Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Practice Test

Sediment basins are often converted to which of the following?

1. Stormwater treatment facilities

2. Detention and retention ponds

3. Wetlands

4. Open water reservoirs

The correct answer is: Detention and retention ponds

Sediment basins are designed to capture and settle out sediment from stormwater runoff, allowing for clearer water to be released downstream. Over time, as these basins serve their purpose, they may be converted into detention and retention ponds. Detention ponds temporarily hold water to manage stormwater runoff and release it at a controlled rate, helping to mitigate flooding and erosion downstream. Retention ponds, on the other hand, permanently retain a certain volume of water, providing a habitat for wildlife and improving water quality through natural processes such as sedimentation and biological uptake. This transformation can enhance a site’s stormwater management capabilities by providing additional benefits such as improved flood control, groundwater recharge, and habitat creation. While other options might be beneficial in certain contexts, the functionality and design of sediment basins lend themselves most closely to the transition into detention and retention ponds, making this choice the most applicable.