Sediment Basin - Sediment Trap

A sediment trap is a temporary device installed on a construction site to capture eroded or disturbed soil that is washed off during rain storms, and protect the water quality of a nearby stream, river, lake, or bay. The trap is basically an embankment built along a waterway or low-lying area on the site. They are typically installed at the perimeter of a site and above storm drain inlets, to keep sediment from entering the drainage system. Sediment traps are commonly used on small construction sites, where a sediment basin is not practical. Sediment basins are typically used on construction sites of 5 acres (20,000 m2) or more, where there is sufficient room.

Sediment traps are installed before land disturbance (earth moving, grading) begins on a construction site. The traps are often used in conjunction with erosion controls and other sediment control practices.