A temporary form of dust and sediment control on construction sites that have slopes is called “silt fencing”. This is used around a great deal of construction sites where there is a concern for the surrounding plant life and water sources that can be damaged from runoff of the slopes in the construction area.

The physical description of this particular type of fence is that they stand three to four feet tall. Most are made of a synthetic material that is semi-porous. This allows water and some air to pass through, but will catch most of the dust and sediment. The bottom of the fencing material is trenched into the ground so no sediment may pass under it. This material is then held up by stakes that are placed into the ground to keep the fence upright and working as a proper barrier.

Some states require this fencing to be reinforced. This is accomplished by adding either wire mesh to the synthetic material of placing the material over a chained link fence. This type of fence is commonly referred to as “super silt fencing”. This added strength is to help ensure that any sediment cannot penetrate the barrier.

Some of the limitations of this type of barrier include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Life expediency of the fencing material usually does not exceed 8 months.
2. With the expiration of this time period, the fencing material must be replaced.
3. This type of barrier is not intended to be used to divert the flow of water in a direction other than through the material.
4. This material must be removed from the property once the construction project is completed.
5. Silt fencing is not biodegradable.

Silt fencing is primarily used as a form of sediment control and is a relatively inexpensive way to prevent soil erosion temporarily.

Tags: silt fencing