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Sitework & Earthworkaka: sediment fenceaka: filter fence

Silt Fence

In Plain English

A temporary fabric fence installed on slopes to slow runoff and trap soil particles before they leave the construction site.

Definition

A temporary sediment control barrier consisting of a woven geotextile fabric stapled to wooden posts installed across drainage flow paths on construction sites. Silt fences slow runoff and cause sediment to settle out before water passes through the permeable fabric. They must be installed on contour (across the slope), maintained regularly, and removed when the site is stabilized.

Why It Matters in Bidding

Silt fence is a common line item in the erosion and sediment control (E&SC) section of a sitework bid, and underbidding it invites compliance trouble because regulators and the GC's SWPPP both require it to stay functional through the entire build. Estimators must price not just the linear-foot install but ongoing maintenance, repair after storms, and end-of-job removal, since those carry-along costs are frequently missed and erode margin.

Example

Reviewing the SWPPP plan sheet during takeoff, an estimator measures roughly 2,400 linear feet of silt fence along the downhill site perimeter and adds a separate line for monthly inspection and repair labor through the projected 9-month schedule.

Related Terms

Erosion ControlSediment ControlGeotextileSwale

Frequently Asked Questions

It is quantified by linear foot directly off the erosion-control plan sheet, following the marked alignment along contours and drainage paths. Pricing bundles fabric, posts, trenching the toe, and labor. Smart estimators carry separate lines for storm-event maintenance and removal, since those recurring costs are easy to overlook.
Typically the contractor who installed it or the GC managing the SWPPP, depending on subcontract scope language. Inspections are usually required after rain events and periodically thereafter. Clarifying this in the bid prevents disputes, because regulators cite the permit holder, and unbudgeted repair cycles can quietly consume the line item's margin.
Once the site is permanently stabilized with vegetation or paving, the fence is removed and disturbed soil restored. Removal labor and disposal should appear in the bid. Leaving it in place too long or removing it prematurely can both trigger inspection violations and added cost on the final E&SC closeout.

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