How to Install a Floating Silt Curtain

Silt barriers are designed to protect waters from the pollution of muddied waters further upstream. Usually this turbidity is the result of construction on or near the water. By installing the silt curtain, you can prevent the extra soil that washes into the water from spreading into otherwise clear waters. Some of the very fine soil particles such as you might find in clay soils might make their way through the curtain, but the majority of the soil particles are too large.

Utility knife
Shackles or snap hooks
Zip ties

Instructions

- 1
  Find an area to unload the silt curtain from the truck where no large rocks or debris can damage the material. Space out the bundled silt curtains 18 to 20 inches apart.
- 2
  Cut the vinyl ties holding the bundles together, starting at the one closest to the water. This releases the material and causes it to expand so it's easiest to untie when you're ready to start pulling it into the water.
- 3
  Connect the end of one section to the next using the steel hooks with a shackle or a snap hook. Slide together the aluminum extrusion and connectors, which vary slightly for each variety of silt curtain. Insert the toggle pin to hold the connector in place.
- 4
  Attach zip ties through the grommets at one end of the silt barrier to the grommets at the beginning of the next section.
- 5
  Keep the silt curtain gathered up to the flotation log assembly with rope as you move it into position.
- 6
  Drag the curtain into position. Attach any chain ballast to the steel triangular plates on the curtains.
- 7
  Secure the ends of the curtains to the shore, at least 20 feet from each end of the planned construction site.

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