Silt fences
Silt fences and super silt fences (silt fences with chain-link) are most often the appropriate sediment control for small construction sites. A well installed silt fence will allow the water to pool at the edge of sites, allowing sediment to drop out of the water before discharge. This requires the silt fence to be appropriately trenched into the ground and the fence monitored regularly for holes/damage.
It is important that silt fence is made from appropriate materials and installed correctly. Shade cloth, safety fencing and any visibly transparent materials are not made for this purpose and are never appropriate to use for silt fencing.
Silt socks
Silt socks can be used to protect the drains surrounding your site. They are a supplementary control to support other sediment control measures on site and are not to be used on their own to control sediment. They should be checked and maintained at least weekly, as well as after every rainfall event.
Completion of the works
Controls can only be removed once landscaping and stabilisation is completed. When removing controls, ensure that deposited sediment is removed and deposited back onto your site where it will not run off.
Technical diagrams and guidance for how to install these controls are available at the following locations:
