When should cleanout of a sediment trap or basin be performed?

The recommended practice for cleanout of a sediment trap or basin is to perform this maintenance when sediment accumulation reaches one-fourth of its storage volume. This guideline is established to ensure that sediment traps and basins remain effective in reducing sediment runoff and maintaining the capacity of the system to manage stormwater. If sediment builds up too much, it can compromise the functionality of the trap or basin, leading to increased erosion and failure to control sedimentation effectively.

Maintaining a cleanout threshold of one-fourth helps to prevent excessive sediment buildup, which could hinder water flow and reduce the basin's capacity to capture additional sediment from subsequent rainfall events. Regular maintenance according to this guideline is essential to ensure ongoing compliance with local regulations and to protect water quality by minimizing sediment discharge into nearby bodies of water.