Why turbidity barriers & silt curtains are so effective

Turbidity is a word that defines the clarity or murkiness of water. When any body of water is murky, muddy, or filled with silt and debris its turbidity level is considered high. Turbidity barriers & silt curtains are tools used to help control the amount of debris, silt, and pollutants that spread out into water when work is being done off-shore or near the shoreline.

Turbidity happens naturally in any water body. Over time, pieces of sand and stones as well as various kinds of organic matter settle to the bottom of the water body floor. These materials are completely safe for the water when they are controlled through the process of sediment. The importance of turbidity barriers & silt curtains comes in to play when large amounts of this sediment will be kicked up all at once during construction, excavation, mining, or drilling work. Because the healthy balance of water is too delicate, even organic elements can cause problems when they aren't controlled. In a normal situation, small amounts of debris would get kicked up by animals, storms, and flowing water. This debris would then be quickly settled once again regaining balance. When larger amounts of sediment, debris, and silt move at the same time, however, the body of water may have a more difficult time establishing balance. Turbidity barriers & silt curtains work to contain the area of silt being disturbed and prevent it from entering into the larger flow of water. In addition, these barriers can help prevent debris from construction work being done near the water from entering into it.

Silt curtains help prevent aquatic plants and animals from being cut off from sunshine and oxygen. If enough light isn't able to reach into the water, plants may not be able to produce enough oxygen. In addition, the large amount of floating debris can cause illness in plants and animals if left uncontrolled.

Turbidity barriers & silt curtains are designed to float on the surface of the water- either right on the shoreline or out in the water any distance. These barriers contain a textured material which prevents debris and silt from moving freely in the water. If a construction job is going to be done in one specific place, the area can be surrounded by turbidity barriers so that debris is controlled to a small space. The barriers are suspended in the water to act like filters or curtains which prevent the open flow of debris and sediment. In cases where work is being done on the shore or near the water, turbidity barriers & silt curtains can be used to prevent foreign elements from entering the water, and cut down on how much machinery and equipment stir up silt and sediment.

Because of the popularity of turbidity barriers & silt curtains for all kinds of work situations, they are designed in many sizes, styles, and purposes. No matter how big or small a job is, you can use these barriers and curtains to ensure that your work doesn't leave a negative impact on the natural environment you are working in. Proper use of barriers can help cut down on expensive clean up jobs, and in many cases the use of protective tools like silt curtains may be required by law.

Using Turbidity barriers & silt curtains is an effective, easy, and cost-effective way to keep your job site clean while doing your part to preserve the environment.

To read more on floating turbidity barriers, please visit us online. For prices, types and pictures of different types of silt barriers, please visit our website today!