If you didn’t already know, silt fences are generally called filter fences. They tend to serve as temporary barriers that are used to keep sediments at bay during construction. The use of silt fences has even become more popular over time since they’re rather easy and cheap to build and maintain in the long run.
1 – Silt Fences Preserve Your Water Quality
Since construction results in the loosening of soil around a worksite, fences hold back the soil. When soil becomes loosened, it becomes easier for it to pollute nearby water streams such as lakes, rivers via stormwater runoff. If an overspill occurs, it can be very harmful since it contains harmful chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides. While silt fences are not the ultimate solution, they provide a great deal of protection from runoff with the least cost attached.
2 – Silt Fences Are A Temporary Option
Since construction sites are usually in a state of transition, their developmental stage changes from time to time. Hence, permanent sediment erosion needs to be controlled but are not always practical. Due to this, silt fences provide an effective solution without compromising or affecting the land. Silt fences are not expensive and the materials used can be recovered if need be.
3 – Silt Fences Are Cost-Effective And Durable
Even though silt fences can be torn down very easily, they’re are extremely durable. Their basic design ensures that they can withstand even the toughest weather conditions with ease. They’re also great at standing up to at least 1 cubic foot of flowing water per second. These fences generally have a life span of at least 6 months but can last longer with care and maintenance.
4 – Silt Fences Can Easily Become 100% Eco-Friendly
In an effort to preserve the local environment, the last thing you should want to do is create situations where further harm occurs. These fences are constructed with the use of geotextile fabrics and natural woods. All of these are biodegradable and removes the issue of harm being left behind.
5 – Silt Fences Can Very Well Be The Law
In certain parts of the country the law has already set regulations in place to ensure that contractors and developers use silt fences or other forms of fencing to protect the water around them. This even includes the ocean. Hence, builders are advised to check with regulations and codes to ensure that they’re constructing these fences according to code.
While runoff doesn’t seem like such an issue, failure to do so results in relatively high penalties and fines.
Conclusion
Silt fences can be one of the most effective solutions for dealing with the problem at hand. In some instances, they can be combined with sediment traps, sediment basins, or even erosion controls in order to achieve the maximum effect.
