Which type of inlet protection would be most appropriate for a site with high sediment loads?

C. Combination inlet protection is the most appropriate choice for a site with high sediment loads because it effectively addresses both sediment and water flow issues. This type of inlet protection combines elements of different protection methods, enhancing its ability to filter out larger sediment particles while allowing water to flow freely into the inlet. By integrating multiple techniques, combination inlet protection can significantly reduce sediment transport into stormwater systems, mitigating the negative impacts on water quality and system functionality.

In environments with high sediment loads, the capability to handle increased sediment while minimizing blockages is critical. Standard inlet protection may not provide enough filtration under these circumstances, and at-grade inlet protection might be less effective in capturing sediments that are more likely to bypass the protection barrier. Additionally, utilizing a single method may not yield the same level of effectiveness as a combination approach, which is specifically designed to tackle complex challenges posed by high sediment loads.