SILT CURTAINS

Submerged screens to contain sediments in suspension

Silt curtains (also known as silt screens or turbidity curtains) separate an area of dredging work in a port or elsewhere from more sensitive areas, by reducing notably suspended materials beyond the confines of the work being carried out.

Markleen silt curtains are usually made of a porous geotextile material and are typically deployed using solid floatation elements such as a conventional oil containment boom, although inflatable floatation is also an option. The depth of the silt curtain must be sufficient to guarantee an acceptable level of silt containment, while avoiding the chance of the curtain snagging on the sea bed.

The silt curtain must be positioned to provide adequate protection for the area of operations, and must allow for any tides or currents present.