Silt fences are a “last line of defense” sediment control practice (U.S. EPA, 2007), and designers and contractors should always consider diverting sediment-laden stormwater to a sediment detention pond or other primary sediment control practice in conjunction with the use of silt fences.

 

If the site can provide a large enough area, this is usually the most effective and economical best management practice for retaining sediments.