When planning for proper sediment control on a construction site, it is important to examine the needs, expected demand on the surrounding inlet or drain and to determine which method will work best for the project. Depending on the scope of the project and expected runoff, different options are available for you.

Sediment pit

A sediment pit is often used if the grading of the project is steep and there a vast amount of sedimentary runoff is expected. These pits simply collect the runoff and sediment and it remains contained. Some of the problems with utilizing a sediment pit is that there needs to be adequate space for the pit, it requires protective fencing around it, and there is the additional time to dig the pit and then pump the water from it at the end of the job.

Sediment fence

A sediment fence works in much of the same way as a sediment pit, meaning that it is installed at the bottom of a grade at a construction site. This fence is designed to filter sediment out of runoff, trapping it before it reaches the ground water. The installation, maintenance and removal of a sediment fence is not a significant time issue, but the fence will need to be monitored and maintained to keep it in good working order. One drawback is that sediment fences do not protect the water from chemical contaminants.

Curb filter

Curb filters are usually rolls that are placed in front of an inlet drain that is built into the curb. These often have some fibrous material inside of them, looking like a large tootsie roll. Straw can be used in a curb filter and these will stop any sedimentary runoff or other foreign debris from entering the drain. Curb filters can be very cost effective, since most can be cleaned and reused at multiple sites. An advantage to curb filters is the relatively quick installation, maintenance and final clean-up of the filter. Some curb filters have absorbent liners that can absorb chemical contaminants from the water runoff. Of course, these packets would need to be changed as needed to provide maximum protection from chemicals entering the waterways.

Inlet filter

Much like a curb filter in its use, an inlet filter works with the grating of the existing inlet. The main difference is that rather than being placed in front of an open grate as is the roll filter, an inlet filter is often a semi-porous material which is place over the grate or hangs beneath it. Many inlet filters have options for chemical absorbents and can be repeatedly used in multiple projects.