Type 1 Silt Barrier
Floating Silt Screen for Turbidity
The Type 1 silt barrier, also called a silt curtain or turbidity curtain, controls sediment and turbidity in calm water environments. It is ideal for use in locations with little to no waves, tides, or current. One Clarion offers three Type 1 silt barrier models: DOT-compliant, contractor-grade, and permeable. Each model is engineered for specific site needs and project requirements. Choosing the right floating silt screen depends on factors such as project duration, sediment volume, water conditions, and regulatory guidelines.
Silt Barrier Type 1 Features
- Calm water areas
- DOT, Contractor, or Permeable
- Made in the USA
Silt Barrier Type 1 Benefits
- Economical silt control
- Easy to connect and install
- Keeps sites in compliance
Type 1 DOT Silt Barrier Details
We offer three Type 1 silt barrier models to suit a range of project needs. The DOT Type 1 turbidity curtain meets or exceeds most state Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications and is the strongest option for regulated construction sites, runoff control, and sediment containment in calm waters. The contractor-grade Type 1 silt barrier is a cost-effective choice for non-DOT-regulated projects, featuring lightweight 13-ounce PVC fabric with a 4-inch float, ideal for mild conditions and light sediment loads. The permeable Type 1 silt curtain uses nonwoven geotextile fabric to allow limited water flow while filtering silt and turbidity, making it well-suited for calm water applications requiring filtration.
Type 1 DOT Turbidity Curtain Specifications
| Length | 50 or 100 ft. |
|---|---|
| Section Conntectors | Grommets |
| Fabric | 18 oz. PVC |
| Floatation | 6 or 8 in. Float |
| Ballast | 1/4 in. Ballast Chain |
Type 1 Contractor Turbidity Curtain Specifications
| Length | 25, 50 or 100 ft. |
|---|---|
| Section Conntectors | Grommets |
| Fabric | 13 oz. PVC |
| Floatation | 4 in. Float |
| Ballast | 3/16 in. Ballast Chain |
Type 1 Permeable Turbidity Curtain Specifications
| Length | 50 ft. |
|---|---|
| Section Conntectors | Grommets |
| Fabric | 8 oz. Nonwoven Geo |
| Floatation | 4 or 6 in. Float |
| Ballast | 5/16 in. Ballast Chain |
Downloads
*For additional information please see ourErosion Control Overview (PDF)
For installation information please see our Silt Screen Installation information
Floating Silt Screen Applications
Type 1 silt barriers are used in a wide range of applications depending on site conditions, water flow, and regulatory requirements. Selecting the right model helps contain sediment, reduce turbidity, and maintain environmental compliance. Our floating silt screens provide effective sediment control for calm water environments such as lakes, ponds, marinas, and construction sites.
- Small ponds and lakes
- Marine construction sites
- DOT road repair near water bodies
- Marina and harbor work zones
- Short-term sediment control in calm waters
- Projects requiring limited water flow through the barrier
- Runoff and silt containment for construction near waterways
When choosing the right silt curtain for your project, review key site factors such as water velocity, wind direction and speed, wave height, and sediment volume. Curtain length options include 50- and 100-foot sections, with depth selected based on your site’s water conditions. For best results, we recommend sizing the curtain to leave approximately one foot of clearance from the bottom, allowing for natural water flow and wildlife movement.
Silt Barrier Frequently Asked Questions
The silt barrier controls and contains suspended sediment in bodies of water. When soil is displaced through the effects of runoff and erosion, sediment can find its way into bodies of water, making it cloudy with turbidity. This cloudiness effects the ecosystems living in the water, limiting the amount of sunlight that nourishes plants, which in turn nourish the insects and animals there. By controlling this dispersed sediment, you reduce soil water pollution and its effects on the environment and ecosystems.
The DOT type 1 silt barrier is made to meet and exceed the DOT type 1 specification set about by the Department of Transportation in the United States. These specifications dictate the manufacturing of the silt barrier. For specific information on our DOT type 1 silt barrier, give our product specialists a call and find out what DOT type 1 specification you qualify for. For information about our other types of silt screen, see our type 2 and type 3 silt barrier pages.
