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Turbidity Curtain
Sediment & Turbidity Control for Water-Adjacent Work
Protect waterways from sediment, silt, and turbidity when working near lakes, rivers, shorelines, or other water bodies in BC, Alberta, and across Canada and the USA. Our Turbidity Curtain provides an effective, reusable barrier to contain disturbed sediment and prevent contamination of adjacent aquatic habitat — ideal for construction, dredging, shoreline restoration, or any project where water quality matters.
Why Use a Turbidity Curtain?
Construction, dredging, shoreline repair, or earthworks near water often stir up sediment or silt that — if left uncontrolled — can spread through currents, harming aquatic life, reducing water clarity, and violating environmental regulations. A turbidity curtain — also known as a silt curtain or floating barrier — intercepts and contains sediment-laden water so particles can settle before leaving the work area.
By deploying a turbidity curtain, your project stays compliant, protects aquatic ecosystems, and avoids downstream impacts from sediment migration.
Features & Construction
Floating barrier with skirt and ballast chain
The curtain uses buoyant floats at the top, with a vertical skirt hanging down to the chosen depth, and a weighted chain or ballast system along the bottom to keep the skirt properly vertical. This helps ensure silt and suspended solids cannot pass underneath.Durable, environmental-grade fabric
Made from heavy-duty PVC or geotextile materials (depending on curtain type),ensuring longevity and resistance against abrasion, wave action, and environmental wear.Modular and customizable
Available in multiple “types” to match water conditions (see below). Curtains are typically supplied in 50 ft sections that can be connected as needed; custom depths and lengths are also available.Reusable and economical
Designed for multiple deployments, making them a cost-effective solution for repeated projects in sensitive water environments.
Available Curtain Types & When to Use Them
When selecting a Turbidity Curtain, choose based on water conditions, current/wave action, and project scope.
| Type / Model | Best For / Typical Conditions | Description / Key Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 – Industrial / DOT | Calm or sheltered waters, ponds, shallow lakes, small streams, marshes; low flow (< 1 ft/s); light wind and wave action | Lightweight geofabric or PVC barrier; quick deployment; economical option |
| Type 2 – Industrial / DOT | Moderate-flow waterways, lakes, tidal zones, rivers, harbours; medium currents or wave action | Reinforced floating system; heavier skirt fabric; robust connection hardware; increased buoyancy and ballast for demanding conditions |
| Type 3 – DOT (Heavy-Duty) | High-energy environments including tidal zones, coastal work, and areas with strong currents or wave activity; severe applications requiring maximum sediment control | Heavy-duty PVC fabric; dual top tension cables; ASTM universal connectors; robust flotation and ballast for maximum reliability |
Note: For custom applications (unusual depths, complex water conditions, or long-term projects),contact us for a quote. Curtain length, skirt depth, buoyancy, and ballast can be tailored to meet specific project requirements.
Common Applications
- Dredging and harbor maintenance
- Dock, pier, wharf, or bulkhead construction or repair
- Shoreline restoration, coastal or marine construction
- Bridge, jetty, or intake construction near water
- Marina or harbour upgrades and maintenance
- Any shoreline or in-water construction where sediment containment and water quality protection are required
These are especially useful for sites around lakes, rivers, estuaries, or coastal zones — typical environments found in BC and Western Canada.
Environmental & Regulatory Benefits
Using a Turbidity Curtain helps:
- Minimize turbidity (cloudiness) of water due to suspended sediment — protecting aquatic plants, fish, water clarity, and downstream habitats.
- Comply with sediment-control and water-quality regulations and permits often required for in-water or shoreline work.
- Reduce the risk of fines or project delays caused by sediment contamination or environmental impact.
Get the Right Curtain for Your Project
Selecting the correct turbidity curtain depends on water depth, current velocity, wave/tide action, and project duration. As a general guideline:
- Calmer, sheltered waters: Type 1
- Moderate to active waterways: Type 2
- Coastal, tidal, or high-energy marine work: Type 3 (Heavy-Duty)
Need custom lengths, skirt depths, or multi-section deployment? Contact us for a quote — we’ll help you specify floats, ballast, and connection hardware tailored to your site conditions.