Type 1 Floating Silt Fence

Water Shoreline Cleanup with Silt Curtain

floating silt fenceQuestion: I am in Michigan and need a floating silt fence or other barrier for a water shoreline cleanup. The water is full of lily pads, and I need about 200 feet of fence.

Answer: Greetings to you in Michigan! We are happy to help. Because you are installing the curtain in still water, the best option would be our Type 1 floating silt fence. These silt barriers are built to contain materials during a cleanup in a calm water area.

Questions about our floating silt fence? We can help! Call us at 1-772-646-0597 or Contact Us to discuss your project.


Type 1 Floating Silt Fence Options

silt curtainDepending on your specific requirements, the Type 1 barrier features two specific models, Type 1 Economy and Type 1 DOT. The Economy model is designed for applications requiring short term containment and non-DOT regulated applications. If you are going to be installing this along an area that requires a model that is DOT compliant, we do also offer a DOT model that features a heavier fabric for increased containment.

The Type 1 DOT Silt Barriers are the strongest of the Type 1 silt barriers as they are designed for DOT applications and meet or exceed most state regulations. Designed for use in protected waterways, this turbidity barrier is an economical way for businesses and construction sites to stay in compliance.

The difference between the Type 1 DOT silt barrier and the Economy silt barrier has to do with type of fabric used for the skirt. The DOT silt barrier uses 18 oz. heavy duty PVC fabric, while the Economy barrier uses 13 oz. PVC.

When choosing what type of floating silt barrier you need, consider the following:

  • Water speeds
  • Wave height and frequency
  • Wind speeds and direction
  • Project duration
  • Sediment qualities

Standard Type 1 Floating Silt Curtain Sizing

silt barriersStandard sizing for the Type 1 Barrier will include section lengths of either 50 or 100 feet and depths of 5 feet. However, silt curtain depths can be sized anywhere from 3 to 100 feet to meet the requirements of your location. In order for us to provide you with the best option for your location, please let us know what curtain depth you require so that we can meet your application and requirements.

Determining what depth of turbidity barrier skirt is important to ensure your containment's success. When your turbidity barrier's skirt is too short, then sediment will escape containment from underneath the curtain.

However, if the skirt is too long, there's a possibility that it will get caught on the bottom and tear. Additionally, if the bottom of the silt curtain gets caught on something, it could pull the entire curtain down, allowing sediment to escape, costing you money and time.

Our silt curtain specialists can help you determine the correct sizing and depth of your curtain.

Questions about our silt barriers and curtains? Call today at 1-772-646-0597 or Request a Quote.


How the Floating Silt Fence Works

When construction sites disturb silt and other matter, these materials can often become suspended in surrounding bodies of water, impacting wildlife and water quality. A Type 1 floating turbidity barrier will control this dispersion of sediment in calm waters, which gives the already suspended sediment time to settle at the bottom of the body of water.

By creating a confined zone for sediment in water, construction sites can keep in compliance with environmental regulations and avoid costly fines.

Floating Silt Fence Installation

When installing your Type 1 barrier, keep in mind that floating silt fence needs to have proper anchoring in order to work effectively. Before using your silt curtain, mark off the location with buoys so boats will be able to navigate around it during the installation process. Read our Silt and Turbidity Barrier Installation Guide for comprehensive, step-by-step instructions.

Advantages of Using a Floating Silt Fence

turbidity curtainThere are many advantages to using a Type 1 floating silt fence. Most importantly, when properly anchored and installed, these silt barriers keep construction sites in compliance, saving companies money and time in fines from environmental regulations.

Other advantages:

  • Easy to connect, install, and maintain
  • Effective in shallow or slow waters
  • Economical sediment control

In order to accomplish your water shoreline cleanup, you'll need a floating silt fence that is durable and easy to install and maintain. Once you've figured out that you need the Type 1 floating silt fence, you can weight your options in deciding if the Economy or DOT style is right for your jobsite.

In order for us to provide you with the best option for your location, please let us know what silt curtain depth you require so that we can meet your application and requirements.

Need pricing on our floating silt fence? Call today at 1-772-646-0597 or Request a Quote.