What is typically built to contain releases on land?

Dikes are constructed for the primary purpose of containing releases on land. They serve as barriers that prevent hazardous materials from spreading to surrounding areas, effectively managing spills or leaks. Dikes can be made from various materials, such as earth, clay, or other absorbent substances, which provide a physical barrier.

While retention basins are designed to temporarily hold water and manage stormwater runoff, they do not specifically address the containment of hazardous materials on land. Similarly, catch basins are intended to capture runoff and sediment before they enter drainage systems, playing a role in water management rather than direct containment of hazardous spills. Containment barriers, while similar in purpose to dikes, typically refer to more flexible solutions like absorbent booms or other portable materials, which are not solely rigid structures intended for long-term containment.

Thus, dikes are the most effective and commonly used structures for containing and directing hazardous materials in land spill scenarios, making this answer the most accurate choice among the options provided.