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The conventional method of controlling sediment-laden runoff on construction sites is the use of sediment basins. These basins slow the velocity of runoff and allow particles to settle from the water column before discharge to surface waters offsite. This best management practice, however, may create a reservoir for Escherichia coli. Sediment is known to provide protection for bacteria; therefore, while these basins decrease sediment loadings to water bodies downstream, they may introduce harmful levels of pathogenic bacteria into receiving waters. In addition to increasing risk to human health, high bacteria levels may alter natural biological complexity of downstream ecosystems.