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Turbidity Curtain Water Barriers

for Debris Containment and Environmental Clean Up Projects

A turbidity curtain is a water barrier that contains sediment, debris and pollutants to prevent contamination around streams, shorelines and construction projects.

Turbidity curtains trap sediment to prevent downstream pollution just like silt fence traps sediment and releases filtered water on land. Install these water barriers to contain sediment, logs, trash, and hazardous materials on marine construction projects and oil spills.

Type I Turbidity Curtain

For calm waters protected from wind and waves
Install in lakes, ponds and canals
Design includes marine-grade floatation with lace connectors and hot-dipped galvanized proof coil chain
Choose from Pervious (all-geotextile), Impervious (all-PVC) or Impervious/Pervious (PVC float and geotextile skirt)
Type I Pervious Turbidity Curtain Spec
Type I Impervious Turbidity Curtain Spec

Type II Turbidity Curtain

For slow to moderate currents up to 2 knots
Install in rivers, streams and lakes with moderate wave action
Design includes marine-grade floatation with lace connectors, hot-dipped galvanized proof coil chain and galvanized cable coated top tension member
Choose from Pervious (all-geotextile), Impervious (all-PVC) or Impervious/Pervious (PVC float and geotextile skirt)
Type II Pervious Turbidity Curtain Spec
Type II Impervious Turbidity Curtain Spec

Type III Turbidity Curtain

For tidal environments that experience regular wind and wave action
Install in currents up to 3 knots
Design includes marine-grade floatation with choice of connectors, hot-dipped galvanized proof coil chain, galvanized cable coated top tension member and galvanized cable coated middle tension member
Choose from Pervious (all-geotextile), Impervious (all-PVC) or Impervious/Pervious (PVC float and geotextile skirt)
Type III Pervious Turbidity Curtain Spec
Type III Impervious Turbidity Curtain Spec

Custom Made Turbidity Curtains

Turbidity curtains are made to order per plan specifications.

Every curtain has a marine-grade floating device and a skirt that extends to the floor. Water conditions determine the type of curtain you need while application determines permeability.

Choose from three options for permeability: pervious, impervious or impervious/pervious

Pervious Turbidity Curtains

For ‘flow through’ applications, a pervious water barrier is required. These curtains are manufactured from woven geotextile fabric and allow water to flow through while retaining most sediment and debris.

Impervious Turbidity Curtains

In most containment and barrier applications, the specified curtain is impervious. An impervious Turbidity Curtain is manufactured from 22.0 oz PVC coated polyester. PVC contains silt while preventing material flow through.

Impervious/Pervious Curtains

This combo water barrier has a impervious PVC-float and a pervious geotextile curtain that allows water to flow through.

Choose from standard options or request custom-made sizes.

Section LengthSkirt Depth
50-foot standard3-foot standard
100-foot standard5-foot standard
additional sizes available
Boom Marker Light

Boom Marker Light

Add a weather resistant Boom Marker light for temporary use during installation or permanent visibility. Boom Lights are easily rigged to an anchor point, oil boom or turbidity curtain.

Buoy

Buoys

Add buoys for improved visibility. Connect buoys to water barriers or link multiple together to create a chain. Inquire about available sizes.

Anchor system

Anchor System

Add an anchor system to connect booms, turbidity curtains and buoys. Anchor systems are standard to 150-feet water depth and available in multiple weights to match water conditions.

Turbidity curtain in Hells Creek

Project Feature: Sandbridge Bridge Replacement

An Impervious Turbidity Curtain contained sediment and debris in Hell’s Creek during this bridge reconstruction project in Virginia Beach.

Learn More About Turbidity Curtains

Learn how to install and inspect a turbidity curtain plus download specifications and resources.

For best results, follow these installation instructions and inspection guidelines.

Leave turbidity curtain skirt tied to floats as delivered.

Lay out sections end-to-end.

Attach ends with 1/4 inch nylon rope or heavy-duty zip ties, and the included hooks. (If you have a Type III, there will be another hook in the middle of the skirt.)

Secure one end on land.

Tow the remaining sections into the water. The amount of sections towed at one time depends on conditions, experience, amount of workers, equipment, etc.

Once it is towed into position and anchored in place, release the skirt from the floats.

To remove turbidity curtain, raise the skirt and secure before towing to minimize damage. Relocating the curtain without raising the skirt may cause significant damage to the skirt.

Download Installation Instructions

Download Installation and Removal Instructions

Ensure the anchoring systems are holding and the lines are not damaged or chafed.

Ensure any heavy debris is clear of curtain, as this could result in damage or submerging of curtain.

Inspect visible hardware above the waterline and(shackles/cables) repair if needed.

Inspect the fabric (tears, chafing etc.) and repair if needed.

If reefing lines have been installed, pull them to ensure the curtain is not resting on the bottom. Adjust them as needed to ensure the curtain is approximately 1’ off the water bottom. This is to ensure curtain will not get buried on the bottom from silt generated.

Download Inspection Guidelines

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