National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Environmental Practice Exam

Stormwater detention basins are designed specifically to manage stormwater runoff effectively by temporarily storing excess water during and after rain events. These basins work by capturing runoff, allowing it to be released at a controlled rate, which helps reduce flooding and erosion downstream. The temporary storage provided by these basins allows sediment to settle and can also promote the infiltration of water into the ground, which assists in recharging groundwater supplies.

In contrast, increased impervious surfaces can exacerbate runoff issues by preventing water from being absorbed into the ground. Combined sewer systems are designed to handle wastewater and stormwater together, but during heavy rain events, they can overflow, polluting water bodies. Open drainage ditches can facilitate runoff but do not provide the controlled management that detention basins offer, as they are more likely to cause erosion and may not effectively reduce peak flow rates. Overall, stormwater detention basins provide a proactive solution to manage stormwater impacts on the environment.