Which practice is often used for sediment control?

Silt fences are a widely recognized practice for sediment control, particularly in construction sites and areas prone to erosion. They are designed to trap sediment on-site and prevent it from entering waterways or adjacent properties during rainfall events. The way silt fences function is by slowing down the flow of water, allowing suspended sediment to settle out. This is crucial in maintaining water quality and preventing the pollution of nearby lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water.

The material used in silt fences, typically geotextile fabric, is permeable to water but dense enough to effectively filter out soil particles from runoff. Their strategic placement can help minimize erosion and manage stormwater by directing it to areas where it can infiltrate the ground rather than flow over bare soil or disturbed land. In contrast, while concrete barriers, grass mowing, and soil compaction play roles in site management and erosion control, they do not function specifically for sediment control to the same extent as silt fences.