thus allowing cleaner water to be discharged downstream.

A sediment basin typically treats larger volumes of runoff – often more than 5 cubic feet, as stated in the correct choice. By providing enough capacity, these basins ensure that they can accommodate significant amounts of sediment and water while allowing for effective sedimentation to occur. This helps in reducing the amount of sediment that reaches natural water bodies, which is crucial for protecting water quality and aquatic habitats.

The other options present ideas that do not align with the primary purpose of sediment basins. For instance, treating less than 5 cubic feet would not be practical for large-scale sediment control. Holding sediment indefinitely is not feasible or effective since sediment accumulation can reduce the basin's capacity over time and require maintenance. Lastly, it is virtually impossible for any system, including sediment basins, to eliminate all suspended particles, as some will always remain in water due to their size and behavior. Thus, focusing on the capability to treat larger volumes, like more than 5 cubic feet, underscores the effective design and operational goals