What is a common purpose of a catch basin in stormwater management?

A catch basin serves multiple important roles in stormwater management, primarily focused on managing and improving water quality before it enters larger drainage systems. One of its key functions is to collect sediment. By trapping sediment and debris, catch basins help to prevent these materials from entering stormwater systems, which can lead to blockages and environmental damage in nearby water bodies.

Additionally, catch basins can also aid in the separation of oil from water, particularly in areas where surface runoff might be contaminated with oils from vehicles or industrial activities. This helps to ensure that any contaminants are removed from the water before it flows into larger stormwater systems, reducing pollution in downstream environments.

Collectively, these functions highlight the catch basin's role in filtering and managing stormwater, thereby supporting both water quality and infrastructure integrity within urban and developed areas.