What is the appropriate placement direction for turbidity curtains relative to the flow?

The appropriate placement direction for turbidity curtains is parallel to the flow of water. This orientation allows the curtain to effectively intercept and contain suspended sediments within the water column, preventing them from spreading downstream. When turbidity curtains are installed parallel to the flow, they create a barrier that encourages sediment to settle out of the water while minimizing the disturbance caused by the curtain itself.

Placing turbidity curtains in any direction other than parallel, such as perpendicular, opposite, or diagonal, can lead to inefficiencies in capturing sediments. These orientations may allow suspended particles to bypass the curtain more easily or can cause unwanted turbulence that further disperses sediments instead of containing them. Therefore, orienting the turbidity curtain parallel to the water flow is the optimal choice for sediment and erosion control in aquatic environments.