Dirtwork term
Silt Fence
also called: sediment fence, sed fence
Temporary fabric fence trenched into the ground around a construction site to keep sediment-laden runoff from leaving.
Silt fence is the most recognizable piece of SWPPP equipment, the black or orange fabric on wooden stakes you see around new construction. It works by ponding muddy runoff against the fabric so sediment drops out before the water passes through.
For it to work, the bottom of the fence has to be trenched 4 to 6 inches into the ground and backfilled, not just laid on the surface. Stakes need to be on the downhill side. Joints need to be wrapped, not just butted. Most silt fence failures trace back to install shortcuts, not the product.
Silt fence is for sheet flow across a slope, not concentrated flow in a ditch or channel. Concentrated flow needs sediment traps or check dams instead.
Hiring this done?
Silt Fence comes up on erosion control jobs all over East Texas.
If you're reading up because a project is coming, we'll walk your site and show you exactly how this applies to your dirt. Free estimate, no obligation.
When you need it
When silt fence comes up on a job
Silt fence goes up the moment bare, disturbed dirt is exposed to rain and that mud cannot be allowed off the site, onto the road, into a creek, or across the property line. On any permitted job the county looks for it first.
Services where this shows up
We use silt fence on
Related terms
Other words that come up alongside this one
SWPPP
Federal/state-required plan for keeping sediment, debris, and pollutants out of waterways during construction.
Erosion Blanket
Biodegradable mat pinned to a slope to hold seed, soil, and moisture in place while vegetation establishes.
Sediment Trap
Small excavated basin sized to hold sediment-laden runoff long enough for soil particles to settle out.
Detention Basin
Excavated basin sized to temporarily hold stormwater and release it slowly to a downstream system.
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