What is one consequence of inadequate maintenance of a sediment basin?

Inadequate maintenance of a sediment basin can lead to increased sludge volume, which directly affects the basin’s effectiveness in removing suspended solids from water. Sediment basins are designed to allow particulate matter to settle out of the water, and if they are not maintained properly, sediment can accumulate beyond the basin's designed capacity. This increased sludge volume can cause several issues, such as reduced holding capacity and decreased efficiency in trapping additional sediment, which ultimately can lead to water quality problems in the downstream systems. Thus, maintaining the sediment basin is crucial to ensure its operational capacity and effectiveness in sediment control.