Erosion & Sediment Control
Silt Fence Installation
Silt fence is the most common perimeter sediment control on Florida construction sites, but it only works when it's installed correctly. LES installs woven geotextile silt fence entrenched along the contour of disturbed areas to intercept sheet-flow runoff and retain sediment on site before it reaches adjacent properties, storm drains, or receiving waters.
What’s Included
- Site evaluation and silt fence layout following site contours and drainage patterns
- Trenched and backfilled fabric installation — not simply surface-staked
- Proper stake spacing and fabric tension for wind and flow loading
- J-hooks and end returns to prevent concentrated flow bypass
- Woven fabric selection appropriate to drainage area and expected flow
- Tie-in to existing BMPs, structures, and adjacent property lines
Technical Notes
Installation follows accepted BMP practice referenced in the Florida Stormwater, Erosion and Sedimentation Control Inspector's Manual: fabric is entrenched and backfilled (not simply driven into the ground), stakes are spaced per manufacturer and site-condition requirements, fence runs along the contour rather than straight lines that channel flow, and J-hooks or return sections are installed to prevent end-around bypass.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should silt fence be trenched?
Fabric should be entrenched and backfilled, not just driven into the surface. Trench depth depends on soil conditions and site-specific BMP design, but the goal is consistent: no gap under the fabric where runoff can undercut the barrier.
How often does silt fence need to be maintained?
Sediment should be removed once it reaches roughly one-third to one-half of the fence height, and fabric or stakes should be repaired immediately after any tear, undermining, or storm damage — typically verified during routine and post-rain-event inspections.
When is standard silt fence not enough?
On steep slopes, high-flow concentration points, or where a jurisdiction requires additional protection near sensitive receiving waters, standard silt fence may need to be upgraded to super silt fence or paired with additional sediment controls.
Request a proposal for silt fence installation
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