What is the purpose of temporary stone outlet structures?

Temporary stone outlet structures serve multiple important functions in managing sediment during construction activities. Their primary purpose is to provide a means for controlling water flows leaving a construction site while also mitigating sediment transport.

These structures trap sediment as water flows through them. When stormwater or runoff enters a temporary stone outlet, the stone creates turbulence in the water, causing heavier sediment particles to settle at the bottom. This sediment trapping helps to prevent these particles from being carried off site and entering nearby water bodies, thereby protecting water quality.

In addition to trapping sediment, temporary stone outlet structures can also filter sediment. As water passes through the stone, finer sediment particles can be filtered out, providing an additional layer of sediment control. This filtration process is critical in areas where sediment controls are necessary to comply with environmental regulations.

Thus, the combined ability to both trap and filter sediment effectively makes temporary stone outlet structures vital in erosion and sediment control practices during construction operations. Their design takes advantage of both physical processes to ensure that sediment is managed appropriately, helping to reduce the overall impact of construction activity on the surrounding environment.