The Difference Between Stormwater Basins

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					Unit Nine

Sediment is the product of uncontrolled erosion and is the greatest pollutant by
volume affecting Michigan’s lakes and streams. Sediment fills in lakes and streams,
clogs ditches, increases flooding potential, adversely impacts plant and animal life,
and diminishes scenic and recreational values (Figure 9-1).

                                      Figure 9-1

A coordinated strategy must be developed for all earth change activities to prevent
erosion and control off-site sedimentation.        This strategy generally involves
developing an overall site plan that consists of various components; one of which is
a comprehensive soil erosion and sedimentation control plan. Additional information
regarding site plans and a compilation of erosion and sedimentation control
measures can be found in the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s
"Guidebook of Best Management Practices for Michigan Watersheds."

The first and primary goal of the soil erosion and sedimentation control plan is to use
a combination of controls and techniques to minimize on-site erosion. Common
erosion control measures and techniques include staging/phasing construction
activities, quickly covering bare soil with mulch, sod, or other erosion resistant
materials, diverting water away from the construction area, and installing check
dams to reduce runoff velocities.

Erosion control is not 100 percent effective, so sediment control must be used in
conjunction with the erosion control efforts. Sediment control can be vegetative
and/or structural. Structural controls commonly used include perimeter silt fences,
various storm drain inlet filters, aggregate access roads, sedimentation traps, and
sedimentation basins. This unit will focus on sedimentation basins.

Sedimentation basins can be very effective for certain soils and site characteristics.
Basins are generally ineffective when used for controlling clay-sized particles or
when improperly designed or maintained. The purpose of this unit is to provide a

general overview of basin construction, usage, and effectiveness to assist regulatory
agencies in reviewing and assessing the adequacy of soil erosion and sedimentation
control plans. This unit is not intended to be used for detailed engineering design
purposes. For specific design criteria, contact the Natural Resources Conservation
Service, local conservation districts, consulting engineers, and other professional
experts. Terms used in this unit are defined in Appendix 9A.

It is important to draw a distinction between storm water basins and sedimentation
basins. Storm water basins are permanent structures designed to replace the
natural water storage of a site and provide some water quality improvement after the
site is completed. Historically, the primary purpose of storm water basins was to
reduce on-site and downstream flooding by controlling the rate of storm water
discharge. Secondary benefits include water quality improvement such as sediment
removal, aesthetics, and recreational opportunities. Many of these secondary
benefits are now being incorporated into the design of storm water basins.
However, it is important to remember that most storm water basins are not designed
to remove sediment and they generally do not work well for that purpose.

Sedimentation basins are used during construction and are specifically designed to
control off-site migration of sediment. The primary purpose of basins is to trap
sediment and other coarse material. Secondary benefits can include controlling
runoff and preserving the capacity of downstream reservoirs, ditches, diversions,
waterways, and streams. Once construction is completed, sedimentation basins are
often filled to match the final site grade or converted to function as storm water

It is imperative that the type of basin to be constructed is identified in the
project-planning phase, i.e. sedimentation or storm water. There are distinct design
criteria to achieve these different functions. If the intention is for a storm water basin
to serve as a temporary sedimentation basin during construction, then the design
criteria to maximize sediment settling must be incorporated in the initial design.
Some storm water basins control higher design flows and allow smaller design flows
to pass through. To be used as sedimentation basins, they would need to control
the smaller flows as well. This unit describes sedimentation basin review criteria;
other manuals should be consulted for the review and design of storm water basins.


A sedimentation basin is a depression in the land surfaces, with a defined surface
area and storage volume, which receives sediment-laden runoff. By definition, they
are impoundment structures designed to remove the sediment from runoff before it
leaves the site and store the sediment.

Sedimentation basins can be designed as retention basins or detention basins.
Retention basins are constructed to collect and retain runoff (Figure 9-2). Water
leaves the basin through infiltration and evaporation, there are no outlet structures.
Detention basins are constructed to collect and temporarily detain runoff
(Figure 9-3). Water is discharged from the basin through an outlet structure
designed to release the runoff at a reduced rate.

               Figure 9-2                                    Figure 9-3

Sedimentation basins that are retention basins may be used in areas that have rapid
infiltration rates, such as sandy soils. They should never be used in areas that are
predominantly clay or silt with limited infiltration rates. Retention basins in sandy
areas will become less and less effective with prolonged use. The clay and silt sized
particles mixed with the sand will eventually seal the bottom of the basin and will
greatly impede or stop the infiltration which is required for retention basins to be

Sedimentation basins are generally designed to function as detention basins. The
basic components of a sedimentation basin include an inlet, a storage area, and an
outlet. An effective sedimentation basin detains runoff long enough for sediment to
settle out of the water (Figure 9-4). The amount of settling is dependent upon the
following characteristics:
       • rate of inflow
       • surface area of the basin
       • velocity of flow through the basin
       • particle size
       • volume and/or detention time

To ensure maximum performance, each of the following design components must be
carefully reviewed during the planning phase: the building site conditions and the
sedimentation basin location, size, configuration, and structures, as well other
design considerations. In addition to proper design, adequate maintenance is critical
in achieving peak performance.

        Very large soil particles
        will often settle in the                 Water velocity
        approach channel                         slows and soil
                                                 particles drop        Less turbid water
                       Turbid or “muddy” water

                        Larger soil particles          Fine soil particles are
                        settle out first               the last to settle out
                      Figure 9-4: Sedimentation basin operation.

Building Site Conditions
Soil type and expected runoff must be considered when assessing if a sedimentation
basin is appropriate and feasible. The soils at a site play a critical role in
determining runoff potential, erodibility, and settling rate. In general, the higher the
rate of infiltration and transmission through the soil, the smaller the volume of runoff.
For example, fine textured soils, such as clay, produce a higher runoff volume than
do coarse textured soils, such as sand.

The effectiveness of sedimentation basins is primarily dependent upon the particle
size(s) of the incoming sediment and the velocity that the sediment-laden water
passes through the basin. In theory, sediment deposition increases as the water
velocity decreases. Sedimentation basins are very effective in removing coarse-
grained particles, such as sand, from the runoff water, but ineffective in removing
very fine soil particles, such as clay.

Table 9-1 provides a general overview of the runoff potential, settling rate, and the
effectiveness of sedimentation basins for a number of soil types. Generally,
sedimentation basin effectiveness can be surmised based on soil type. It is
important to remember that, due to glacial action in Michigan, many of the building
sites include a variety of soil types. Each site should be carefully reviewed to identify
the appropriate soil type and particle size from which to base the sedimentation
basin design.

          Table 9-1: Soil Types and Sedimentation Basin Effectiveness.
                       Runoff          Settling         Basin
    Soil Type          Potential       Rate             Effectiveness
    Sand               Low             High             High
    Sandy Loam         Low             High             High
    Sandy Silt Loam Moderate           Moderate         Moderate
    Silt Loam          Moderate        Moderate         Moderate
    Silty Clay Loam Moderate           Low              Low
    Clay Loam          Great           Low              Low
    Clay               Great           Low              Low

Sedimentation Basin Location
The location of the basin will be determined by the topography of the site
(Figure 9-5), the size of the basin required, and land availability. Sedimentation
basins must be placed to receive runoff prior to discharge off-site. Space must be
identified on the development site to accommodate the necessary surface area of
the basin. Ideally, this space will not impinge upon buildable land and will be
obtained with the least amount of earthwork.

In the project-planning phase, the location and number of sedimentation basins to be
used on-site will be determined. Several small basins at strategic locations provide
greater flexibility in site design and greater environmental protection. The loss of
sediment will be much greater if there is a failure from a single large basin than from
one of a number of smaller basins. Several small basins may be effective for
removing sand, but are ineffective for removing silt and clay-sized particles.

The basin(s) should be located where, if a failure of the embankment occurs,
resource or property damage would be minimal. Sedimentation basins should not
be located in or immediately adjacent to lakes, streams, or wetlands.

                                       Figure 9-5

Sedimentation Basin Size

The soil type and runoff volume will dictate the size of the basin required. There are
a number of methods used for designing sedimentation basins which take one or
both of these factors into consideration. Each method has limitations, however, and
those limitations should be thoroughly reviewed prior to selecting a particular
method. Another point to remember is that, regardless of what method is selected,
clay and some silt-sized particles will not settle out in basins so the discharge will be
turbid. The following are four commonly used methods:

Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE): Some individuals inappropriately
use the RUSLE to determine the size of sedimentation basins. The RUSLE is an
erosion model designed to compute longtime average soil loss from sheet and rill
erosion; it does not predict soil loss from gully erosion. More importantly, it does not
predict deposition rates. The volume of sediment generated on a site is relatively
small when compared to the runoff volume from the site. Expected runoff must be

taken into account when sizing sedimentation basins. A basin sized to only
accommodate the estimated sediment generated from a site would be substantially
undersized. The RUSLE should only be used to determine the additional storage
volume in the basin after the runoff volume has been determined.

Water Surface Area Method: This method assumes that a particular sized particle
settles at a uniform velocity and that settling is independent of depth. The basin size
is a function of the surface area, not the volume of the basin. The rate of settling is
dependent on the rate of inflow, the surface area of the basin, the flow velocity
through the basin, and the settling velocity of the individual particles. The settling
velocity is determined by an equation known as Stoke’s Law. To use this method,
the designer must decide what design storm frequency should be used, such as a
1-, 2-, 5-, or 10-year storm, and what sized particle they want to capture, such as
clay, silt, or sand. Once those decisions are made, calculations can be made to
determine the basin surface area necessary to settle out the selected particle size.
Detailed information on this method can be found in the Oakland County Drain
Commissioner’s Erosion Control Manual. It is questionable as to how valid
Stoke’s Law is for this type of application. This method was developed for designing
clarifiers; the flow hydraulics in sedimentation basins varies considerably from those
in clarifiers.

Detention Method: This method is based on the theory that the rate of sediment
removal is dependent on the length of time that the runoff water and sediment is
detained in the basin. Sediment deposition increases as detention time increases.
Detention time in the basin is influenced by the storage volume in the basin and the
discharge capacity of the outlet structure. Typically, a riser pipe with orifices is used
to dewater sedimentation basins. The number and diameter of orifices in the riser
pipe controls the quantity of water discharged. Detailed information on this method
can be found in the Oakland County Drain Commissioner’s Erosion Control Manual.
This method is more applicable for controlling peak discharge rates than for
determining sediment deposition. Based on any given storm frequency and peak
discharge rate, calculations can be made to determine the appropriate riser pipe
design. However, it is not clear how the specified detention relates to sediment

Storage Per Contributing Area Method - This method relies on a simple relationship
between the storage volume and the size of the contributing drainage area of the
basin. Using this method, the minimum storage volume should be based on
3,600 cubic feet per acre of contributing drainage area. The 3,600 cubic feet per
acre is equivalent to one inch of runoff per acre. The sedimentation basin storage
volume should be divided equally into "dry" or dewatered detention storage and
"wet" or retention storage.

Sedimentation Basin Configuration
The shape of the basin plays an important role in determining the effectiveness for
removing sediment. Length to width ratios should be a minimum of 4:1 to maximize
the flow path length within the basin. Length is the distance between the inlet and
outlet structures. Instead of being a perfect rectangular shape, it is advisable to
have the basin wedge-shaped, with the inlet at the narrow end. When physical site
constraints prevent construction of basins with a length/width ratio of 4:1,
consideration should be given to using baffles to increase the flow path length within
the basin.

The surface area of the basin is more important than the depth in regards to
sediment removal. Increasing the basin depth will provide additional storage;
however, it will not significantly increase the rate of sediment removal. The basin
depth should be a minimum of two feet and no shallower than the average distance
from the inlet to the outlet (length) divided by 200.

To meet the above design criteria, all basins constructed to store less than 80,000
cubic feet (400 feet x 100 feet x 2 feet) of water must have a depth of 2 feet and all
basins constructed to store more than 80,000 cubic feet of water must have a depth
greater than 2 feet. The depth is dependent on the length of the basin. For
example, a basin that is 600 feet long must have a depth of 3 feet (600 feet divided
by 200 = 3 feet).

Basin dimensions can be determined using the following equations:

1.   Volume = Length x Width x Depth

2.   Basins with volumes less than 80,000 cubic feet
     Width =       Volume/8
     Length = 4 x Width
     Depth = 2 feet (a constant)

3.   Basins with volumes more that 80,000 cubic feet
     Width =       12.5 x Volume
     Length = 4 x Width
     Depth = Length/200

Calculations used to derive equations 2 and 3 are presented in Appendix 9B.

Sedimentation Basin Structures
In addition to the sedimentation basin size, the inlet structure, principal outlet
structure, and emergency spillway must be appropriately designed to ensure proper

Inlet Structure - To minimize short-circuiting, the inlet and outlet structures should be
at opposite ends of the sedimentation basin. Slopes of the inlet channel should be
minimized to reduce velocities and potential inlet erosion.

Principal Outlet Structure - Dewatering by a perforated riser pipe remains the least
expensive and most widely used outlet structure. Minor changes in pipe perforation
diameters or spacing can significantly alter basin discharge hydraulics and water
detention times. An increase in sediment retention can be achieved if the perforated
riser is encased in a gravel jacket (Figure 9-6). Figure 9-7 illustrates a number of
options for outlet structures; each providing varying sediment removal efficiencies.
The riser pipe should never be wrapped with filter fabric due to rapid clogging and
intense maintenance requirements.

In the design of the outlet structure, the following elements must be addressed to
ensure its effectiveness: design discharge, allowable head on the riser, diameter of
the riser pipe, diameter of the barrel, and the size based on dewatering design. In
addition, riprap, or other suitable material must be used to reduce erosion at the end
of the outlet.

Emergency Spillway - The emergency spillway is designed to protect the
embankment by providing a second outlet from the basin to accommodate runoff
volumes that exceed the design capacity of the principal outlet structure. It also
provides a safeguard in case the principal outlet structure becomes obstructed or
blocked. The emergency spillway must be able to safely convey the excess runoff to
a stabilized or protected area downstream of the embankment.

    Perforated riser pipe                                          Design flow level through
                                                                   emergency spillway
                            Trash rack

                        2’ minimum                                              Freeboard 1’ minimum
                                    3’                                                Stabilized embankment;
    Gravel jacket                                                                     seed & mulch, sod or pave

                                                   Anti-seep collars                        2.5:1 slope maximum

                    Selected fill placed in   Principal spillway              Stabilized outlet;
                    layers and compacted      outlet pipe                     riprap, pave, etc.

                    Figure 9-6: Perforated riser pipe with gravel jacket.

        Conventional Riser                                 Perforated Riser

     Perforated Riser with                    Perforated Riser Wrapped in Filter
        Gravel Jacket                         Fabric (not recommended; requires
                                              intense maintenance)

Note: Conventional risers and
perforated risers are the least
effective outlet structures for
trapping sediment.

                                                      Increased Storage
                                                        (Wet and Dry)

                    Figure 9-7: Principal outlet structures.
                  Adapted From: Watershed Protection Techniques – February 1997

Other Design Considerations
To assist in achieving proper performance of the sedimentation basin, the following
additional design considerations should be reviewed:

      •   Side slopes should be no greater than 3:1 (horizontal to vertical).
      •   Vegetation should be established on the side slopes prior to use (Figure 9-8).
      •   Water table depth should be determined to ensure full or partial
          dewatering based on design.
      •   Baffles may be added to increase the length of the water travel path.
      •   The outlet structure should be located in or near the embankment to allow
          for safe and easy access for cleaning.

                                     Figure 9-8

Sedimentation Basin Maintenance
Sedimentation basins need to be maintained regularly to achieve peak
performance. Site personnel should examine the sedimentation basin when
performing routine soil erosion and sedimentation control inspections. This
inspection should include reviewing the basin embankments for subsidence,
seepage, and erosion, as well as inspecting the integrity of the inlet, outlet, and
emergency spillway. Any damage should be repaired daily.

Sediment should be removed when it has accumulated to no more than 50 percent
of the basin design wet depth. If sediment is not removed regularly, the
sedimentation basin may become a source of sediment to the receiving stream.
Instead of trapping the sediment, the basin will temporarily detain it. The removed
sediment should be disposed of at locations identified on the plan and contained
and/or stabilized per the plan specifications.

A developer is proposing to develop a 40-acre shopping center on a parcel of land with
a total drainage area of 120 acres (Figure 9-9). Using the Storage Per Contributing
Area Method (3600 ft3/acre), calculate the size and dimensions of the sedimentation
basins required for the following scenarios:

Problem A:    Runoff from the entire 120 acres drains through the sedimentation basin.

Problem B:    Runoff from only the 40 acres being developed drains through the
              sedimentation basin. Runoff from the remaining undisturbed 80 acres is
              diverted around the construction site.

Problem C:    Runoff from the undisturbed 80 acres is diverted around the construction
              site. Two sedimentation basins are constructed within the construction
              area; one basin collects runoff from 12 acres and the other basin collects
              runoff from 28 acres. (Calculate size and dimensions collecting water
              from the 12 acres.)

Problem A (120 acres drain into the basin)

Step 1: Determine the total storage volume of the basin.
        Volume = 120 acres x 3600 ft3 per acre = 432,000 ft3

Step 2: Determine the width of the basin. (Basin is greater than 80,000 ft3)
         Width =   3
                       12.5 x Volume =   3
                                             12.5 x 432,000 ft 3 =   3
                                                                         5,400,000 ft 3 = 175.4 ft

Step 3: Determine the length of the basin.
        Length = 4 x Width = 4 x 175.4 ft = 701.6 ft

Step 4: Determine the depth of the basin.
        Depth = Length/200 = 701.6 ft/200 = 3.5 ft

Step 5: Check to see if the above dimensions are correct.

         Volume = Length x Width x Depth = 701.6 ft x 175.4 ft x 3.5 ft = 430,712 ft3
         (Answer is very close to volume calculated in Step 1; difference is due to
         rounding off numbers.)

Figure 9-9: Sample problem drainage areas.

Problem B (40 acres drain into the basin)

Step 1: Determine the total storage volume of the basin.
        Volume = 40 acres x 3600 ft3 per acre = 144,000 ft3

        Width =   3
                      12.5 x Volume =   3
                                            12.5 x 144,000 ft 3 =   3
                                                                        1,800,000 ft 3 = 121.7 ft

Step 3: Determine the length of the basin.
        Length = 4 x Width = 4 X 121.7 ft = 486.8 ft

Step 4: Determine the depth of the basin.
        Depth = Length/200 = 486.8 ft/200 = 2.4 ft

        Volume = Length x Width x Depth = 486.8 ft x 121.7 ft x 2.4 ft = 142,185 ft3

Problem C (12 acres drain into the basin)

Step 1: Determine the total storage volume of the basin.
        Volume = 12 acres x 3600 ft3 per acre = 43,200 ft3

Step 2: Determine the width of the basin. (Basin is less than 80,000 ft3)
        Width =       Volume/8 =   43,200 ft 3 /8 =     5400 ft 3 = 73.5 ft

Step 3: Determine the length of the basin.
        Length = 4 x Width = 4 X 73.5 ft = 294 ft

Step 4: Determine the depth of the basin.

        Depth = 2 ft (Per design criteria on page 6, all basins with a volume less
                    than 80,000 feet must have a minimum depth of 2 feet.)


        Volume = Length x Width x Depth = 294 ft x 73.5 ft x 2 ft = 43,218 ft3


Term                    Description

Detention               The temporary storage of storm runoff, to control peak
                        discharge rates and provide gravity settling of pollutants.

Detention Time          The amount of time that a volume of water will remain in
                        a detention basin.

Drainage Area           The area of a watershed that contributes runoff.

Emergency Spillway      A depression in the embankment of a pond or basin
                        which is used to pass peak discharges greater than the
                        maximum design storm controlled by the pond.

Erosion                 The process by which the land surface is worn away by
                        the action of wind, water, ice, or gravity.

Orifice                 An opening in a wall or plate.

Peak Discharge          The maximum rate at which runoff passes a given
                        location in terms of volume per unit of time.

Retention               The holding of runoff in a basin without release, except
                        by means of evaporation or infiltration.

Riser                   A vertical pipe extending from the bottom of a basin that
                        is used to control the discharge rate from the basin for a
                        specified design storm.

Runoff                  The excess portion of precipitation that does not infiltrate
                        into the ground, but "runs off" and reaches a stream,
                        water body, or storm sewer.

Runoff Coefficient      The ratio of the amount of water that is not absorbed by
                        the land surface to the total amount of water that falls
                        during a rainstorm.

Sediment                Detached soil particles that settle on the land or in a
                        water body.

Sedimentation           The process whereby the detached particles generated
                        by erosion are deposited elsewhere on the land or in a
                        water body.

Time of Concentration   The time required for surface runoff from the most remote
                        part of a drainage basin to reach the basin outlet.

Watershed               An area of land that contributes runoff to a body of water
                        or design point.
                                 Appendix 9A - 1

Calculations used to derive equations on page 9-7.*

1. Basins with volumes less than 80,000 ft3
    V=LxWxD                      (L = 4W and D = 2)
    V = 4W x W x 2
    V = 8W2
    V/8 = W2
        V /8 = W

2. Basins with volumes greater than 80,000 ft3
    V=LxWxD                      (L = 4W and D = L/200 = 4W/200)
    V = 4W x W x (4W/200)
    V = 16W3/200
    V = W3/12.5
    12.5V = W3
        12.5 V = W

* V = volume
  W = width
  L = length

                                  Appendix 9B - 1

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