What protection is required for all permeable areas in sediment control practice?

• A. Silt fence or construction fencing
• B. No protection is required
• C. Noise barriers
• D. Permanent walls

Answer: (A)

Protecting permeable areas with a sediment-control barrier is about stopping sediment from leaving the site by slowing and filtering runoff at its source. A silt fence or construction fencing is the standard temporary protection used around areas where the ground remains permeable and erosion could transport sediment off-site. A silt fence is a fabric barrier set in a shallow trench that lets water pass while capturing sediment in front of it, while construction fencing creates a perimeter to limit disturbance and keep sediment from moving beyond the site. These measures address the problem at the source on permeable surfaces, unlike options such as noise barriers or permanent walls, which don’t serve as temporary sediment controls. Skipping this protection isn’t acceptable because sediment-laden runoff can easily leave the site and impact downstream water quality.