Floating Sediment Curtain

Curtain Design and Placement for Turbidity Control

floating sediment curtainQuestion: I am looking for a floating sediment curtain to use around my site to prevent the spread of materials. Are silt curtains the right choice? How far will I need to place the curtain out from my site? How and when is the curtain removed?

Answer: Floating sediment curtain, also known as turbidity curtain, is one of the most frequently specified and used turbidity control items for construction sites, job sites, or marine locations. Designed to prevent the spread of materials, our barriers effectively contain displaced sediment and help limit the spread from one location to the next.

Questions about sediment and turbidity control? We can help. Call us: 1-772-646-0597 or contact us to discuss your project.

Sediment Curtain Design

The standard design for a floating sediment curtain includes a top flotation, bottom skirt, and bottom ballast chain. Since the skirt is typically made from an impermeable fabric material, the turbidity barriers are an effective way to contain sediment so that it is allowed to settle back down to the bottom of the area.

Triton sediment curtainSediment Curtain Components:

  • Top Flotation
  • Bottom Ballast Chain
  • Impermeable Fabric
  • Section Connectors
  • Tension Cable (as needed for moving water)


Sediment Curtain Placement and Management

anchoring is critical for floating silt curtain successAnchoring and positioning the curtain will vary depending on your location, water flow, wind action, and other influential conditions. Each barrier is typically placed around a site, dredging area, or shoreline as close as possible to the actual project. This allows sediment to be contained at the source and prevents unnecessary spreading.

Anchoring will depend on the following factors:

  • Wind
  • Waves
  • Current
  • Tides

Turbidity Control and Settling Times

curtain for turbidity controlThe main purpose of the silt barrier is to allow displaced sediment enough time to settle back down to the bottom floor of your location. For this reason, the specific length of time required for your curtain to remain in position will vary depending on the type sediment and/or silt you are looking to contain. Please consult with an engineer or someone on our team for specific information regarding settling times and particle types.

For more information on our different sediment curtain models, visit our Turbidity Curtain Overview.


Questions about our floating sediment curtain? We can help. Call us at1-772-646-0597 or contact us to discuss your project.