What is a silt trap? How to clean a silt trap?

A silt trap is an area designed to capture silt before it enters a pond or lake.  The purpose of a silt trap is to slow the water velocity down.  This will allow the silt to settle from the water before it enters the main body of the lake or pond.  The silt trap should be easily accessible for periodic cleanout.  Most silt traps are cleaned with an excavator.