What maintenance should be performed when the voids are full of ______?

When the voids in a sediment control system are full of sediment, maintenance is essential to ensure the system continues to function effectively. Sediment accumulation can lead to reduced infiltration capacity, increased erosion, and decreased water quality. Regularly removing sediment prevents the buildup of material that can obstruct water flow and promote ponding, which can exacerbate erosion issues.

Sediment management is crucial because it directly impacts the efficiency of sediment control structures such as silt fences, sediment traps, and basins designed to capture and filter out pollutants before they enter water bodies. When these voids are not properly maintained, sediment can wash out during heavy rainfall events, leading to increased turbidity and potential violations of water quality standards.

In terms of maintenance practices, regular inspection and cleaning of structures should be conducted to remove sediment build-up, usually at intervals dictated by rainfall events or specific site conditions. This proactive approach helps maintain the intended design functionality of the sediment control measures, ensuring they can effectively protect water resources from sediment and related pollutants.