Silt Sock is used in any area requiring sediment control to keep runoff in the form of sheet flow. The use of Silt Sock applies to areas of high sheet erosion, on steep slopes up to and exceeding a 2:1 slope, and in other disturbed areas of construction sites requiring sediment control. Silt Sock may also be used in sensitive environmental areas, where migration of aquatic life is impeded by the use of other sediment controls. Filter media used in Silt Sock also have the ability to bind various contaminants contained in runoff.
Silt Sock is a polypropylene mesh sock filled with wood chips. It is a low maintenance, reusable, environmentally friendly product used for erosion control on job sites. Filled socks may be used as an alternative to silt fence in many areas, the sock has a lower profile making your project more aesthetically pleasing & easier to access. Silt Sock traps sediment while allowing water to filter through. The design of the sock provides close contact with the ground preventing water from flowing underneath.
Design Consideration
The sedimentation removal process associated with Silt Sock involves both filtering and deposition from settling. This is different than other methods using only ponding for deposition of sediment. Ponding occurs when water flowing to the Silt Sock accumulates faster than it can flow through the Silt Sock. However, installation technique is important for them to work effectively.
Benefits
- Meets “Greater Golden Horseshoe Area Conservation Authorities” specifications for erosion and sediment control.
- 100% Soil Contact.
- Increases Stormwater Filtration.
- Reduces Runoff.
- Control of runoff velocity on slopes and within drainage channels.
- Sustained vegetation health.
- Allows for trapping and settling of suspended solids without major excavation, land disturbance, or pond construction.
- Easily customized to fit most types of watersheds/drainage areas.
- Installation of sediment traps requires no trenching, therefore soil is not disturbed upon installation or removal.
- NO trenching, NO soil disturbance.
- Easy removal and little disposal costs.
- Can directly replace silt fence, straw bales, straw wattles, coir logs and rock check dams.
We’ve created an additional series of blogs to help you learn everything you need to know about silt socks. Such as “What is Silt Sock“, “The Uses of Silt Sock“, and a Silt Sock Installation Guide.
What is Silt Sock Used For?
Silt socks, also known as filter socks, are used to trap sediment and control erosion in a variety of environmental settings:
Erosion control: Silt socks are used to prevent soil erosion in areas that are vulnerable to stormwater runoff, such as construction sites, slopes, and river banks.
Sediment control: Silt socks are used to trap sediment and pollutants in areas that require sediment control, such as construction sites and steep slopes.
Inlet protection: Silt socks can be used for inlet protection.
Check dams: Silt socks can be used as check dams.
Sediment sampling: Silt socks can be used by scientists and environmental consultants to collect sediment samples for analysis.
Flooding cleanup: Silt socks can be used by municipalities or homeowners to clean up areas affected by flooding.
When To Use Silt Socks
Silt socks are a useful tool for controlling sediment and pollution in areas where erosion is a risk, such as construction sites, agricultural areas, and wetlands. They can be used in a variety of situations, including:
Construction
Silt socks can be used on slopes or near bodies of water to prevent erosion and protect water quality.
Soil disturbance
Silt socks can be used after grading or soil disturbance to protect the soil from erosion.
Heavy rainfall
Silt socks can be used in areas that are prone to heavy rainfall or erosion.
Sensitive environments
Silt socks can be used in sensitive environmental areas where other sediment controls might impede aquatic life.
Limited space
Silt socks can be used in urban sites or existing construction developments where there is limited space.
Still searching for the correct geosynthetic solution? View the rest of our geosynthetic options here. You can also view our Silt Sock frequently asked questions.
