Sediment basins are meant to receive and detain sediment-laden runoff for a period to allow the sediment to settle out of the water column. The basin is constructed by the excavation of a pit and/or the construction of an embankment. Sediment basins also have an engineered outlet facility. The sediment basin should be constructed prior to soil disturbance. Once a sediment basin is constructed, maintenance of the basin is needed to ensure proper and continuing functionality of the basin. The maintenance includes regular inspection and repair of the outlet structure, inspection and repair of embankments, mowing of vegetation, and removal of sediment accumulation at a predetermined amount. A maintenance and inspection plan for all sediment basins should be included in your regular weekly and rain event inspections of stormwater best management practices.

Natural Resources Conservation Service; Conservation Practice Standard – Sediment Basin Code 350; January 2010. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs143_025942.pdf