Silt control products

Silt Control Products

Silt and sediment are among the most common pollution issues on civils projects, especially during earthworks and rainfall. Uncontrolled runoff can carry fine particles into surface water drains and nearby watercourses, causing blockage, discolouration and ecological harm. Good practice guidance for UK construction runoff emphasises planning, phased working and using the right control for the pollutant present. ^[1]

It is also important to separate sediment control from chemical spill response. Silt control measures are designed to slow water down and capture suspended solids. They are not a substitute for managing oils, fuels or chemicals, which require absorbents, bunding and drain covers. ^[2]

When you need silt control

Silt control is most critical during groundworks, excavation, stockpiling, temporary haul routes and concrete pours, particularly when rain is forecast. UK guidance notes that silty water must be treated before discharge, typically by providing time and space for solids to settle out and by using suitable treatment stages. ^[2]

Common silt control product types

Silt socks and sediment filter socks

Silt socks (also called sediment socks) are permeable tubes filled with filtration media. They are used to intercept sheet flow, protect the toe of stockpiles, form temporary check dams and reduce sediment migration across hardstanding. Select diameter and fill media to suit flow rates, particle size and available space.

For specific applications where water may be lightly contaminated (for example, bund water that may contain fines and traces of hydrocarbons), a filtration sock approach can be useful as part of a managed treatment and monitoring process. See our Filter Sock range. ^[1]

Inlet protection

Inlet protection is used to prevent sediment entering gullies and surface water drains. Options include gully guards, covers, mats and perimeter barriers. The correct choice depends on whether you need to stop sediment while allowing water to pass, or fully block a drain as an emergency measure.

For protecting drains during spill response or high-risk activities, explore our Drain Protection products. These are intended for preventing pollutants entering drainage systems and should be selected and deployed as part of a site plan. ^[2]

Barriers, berms and perimeter control

Barriers help control the direction of flow so silty runoff reaches a settlement area or filtration stage rather than leaving the work zone. This can include temporary bunding, low-profile berms and edge protection around sensitive areas.

Where you need fast deployment and flexible layouts, portable bunding can help define “no discharge” zones and protect interceptors and drainage routes. View InstaBund Portable Bunding.

How to choose the right approach

Start with prevention: minimise exposed soil, phase works, stabilise surfaces and protect stockpiles before rainfall. ^[3]
Control flow paths: use barriers/berms so runoff is directed into treatment, not across the site or into gullies.
Add treatment stages: use settlement (time/space) first, then filtration for finer particles where required. ^[2]
Plan for maintenance: silt controls only work if inspected and maintained, especially after heavy rain. ^[2]
Keep pollutant controls separate: use silt control for sediment, and dedicated spill response for oils/chemicals. ^[1]

Silt control is not chemical spill response

If there is a risk of oils, fuels or chemicals, use dedicated spill response controls such as absorbents, bunding and drain covers. Our ranges include:

Absorbents for day-to-day leaks and maintenance tasks.
Oil and Fuel Spill Kits for rapid response to hydrocarbons.
Bunded Drum Trays for storage and decanting areas.

By adhering to these best practices for spill management, textile manufacturers and dye houses can protect their employees, the environment, and their operations from the damaging effects of chemical spills.