Sediment Basin – SB

DEFINITION CONDITIONS

A temporary basin consists of an This practice is required by permit at

embankment constructed across a drainage locations within construction sites where the
way, or of an excavation that creates a basin, total disturbed drainage area at any given
or by a combination of both. A sediment time is at least ten (10) acres. Sediment
basin typically consists of an impoundment, a basins may also be used for drainages
dam, a riser pipe outlet, and an emergency smaller than ten acres, however they are not
spillway. The size of the structure will depend mandatory. There must be sufficient space
upon the location, size of the drainage area, and appropriate topography for the
soil type, land cover/use, rainfall amount, and construction of a temporary impoundment.
any unique site conditions favorable to Specifications described in this standard
producing high runoff volume, velocity, or apply to temporary installations that are to be
sediment. removed within 18 to 30 months and where
the total drainage area does not exceed 50
PURPOSE acres. By virtue of their potential to impound
and release large volumes of water, the
A sediment basin is used to retain runoff design of sediment basins is required to be
waters and trap sediment from disturbed completed by professionals trained in the
areas to protect properties and waters below design of impoundment structures, and in
the installation from damage by excessive accordance with good engineering practices.
sedimentation and debris. The water is
temporarily stored and the bulk of the DESIGN CRITERIA
sediment carried by the water falls out of
suspension and is retained in the basin, while Compliance with Laws and Regulations:
the water is slowly released over a period of Sediment basin design and construction shall
time. comply with all applicable state and local
laws, ordinances, permit requirements, rules,
and regulations. Basins shall be constructed
according to the approved SWPPP unless
modified by the engineering design

SB - 1
professional. Additional regulations apply if effective in trapping sediment that flows into
vertical height of dam from downstream toe them during large storm events, or during
to crest of embankment exceeds 20 feet. periods of minimal vegetative cover at a
Refer to “Embankment Cross-Section” later construction site. The performance of any
in this section. sediment pond depends on several factors:
(1) size and shape of the basin, (2) soil
Location: To improve the effectiveness of properties, (3) runoff volume and flow, (4)
the basin, it should be located so as to water chemistry, (5) permanent vs. dry pond
intercept the largest possible amount of design, and other factors. It should be
runoff from the disturbed area. Runoff from understood that a sediment basin is a
undisturbed areas should be diverted temporary, but defensive measure, and
away from or around the disturbed areas should be made functional before any
and the basin. The best locations are upslope land disturbance takes place in order
generally low areas and natural swales or to keep sediment from escaping the site and
drainageways below disturbed areas. It is washing into storm sewers, and filling
recommended that the basin be located at streams and waterways. Basins should
least 50 feet outside the designated floodway always be used in conjunction with primary
or 25 feet from the top of bank of small erosion control and stabilizing practices (as
streams or as otherwise required by local found throughout this manual) such as
ordinance, whichever is greater. Basin temporary seeding, mulching, diversion
efficiency can be improved by the use of dikes, etc. designed to prevent or reduce the
diversions (refer to Diversion - DI) and by possibility of soil from being eroded in the
introducing chemical coagulants and first place.
coagulant aids (refer to Polyacrylamide -
PAM). Under no circumstance shall a In order to maximize trapping and retaining
basin be located in a stream or in any the incoming sediment, the basin should
waters of the state. Instead, the basin have a permanent pool, or wet storage
should be located to trap sediment-laden component and a dry storage component
runoff before it enters a stream. The basin that dewaters over time. The volume of the
should not be located where its failure would permanent pool (needed to protect against
result in the loss of life or interruption of the re-suspension of sediment and to promote
use or service to public utilities or roads. better settling conditions between runoff
events) must be at least 67 cubic yards
Maximum Drainage Area: The maximum (1809 cubic feet) per acre of drainage area
allowable total drainage area (disturbed and and the volume of dry storage above the
undisturbed) feeding into a temporary permanent pool (needed to prevent "short-
sediment basin is 50 acres. It is circuiting" of the basin during larger storm
recommended that when the drainage area events) must be at least an additional 67
to any one temporary basin exceeds 25 cubic yards (1809 cubic feet) per acre of
acres, an alternative design procedure that drainage area. The total storage volume of
more accurately defines the specific the basin at the principal (service) spillway
hydrology, sediment loading, hydraulics of riser crest would, therefore, be a minimum of
the site, and the control measures in use be 134 cubic yards (3,618 cubic feet) per acre of
utilized to perform design calculations. The drainage area (see Figure 1).
design criteria in this manual do not generate
hydrographs, estimate sediment erosion and When computing the number of acres
delivery rates, provide hydraulic routing, or draining into a common location, it is not
predict sediment capture efficiency. More necessary to include flows from offsite
rigorous and accurate design considerations, areas and runoff from undisturbed or
which are more site-specific than those in permanently stabilized areas where such
this manual, are acceptable and encouraged flows are diverted around both the
with any size basin. disturbed area and the sediment basin.
Otherwise, the calculations for
Effectiveness and Volume: Sediment determining basin size should include the
basins constructed according to these entire drainage area, disturbed and
standards are, at best, 50 to 70 percent undisturbed.

SB - 2
 Minimum Storage Volume and Sediment Cleanout Point

67 C.Y./ Acre "DRY" STORAGE

SLIDE VALVE
ADJUSTMENT HANDLE

DEWATERING DEVICE

67 C.Y./ Acre
"WET" STORAGE

SEDIMENT CLEANOUT POINT

("WET" STORAGE REDUCED TO 34 C.Y./ Acre)

Source: VA DSWC

Figure 1

SB - 3
The volume of the permanent pool shall be traps must be used. The total trapping
measured from the lowest point of the basin capacity of these must have an equivalent
to the bottom of the dewatering device. This storage of 134 cubic yards (3618 cubic feet)
device should be installed at the elevation of runoff per acre.
corresponding to one half the total storage
volume. The volume of the active or Note: There are 27 cubic feet per cubic
drawdown zone shall be measured from the yard. Conversion between cubic feet and
elevation of the permanent pool to the crest cubic yards is as follows:
of the principal (service) spillway riser pipe.
Sediment should be removed from the basin number of cubic feet x 0.037 = number of
when the volume of the permanent pool has cubic yards
been reduced by one half. In no case shall or
the sediment cleanout level be higher than
one foot below the bottom of the dewatering number of cubic feet / 27= number of cubic
device for the drawdown zone. The elevation yards
of the sediment cleanout level should be
calculated and clearly marked on the plans While attempting to attain the desired storage
and the riser. Since this part of the riser capacities, efforts should be made to keep
normally will be under water, a mark should embankment heights to a minimum. When
appear above the permanent pool a site topography permits, the designer should
measured distance above the cleanout give strong consideration to the use of
elevation to provide a reference from which excavation to obtain the required capacity
to measure the sediment depth. and to possibly reduce the height of the
embankment. This excavation can be
The above volume requirements should be designed in a manner which creates a wet
regarded to be minimum criteria and may be storage forebay area or which increases the
modified at the discretion of the engineering storage capacity over the entire length of the
design professional to protect critical aquatic basin.
resources and safety/health of the public. It is
noted that undisturbed areas can contribute Basin Shape: It is important that the
significant amounts of runoff that can reduce designer of a sediment basin incorporate
the efficiency of a sediment basin. The features to maximize detention time within
following conditions and circumstances need the basin in order to improve its trapping
to be considered in determining whether or efficiency. Suggested methods of
not the basin volume would need to be accomplishing this objective are:
increased:
• Recommended design effective length to
• Highly erodible soils width ratio is 4:1, but not less than 2:1,
• Steep upslope topography where length is the distance between the
• Space-limiting basin geometry (depth inlet and outlet.
and/or shape) • A wedge shape with the inlet located at
• Degree to which off- and/or on-site runoff the narrow end - ideally, the shape would
is diverted from contributing undisturbed be symmetrical about the pond's central
areas axis formed by the inlet - riser - center of
• Sediment cleanout schedule the dam.
• Degree to which chemical flocculent • Installation of baffles or diversions.
agents are added to inflowing runoff
• Extent to which other erosion and The purpose of having a length to width ratio
sediment control practices are used of at least 2:1 is to minimize the "short-
• Critical downstream conditions circuiting" effect of the sediment-laden inflow
to the riser and thereby increasing the
For drainage locations which serve 10 or effectiveness and efficiency of the sediment
more disturbed acres at one time and where basin. Having a symmetrical basin about the
a temporary sediment basin is not feasible, central axis from the inlet to the riser tends to
multiple, smaller basins and/or sediment reduce dead or ineffective space.

SB - 4
The length of the flow path (L) is the distance Then:
2
from the point of inflow to the riser outflow L:W = Le/We = Le /A
point. The point of inflow is the point that the
waste stream enters the active (sometimes Three baffle examples are shown in Figure 3.
called "normal") pool, created by the Note that that for the third baffle case:
elevation of the riser crest. The pool area (A)
is the area of the active pool. The effective L = L1 + L2
width (We) is equal to the area (A) divided by
the length (L). The length to width ratio (L:W) The baffle material should be outdoor grade
is found by the equation: and weather resistant. The baffles should be
placed in such manner to minimize
2
L:W = L/We = L/(A/L) = L /A interference with basin cleaning.
Construction should be modular for easy
The designer is encouraged to locate all maintenance and convenient replacement in
inflows at or near the point of the wedge. event of damage from cleaning or from
However, where there is more than one deterioration. The baffles should be
inflow point and where circumstances inspected frequently for tears or breaks from
preclude this ideal arrangement, any inflow weathering, high flows, and from cleaning
point which conveys more than 30 percent of damage. Damaged baffling should be
the total peak inflow rate shall meet the replaced or repaired immediately.
above length-width ratio criteria. Ponds
whose L:W ratios are less than 1, even if The dimensions necessary to obtain the
enhanced with baffling, are not permitted. required basin volume and surface area shall
be clearly shown on the plans to facilitate
For ponds having L:W ratios less than 4:1, plan review and inspection.
construction should consist of two wetpool
cells using a separation berm, as shown in Multiple Use: Sediment basins may remain
Figure 2. The first (upper) wetpool cell in place after final site stabilization is
volume should hold between 25% to 35% of completed to serve as permanent storm
the total wetpool volume. Ponds with L:W water management structures. Because the
ratios equal to or greater than 4:1 are most practical location for a sediment basin
suggested to follow this design, but may be is often the most practical location for a storm
single cell construction. water management basin, it is often desirable
to utilize these structures for permanent
Baffles: The required basin shape should be storm water management purposes. It should
obtained by proper site selection and by be noted, however, that in most cases, a
excavation to reduce dead storage and to typical structure's outlet control system would
maximize sediment removal efficiency. vary during construction and post-
Where less than ideal conditions exist, a construction periods. Care must be taken to
baffle may be constructed in the basin. The avoid constructing an outlet control system,
purpose of the baffle is to increase the which will achieve the desired post-
effective flow length from the inflow point(s) construction quantity or quality control but will
to the riser. Baffles shall be placed mid-way not provide the necessary facility for the
between the inflow point and the riser. The containment and settling of sediment-laden
baffle length shall be as required to achieve construction runoff. Notably, the design for
the minimum 2:1 length-width ratio at less such permanent flow control ponds is beyond
than ideal site conditions. The effective the scope of these standards and
length (Le) shall be the shortest distance the specifications.
water must flow from the inflow point around
the end of the baffle to the outflow point. Access Requirements: Maintenance
access road(s) shall be provided to the
sediment pond facility for convenient
inspection and for access by maintenance
and emergency vehicles. An access track
around the pond is recommended for
convenient removal of sediment from the

SB - 5
 Sediment Basin Showing 2 Cells
PROPERLY LINED
PROPERLY LINED STORM WATER
STORM WATER CONVEYANCE
CONVEYANCE

FIRST CELL
ACCESS ROAD FOR (Approximately 25% to 35%
CLEANOUT / MAINTENANCE of basin design volume)

BERM AT "DRY" STORAGE

DESIGN ELEVATION, OR
SUBMERGED 1' BELOW.
EXTEND BERM ACROSS
ENTIRE WIDTH.

SECOND CELL

EMERGENCY OVERFLOW
ELEVATION

RISER CREST
ELEVATION

"DRY" STORAGE
ELEVATION

"WET" STORAGE
ELEVATION

EMERGENCY SPILLWAY
PER DESIGN
REQUIREMENTS

OUTLET PROTECTION
AND ENERGY DISSIPATION
PER DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

Figure 2

SB - 6
 Baffle Locations in Sediment Basins
D

D/2 NO SCALE

INFLOW

RISER

BA
FF
LE
D/2

L = TOTAL DISTANCE FROM

NORMAL POOL THE POINT OF INFLOW
D AROUND THE BAFFLE TO
THE RISER.

NORMAL POOL

D/2 L RISER
D BAFFLE

NORMAL POOL RISER INFLOW

BAFFLE
D

D/2
L L
1 2

L=L +L
1 2
INFLOW

SHEETS OF 4' X 8' X 1/2" EXTERIOR 6"

PLYWOOD OR EQUIVALENT

RISER CREST ELEVATION

4'
POSTS MIN. SIZE 4" SQUARE
OR 5" ROUND. SET AT
LEAST 3' INTO THE GROUND.
8'

Source: US NRCS
Figure 3
SB - 7
pond or pond cells with appropriate between the maximum design flow water
equipment. An access ramp into the pond level and top of the dam. (See Figure 4)
itself is discouraged because of the potential
for creating equipment-generated rutting and Spillways Design: The outlets for the basin
stabilization problems. should consist of a combination of principal
and emergency spillways. These outlets
Embankment Cross-Section: The height of must pass the peak runoff expected from the
the embankment dam is measured from its contributing drainage area for a 25-year 24-
crest down to the lowest point of natural hour storm. If, due to site conditions and
grade (at the downstream toe of the basin geometry, a separate emergency
embankment). For dam heights less than 10- spillway is not feasible, the principal spillway
feet, the embankment must have a minimum must pass the entire peak runoff expected
top width of 6 feet, and the side slopes must from the 25-year 24-hour storm. However, an
be 2:1 or flatter to permit access and attempt to provide a separate emergency
maintenance. In the case of an embankment spillway should always be made (refer to
10 to 14 feet in height, the minimum top "Emergency Spillway" later on in this section)
width shall be 8 feet and the side slopes because the principal spillway riser is
2.5:1 or flatter. For 15 to 19 high vulnerable to clogging by debris during high
embankments, the top width must be 10 feet runoff events. Runoff computations shall be
with maximum side slopes of 2.5:1. based upon the soil cover conditions that are
Embankments must comply with the expected to prevail during the life of the
Tennessee Safe Dams Act of 1973, as basin. In determining total outflow capacity,
amended if either of the following two the flow through the dewatering device
conditions exist: (a) the embankment is cannot be credited when calculating the 25-
twenty feet or more in height, or (b) the year 24-hour storm elevation because of its
impoundment will have a capacity, at potential to become clogged. However,
maximum water storage elevation, of thirty principal spillway capacity can be credited
(30) acre-feet (48,400 cy/yds) or more. Any with the emergency spillway capacity when
such dam which is equal to or less than six determining the peak flow and maximum
feet in height, regardless of storage capacity, pond elevation from the 25-year 24-hour
or which has a maximum storage capacity storm. Incoming flood flow and storage
not in excess of fifteen (15) acre-feet (24,200 calculations must begin at the elevation of
cy/yds), regardless of height, would not be the principal spillway riser crest.
regulated under the Safe Dams Act. If ponds
and dams meet or exceed the criteria Temporary sediment pond storage and
mentioned above, permit certificates of outflow controls are not normally designed to
construction and operation are required by reduce incoming peak flows. Consequently,
the Tennessee Dam Safety Office in the the spillways designed by the procedures
Division of Water Supply of the Tennessee contained in the standard and specification
Department of Environment and will not necessarily result in any reduction in
Conservation. Further information on safe the peak rate of runoff. If a reduction in peak
dam design standards, regulations, and runoff is desired, the appropriate
permit applications is available at the hydrographs/storm routings should be
website: generated to choose the basin and outlet
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/permits/s sizes.
afedam.htm.
Dewatering: Provisions shall be made to
The site foundation for the embankment dewater the basin down to the permanent
should be prepared by removing all (wet) pool elevation. It is well known that
vegetation, debris, topsoil, and large rocks particle characteristics, flow-through velocity,
down to competent material. Embankments surface loading rate, turbulence levels,
should be keyed into the foundation soil with sediment concentration and other lesser
at least a 2-ft x 2-ft. trench. The embankment factors can have a significant effect on the
height should include a 10 percent settlement sediment trapping efficiency in a pond.
allowance across the longitudinal axis of the Studies have generally shown that the slower
dam. A minimum 1-foot freeboard is required the flow-through velocity and, hence, the

SB - 8
 Sediment Basin Schematic
Elevations
CREST OF EMERGENCY
SPILLWAY
DESIGN HIGH WATER
(25-YR. STORM ELEV.)
MIN. 1.0'
0.5'
MIN. 1.0'

RISER CREST
67 C.Y./ Acre
"DRY" STORAGE

DEWATERING DEVICE
67 C.Y./ Acre W/ADJUSTMENT HANDLE
"WET" STORAGE

SEDIMENT CLEANOUT POINT

("WET" STORAGE REDUCED TO 34 C.Y./ Acre)

Design Elevations With

Emergency Spillway

DESIGN HIGH WATER

(25-YR. STORM ELEV.)
MIN. 2.0'
MIN. 3.0'
MIN. 0.5'
MIN. 1.0'

67 C.Y./ Acre
"DRY" STORAGE
RISER CREST

67 C.Y./ Acre
"WET" STORAGE DEWATERING DEVICE
W/ADJUSTMENT HANDLE

SEDIMENT CLEANOUT POINT

Design Elevations Without

Emergency Spillway
(Riser Passes 25-YR Event)

Source: VA DSWC
Figure 4
SB - 9
longer the detention storage time in a pond, the entire peak flow expected from a 25-year
the greater the sediment removal efficiency. 24-hour storm. See Figure 6 for details.
TDEC recommends a 72-hour drawdown
time. Design Elevations: The crest of the
principal spillway riser shall be set at the
Dewatering of the dry storage should be elevation corresponding to the total storage
done in a manner that removes the "cleaner" volume required (67 cubic yards/acre wet
water without removing the potentially storage plus 67 cubic yards/acre dry storage
sediment-laden water found in the wet = 134 cubic yards/acre). If the principal
storage area or any appreciable quantities of spillway is used in conjunction with an
floating debris. An economical and efficient emergency spillway, this elevation shall be a
device for performing the drawdown is a minimum of 1.0 foot below the crest of the
"skimmer" type section of perforated vertical emergency spillway. In addition, a minimum
tubing, which is connected to and braced to freeboard of 1.0 foot shall be provided
the principal spillway at two locations. A slide between the maximum 25-year pool level
gate type of valve is required at the bottom of and the top of the embankment. If no
this tubing for achieving the desired emergency spillway is used, the crest of the
drawdown time and seasonal control. Figure principal spillway shall be a minimum of 3
5 provides a schematic orientation of such a feet below the top of the embankment; also,
device. Because of the potential for the a minimum freeboard of 2.0 feet shall be
dewatering device or orifice becoming provided between the 25-year pool level and
clogged, no credit should be given for the top of the embankment.
drawdown by the device in the calculation of
the principal or emergency spillway locations. Anti-Vortex Device and Trash Rack: An
anti-vortex device and trash rack shall be
A dewatering operation procedure might be attached to the top of the principal spillway to
to keep the slide gate valve closed during dry improve the flow characteristics of water into
periods, or close it before anticipated the spillway and to reduce the possibility of
precipitation events. Then, during and after floating debris from blocking the principal
the precipitation event, the slide gate valve is spillway. The anti-vortex device shall be of
manually adjusted to allow the draw down to the concentric type as shown in Figure 7, and
begin. The amount of adjustment should be designed using the information provided in
determined so that the draw down to the wet Table 1.
pool elevation occurs over a period of 72
hours, as stated above. Spillway Foundation: The foundation base
of the principal spillway must be firmly
Principal (or Service) Spillway: For anchored to prevent its floating due to
maximum effectiveness, the principal buoyancy. If the riser of the spillway is
spillway should consist of a vertical riser pipe greater than 10 feet in height, computations
or box of corrugated metal or reinforced must be made to determine the anchoring
concrete, with a minimum diameter of 18 requirements to prevent flotation. A minimum
inches, joined by a watertight connection to a factor of safety of 1.25 shall be used
horizontal drain pipe (barrel) extending (downward forces = 1.25 x upward forces).
through the embankment and discharging
beyond the downstream toe of the fill. The For risers 10 feet or less in height, the
riser and all pipe connections shall be anchoring may be done in one of the two
completely water tight except for the inlet following ways:
opening at the top or dewatering openings,
and shall not have any other holes, leaks, 1. A concrete base 18 inches thick and
rips, or perforations. If the principal spillway twice the width of riser diameter shall be
is used in conjunction with a separate used and the riser embedded at least 6
emergency spillway, the principal spillway inches into the concrete. See Figure 8 for
must be designed to pass at least the peak details.
flow expected from of 2-year 24-hour storm.
If no emergency spillway is used, the 2. A square steel plate, a minimum of
principal spillway must be designed to pass 1/4-inch thick and having a width equal to

SB - 10
 Recommended Dewatering
System for Sediment Basins

ORIFICE ADJUSTMENT HANDLE

PROVIDE ADEQUATE
STRAPPING
POLYETHYLENE CAP

DEPTH
VARIES AS
TACK WELD REQUIRED
PERFORATED DRAINAGE FOR "DRY"
TUBING, DIAMETER VARIES STORAGE

WET
"FERNCO-STYLE" COUPLING STORAGE

DEWATERING ORIFICE, SCHEDULE 40 STEEL,

STUB 1-FOOT MINIMUM, DIAMETER VARIES

CORRUGATED METAL RISER

NOTE: WITH CONCRETE RISER, USE PVC SCHEDULE 40 STUB

FOR DEWATERING ORIFICE

Source: VA DSWC
Figure 5

SB - 11
 Principal Spillway Design

EMERGENCY SPILLWAY
CREST
DESIGN HIGH WATER

ANTI-SEEP
ANTI-VORTEX
COLLARS
DEVICE Dr H

RISER
BARREL

Dp

CONCRETE BASE

H = HEAD ON PIPE THROUGH EMBANKMENT

h = HEAD OVER RISER CREST
L = LENGTH OF PIPE THROUGH EMBANKMENT
Dp= DIAMETER OF PIPE THROUGH EMBANKMENT
Dr= DIAMETER OF RISER

Source: VA DSWC
Figure 6
SB - 12
 Anti - Vortex Device Design
PRESSURE RELIEF
HOLES 1/2" DIA.

A A
TOP STIFFENER (IF REQUIRED)
IS X X ANGLE WELDED
TO TOP AND ORIENTED PER-
PENDICULAR TO CORRUGATIONS.

TOP IS GAGE CORRUGATED

METAL OR 1/8" STEEL PLATE.
PRESSURE RELIEF HOLES MAY
BE OMMITTED, IF ENDS OF
CORRUGATIONS ARE LEFT FULLY
OPEN WHEN THE TOP IS
PLAN VIEW ATTACHED.
D

TACKWELD WELDED CYLINDER IS GAGE CORRUGATED

ALL AROUND METAL PIPE OR FABRICATED FROM
1/8" STEEL PLATE.
H (SEE TABLE 1 FOR DIMENSIONS)

NOTES:
8" MIN.
1. THE CYLINDER MUST BE
FIRMLY FASTENED TO THE
TOP OF THE RISER.

#6 X 12" SUPPORT BAR

(SIZE #6 REBAR MIN.)
2. SUPPORT BARS ARE WELDED
SPACER BAR
(TYPICAL) TO THE TOP OF THE RISER
OR ATTACHED BY STRAPS
BOLTED TO TOP OF RISER.
RISER DIAMETER

SECTION A-A ISOMETRIC

Source: US - NRCS

Figure 7

SB - 13
 Concentric Trash Rack and Anti-Vortex Device Design Table

Riser Cylinder Minimum Top

Minimum Size Support
Diam., Diameter, Thickness, Height, Bar Thickness Stiffener
inches inches gage inches
#6 Rebar or 1 1/2" x 1 16 ga.
12 18 16 6 -
1/2" x 3/16" angle (F&C)
15 21 16 7 " " " " -
18 27 16 8 " " " " -
16 ga.(C),
21 30 16 11 " " -
14 ga.(F)
24 36 16 13 " " " " -
27 42 16 15 " " " " -
14 ga.(C),
36 54 14 17 #8 Rebar -
12 ga.(F)
42 60 14 19 " " " " -
1 1/4" pipe or 1 1/4" x 1 14 ga.(C),
48 72 14 21 -
1/4" x 1/4" angle 10 ga.(F)
54 78 14 25 " " " " -
1 1/2" pipe or 1 1/2" x 1 12 ga.(C), 8
60 90 14 29 -
1/2" x 1/4" angle ga.(F)
12 ga.(C), 8
2" pipe or 2" x 2" x 2" x 2 1/4"
66 96 14 33 ga.(F)
3/16" angle angle
w/stiffener
2 1/2" x 2
72 102 14 36 " " " " 1/2" x 1/4"
angle
2 1/2" pipe or 2" x 2" x
78 114 14 39 " " " "
1/4" angle
2 1/2" x 2
2 1/2" pipe or 2 1/2" x 2
84 120 12 42 " " 1/2" x 5/16"
1/2" x 1/4" angle
angle

Note: The table above is useful only for corrugated metal pipe. Concrete trash rack and anti-
vortex devices are also available. Manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed
for concrete applications.
Note: Corrugation for 12”-36” pipe measures 2 2/3” x ½”; for 42”-84” the corrugation measures 5”
x 1” or 8” x 1”.
Note: C = corrugated; F = flat.

Source: VA DSWC

Table 1

SB - 14
 Riser Pipe Base Conditions For
Embankments Less Than 10' High
CONCRETE BASE FOR EMBANKMENT 10' OR LESS IN HEIGHT

10' OR LESS
D

6"

18" D/2

2D CONCRETE

STEEL BASE FOR EMBANKMENT 10' OR LESS IN HEIGHT

10' OR LESS
D

30" D/2

2D 1/4" STEEL PLATE WELDED TO RISER

Source: VA DSWC
Figure 8
SB - 15
twice the diameter of the riser shall be increase the seepage length by at least 10%,
welded to the riser pipe. It shall be covered if either of the following two conditions is met:
with 2.5 feet of stone, gravel, or compacted
soil to prevent flotation. See Figure 8 for 1. The settled height of the
details. embankment exceeds 10 feet.

Note: If the steel base is used, special 2. The embankment has a low silt-clay
attention should be given to compaction so content (Unified Soil Classes SM or GM) and
that 95% compaction is achieved over the the barrel is greater than 10 inches in
plate. Also, added precautions should be diameter.
taken to ensure that material over the plate is
not removed accidentally during removal of The anti-seep collars shall be installed within
sediment from basin. One method would be the saturated zone. The maximum spacing
to use simple marker posts at the four between collars shall be 14 times the
corners. projection of the collars above the barrel.
Collars shall not be closer than 2 feet to a
Outlet Barrel: The drainpipe barrel of the pipe joint. Collars should be placed
principal spillway, which extends through the sufficiently far apart to allow space for
embankment, shall be designed to carry the hauling and compacting equipment.
flow provided by the riser of the principal Precautions should be taken to ensure that
spillway with the water level at the crest of 95% compaction is achieved around the
the emergency spillway. The riser and all collars. Connections between the collars and
pipe connections shall be completely the barrel shall be watertight. See Figure 9
watertight and not have any other holes, for details.
leaks, gashes, or perforations other than
designed openings. The minimum size of the Emergency Spillway: The emergency
pipe shall be 10 inches in diameter. The spillway acts as a safety release for a
connection between the riser and the barrel sediment basin, or any impoundment type
must be watertight to prevent local scouring. structure, by conveying the larger, less
The outlet of the barrel must be protected to frequent storms through the basin without
prevent erosion or scour of downstream overtopping or damaging the embankment.
areas. Where discharge occurs at the The emergency spillway also acts as its
property line, drainage easements will be name implies - an emergency outlet - in case
obtained in accordance with local emergency circumstances arise from
ordinances. Adequate notes and references excessive sedimentation or damage to the
regarding such easements will be shown on riser, which prevents flow through the
the erosion and sediment control plan. principal spillway. The emergency spillway
Measures may include excavated plunge shall consist of an open channel constructed
pools, riprap, impact basins, revetments, or adjacent to the embankment over
other effective methods. Refer to undisturbed material (not fill, such as the
specification Storm Drain Outlet Protection dam embankment). The emergency spillway
- OP. shall be lined with a non-erodible material
such as dumped and compacted riprap or
Caution should be given in directing all outlet engineered vegetation. Design of an
water from the impoundment to a receiving emergency spillway requires the special
watercourse so that natural flow paths are expertise of a qualified, engineering design
preserved above off-site property owners. professional. The control section is a level
portion of the spillway channel at the highest
Anti-Seep Collars: Anti-seep collars are elevation in the channel. See Figure 10 for
used to reduce uncontrolled seepage and location of emergency spillway and Figure 11
prevent internal erosion or "piping" inside the for an example excavated earth spillway.
dam along the drainpipe barrel. Anti-seep
collars shall be used on the drainpipe barrel The designer must ensure that the spillway
of the principal spillway within the normal lining (either grassed or riprapped) would
saturation zone of the embankment to withstand the high velocities expected in the

SB - 16
 Anti-Seep Collar

SATURATED ZONE

CONNECTIONS BETWEEN
THE ANTI-SEEP COLLAR
AND THE BARREL MUST
BE WATERTIGHT 2P 14xP

Source: VA DSWC

Figure 9

SB - 17
 Emergency Spillway

CONTROL SECTION

EMERGENCY SPILLWAY
SHOULD NOT BE
CONSTRUCTED
OVER FILL
MATERIAL

PERMANENT POOL

Source: VA DSWC

Figure 10

SB - 18
 Excavated Earth Spillway
LEVEL PORTION c CREST AND CONTROL SECTION

FLOW
c

c
APPROACH
CHANNEL EXIT SECTOR
BERM

UNDISTUBED EARTH

NOTE: NEITHER THE LOCATION

NOR ALIGNMENT OF THE
CONTROL SECTION HAS
TO COINCIDE WITH THE
CENTERLINE OF THE DAM.
EMBANKMENT FILL

PLAN VIEW
WATER SURFACE
LENGTH OF
EXIT CHANNEL

STAGE
CONTROL SECTION

2%
MIN.
20'
EXIT SECTOR
LEVEL OR
GREATER
APPROACH
CHANNEL

PROFILE ALONG CENTERLINE

2

CROSS-SECTION AT CONTROL SECTION

Source: US - NRCS
Figure 11
SB - 19
spillway approach, crest and channel downstream receiving channel at a non-
sections without causing erosion. eroding velocity.

An evaluation of site and downstream Stabilization: The embankment of the

conditions must be made to determine the sediment basin shall receive vegetative cover
feasibility and justification for the immediately after installation. Refer to
incorporation of an emergency spillway. In Disturbed Area Stabilization (With
some cases, the site topography does not Permanent Vegetation) - PS for
allow a spillway to be constructed in recommended vegetation details. If
undisturbed material, and the temporary excavation is required in constructing the
nature of the facility may not warrant the cost basin, side slopes should not be steeper than
of disturbing more acreage to construct and 1.5:1.
armor a spillway. The principal spillway
should then be sized to convey all the design Disposal: Sediment should be removed from
storms. If the basin is designed as a the basin before the sediment level reaches
permanent facility with downstream higher than 1 foot below the bottom of the
restrictions, the added expense of dewatering orifice, or before one-half of the
constructing and armoring an emergency permanent pool volume has been filled in,
spillway may be justified. whichever occurs first. Plans for the sediment
basin should indicate the methods for
Capacity: The emergency spillway shall be disposing of sediment removed from the
designed to carry the portion of the peak basin. Possible alternatives are to use the
runoff discharge expected from a 25-year 24- material in fill areas on-site, or removal to an
hour storm event that is not credited to the approved off-site location.
principal spillway.
Sediment basin plans should indicate the
Design Elevations: The maximum 25-year final disposition of the sediment basin after
storm pool elevation shall have a freeboard the upstream drainage area is stabilized. The
of at least 1.0 foot below the top of the plans should include methods for the removal
embankment. The control crest of the of excess water lying over the sediment,
emergency spillway channel shall be at least stabilization of the basin site, and the
1.0 foot above the crest of the principal disposal of any excess material. Where the
spillway. sediment basin has been designed as a
permanent storm water management basin,
Location: The emergency spillway channel plans should also address the steps
should be located so that it is not constructed necessary for the conversion of the sediment
over erosion-susceptible fill material. The basin into a permanent detention or retention
channel should be located so as to avoid structure.
sharp turns or bends. The channel should
return the flow of water to a defined channel Health and Safety: The designer and
downstream from the embankment. Caution developer should be aware of the potential
should be given in directing all outlet water hazards that a temporary wet pond
from the impoundment to an established represents to the health and safety of a
watercourse so that natural flow paths are neighborhood. Sediment basins can be
preserved above off-site property owners. attractive to children and can be dangerous
to those who may accidentally slip into the
Maximum Velocities: The maximum water and soft mud or who may become
allowable velocity in the emergency spillway entrapped at flowing inlets. The basin area
channel will depend upon the type of lining should, therefore, be fenced or otherwise
used. Vegetated linings should only be used made inaccessible to persons or animals,
for low velocity and non-scouring unless this is deemed unnecessary due to
applications. Otherwise, non-erodible linings the remoteness of the site or other
such as concrete or riprap should be used. circumstances. Strategically placed signs
For non-erodible linings, design velocities around the impoundment reading “DANGER-
may be increased. However, the emergency QUICKSAND” should also be installed. In
spillway channel shall return the flow to the addition to signs and fences, consideration

SB - 20
should be given to frequent inspection, as those for the embankment. The trench
regular maintenance and provision for shall be drained during the
security at such facilities. In any case, local backfilling/compacting operations.
ordinances and regulations regarding health
and safety must be adhered to. Embankment: The fill material shall be taken
from approved borrow areas (shown on the
Flocculant and Coagulant Aids: In plans). It shall be clean mineral soil, free of
situations with particularly fine-grained and roots, woody vegetation, stumps, sod,
erodible soil (i.e. loess or clays), the design oversized stones, rocks, or other perishable
professional may consider the use of or objectionable material. The fill material
flocculants added to the sediment-laden selected must have enough strength for the
runoff prior to its entrance into the sediment dam to remain stable and be tight enough,
basin. These flocculants encourage the fine when properly compacted, to prevent
sediment particles to “stick together” which excessive percolation of water through the
allows them to settle more quickly and dam. Fill containing particles ranging from
effectively. Coagulant aids such as polymers small gravel or coarse sand to fine sand and
may be used. A common polymer for this clay in desired proportion is appropriate. Any
purpose is synthetic polyacrylamide (PAM), embankment material should contain
which may be added to the sediment-laden approximately 20% clay particles by weight.
runoff as it enters the basin, or sprayed on Using the Unified Soil Classification System,
bare slopes to reduce erosion and the SC (Clayey sand), GC (clayey gravel) and
transport of sediment. Refer to specification CL (“low liquid limit” clay) are among the
Polyacrylamide - PAM. The means of preferred types of embankment soils. Areas
delivery for these chemicals and their on which fill is to be placed shall be scarified
application rates will be provided by the prior to placement of fill. The fill material
engineer in the form of appropriate standard should contain the proper amount of moisture
detail drawings and specifications. An to ensure that at least 95% compaction will
example of such an application is shown in be achieved. Fill material will be placed in 6-
Figure 12. inch continuous layers over the entire length
of the fill. Compaction shall be obtained by
CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS routing the hauling equipment over the fill so
that the entire surface of the fill is traversed
Site Preparation: Areas under the proposed by at least one wheel or tread track of the
embankment (or any structural works related equipment, or by using a compactor. Special
to the sediment basin) shall first be cleared, care shall be taken in compacting around the
grubbed, and stripped of topsoil. All trees, anti-seep collars (compact by hand, if
vegetation, roots, and/or other objectionable necessary) to avoid damage and achieve
or inappropriate materials should be removed desired compaction. The embankment shall
and disposed of by appropriate methods. In be constructed to an elevation 10% higher
order to facilitate clean out and restoration, than the design height to allow for settlement
the pool area, as measured from the top of if compaction is obtained with hauling
the principal spillway, should be cleared of all equipment. If compactors are used for
brush and trees. compaction, the overbuild may be reduced to
not less than 5%.
Cut-Off Trench: For earth-fill embankments,
a cutoff trench shall be excavated along the
centerline of the earth fill embankment (dam).
The trench must extend at least 1 foot into a
stable, impervious layer of soil and have a
minimum depth of 2 feet. The cutoff trench
shall extend up both abutments to the riser
crest elevation. The minimum width shall be
4 feet, but also must be wide enough to
permit operation of compaction equipment.
The side slopes shall be no steeper than 1:1.
Compaction requirements shall be the same

SB - 21
 Addition of Chemical Flocculent at Sediment Basin Entrance

Figure 12

Note: Illustration shows exaggerated foreshortening. Sediment Basin length to width

proportions are incorrect and not according to specifications within this standard.

SB - 22
Principal Spillway: The riser of the principal Final Disposal: When temporary structures
spillway shall be securely attached to the have served their intended purpose and the
barrel pipe by welding the full circumference contributing drainage area has been properly
making a watertight connection. The barrel stabilized, the embankment and resulting
and riser shall be placed on a firmly sediment deposits are to be leveled or
compacted soil foundation. The base of the otherwise disposed of in accordance with the
riser shall be firmly anchored according to SWPPP. The proposed use of a sediment
design criteria to prevent its floating. basin site will often dictate final disposition of
Pervious materials such as sand, gravel, or the basin and any sediment contained
crushed stone shall not be used as backfill therein. If the site is scheduled for future
around the barrel or anti-seep collars. Fill construction, then the embankment and
material shall be placed around the pipe in 4- trapped sediment must be removed, safely
inch layers and compacted until 95% disposed of, and backfilled with a structural
compaction is achieved (compact by hand, if fill. When the basin area is to remain open
necessary). A minimum of two feet of fill shall space, the pond may be pumped dry, graded
be hand-compacted over the barrel before and backfilled.
crossing it with construction equipment.
INSPECTION
Emergency Spillway: The emergency
spillway shall be installed in undisturbed Inspections of sediment basins should be
ground. The implementation of planned made before anticipated storm events (or
elevations, grades, design width, entrance series of storm events such as intermittent
and exit channel slopes are critical to the showers over one or more days) and within
successful operation of the emergency 24 hours after the end of a storm event of 0.5
spillway and must be constructed within a inches or greater, and at least once every
tolerance of 0.2 feet. If the emergency fourteen calendar days. The basin
spillway requires erosion protection other embankment should be checked according to
than vegetation, the lining shall not permit requirements to ensure that it is
compromise the capacity of the emergency structurally sound and has not been
spillway, e.g. the emergency spillway shall be damaged by erosion or construction
over-excavated so that the lining will be flush equipment. The emergency spillway should
with the designed slope surface. be checked to ensure that its lining is well
established and erosion-resistant.
Vegetative Stabilization: The embankment
and emergency spillway of the sediment MAINTENANCE
basin shall be stabilized with the appropriate
temporary or permanent vegetation Maintenance needs identified in inspections
immediately after construction of the basin. or by other means should be accomplished
Trees and/or shrubs should not be allowed to before the next storm event if possible, but in
grow upon the embankment due to the ability no case more than seven days after the need
for the roots of such vegetation to destabilize is identified. Accumulated sediment shall be
the embankment and/or encourage piping. removed from the basin when it reaches the
specified distance below the top of the riser.
Erosion and Sediment Control: The Sediment shall not enter adjacent streams or
construction of the sediment basin shall be drainage ways during sediment removal or
carried out in a manner such that it does not disposal. The sediment shall not be
result in sediment problems downstream. deposited downstream from the
embankment, adjacent to a stream or
Safety: All state and local requirements shall floodplain.
be met concerning fencing and signs warning
the public of the hazards of soft, saturated A recommended inspection and maintenance
sediment and flood water. checklist is shown on the following page.

SB - 23
Sample Field Inspection and Maintenance Checklist
Name/location of site: ___________________________
Date: _____________
Inspector(s): ____________________________
____________________________

• Inspect embankment slopes and crest for :

o erosion _______________________________________________________
o structural stability (slumping, bulging, sliding) __________________________
o cracking (both longitudinal and lateral) _______________________________
o wet or soft spots or on lower downstream slope and toe area _____________
o discolored or muddy water seepage _________________________________
o uneven crest settlement (check if adequate freeboard above
o emergency crest) ________________________________________________

• Inspect basin slopes for:

o erosion________________________________________________________
o sliding or slumping ______________________________________________

• Check amount of sediment in pond for cleaning ____________________________________

• Check baffles for structural soundness and holes or breaks ___________________________

• Inspect trash rack and anti-vortex device for debris and blockage ______________________

• Inspect emergency spillway for obstructions _______________________________________

• Check emergency spillway entrance, channelway, and exit for significant erosion and
scouring ___________________________________________________________________

• Check principal spillway outlet for excessive scouring and erosion _____________________

• Check all safety- and health-related facilities (warning signs, fences, etc.)________________

• Check for vandalism, especially around and inside principal spillway riser _______________

• Inspect dewatering device for debris/silt clogging and structural integrity _________________

• Inspect outside edge of outlet pipe for excessive seepage (i.e., flowing water) -- look for
discolored or muddy water along the sides as a sign of serious piping or pipe joint
separation.
__________________________________________________________________________

Other comments and observations:

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

SB - 24