Which of the following is a sediment control BMP?

Which of the following is a sediment control BMP?

• A. Silt fences
• B. Landscaping with native plants
• C. Rock riprap
• D. Slope drainage

Answer: (A)

Silt fences are a classic sediment control BMP because they are placed along the project perimeter to intercept runoff and allow sediment to settle before water leaves the site. They slow the flow and capture sediment carried by stormwater, helping to keep sediment from entering nearby streams or drainage systems. Landscaping with native plants helps stabilize soil and reduce erosion over time, but it’s primarily an erosion-prevention measure rather than a device to trap sediment in runoff. Rock riprap provides erosion protection by shielding soil from direct flow and managing velocity, but it isn’t designed to trap sediment in runoff. Slope drainage focuses on routing or dispersing water to reduce erosion risk, not on sediment capture. So, the correct sediment control BMP is the silt fence.

Silt fences are a classic sediment control BMP because they are placed along the project perimeter to intercept runoff and allow sediment to settle before water leaves the site. They slow the flow and capture sediment carried by stormwater, helping to keep sediment from entering nearby streams or drainage systems.

Landscaping with native plants helps stabilize soil and reduce erosion over time, but it’s primarily an erosion-prevention measure rather than a device to trap sediment in runoff. Rock riprap provides erosion protection by shielding soil from direct flow and managing velocity, but it isn’t designed to trap sediment in runoff. Slope drainage focuses on routing or dispersing water to reduce erosion risk, not on sediment capture. So, the correct sediment control BMP is the silt fence.