Effectiveness of structural sediment perimeter barriers: Literature review and suggestions for future research

Authors: ZHANG, YUFAN - University Of Illinois; BHATTARAI, RABIN - University Of Illinois; Flanagan, Dennis; PRIVETTE III, CHARLES - Clemson University

Submitted to: Journal of the ASABE
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2024
Publication Date: 8/30/2024
Citation: Zhang, Y., Bhattarai, R., Flanagan, D. C., and Privette, C. V. III. 2024. Effectiveness of structural sediment perimeter barriers: Literature review and suggestions for future research. Journal of the ASABE. 67(4): 965-981. https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15630
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15630

Interpretive Summary: Soil erosion by water is a serious problem that can generate substantial sediment losses, which can degrade off-site water bodies (streams, lakes, rivers). In urban areas and especially at construction sites, soil disturbances and bare soil conditions can lead to large amounts of sediment generation, which is often controlled using perimeter barriers such as silt fences or compost logs. This study was aimed at searching for and reviewing all published previous research findings on structural sediment barriers, to document their observed effectiveness, and determine if current approaches in testing effectiveness are sufficient or need improvement. From the past 42 years we identified 16 research studies on silt fences and 7 for compost logs that contained sufficient information on testing procedures and product effectiveness. In this paper we describe and discuss results from those studies, as well as ways in which testing procedures and effectiveness quantification could be improved. These results impact soil conservation agency personnel, construction companies, ARS and university researchers, and others involved in developing ways to reduce sediment losses from highly disturbed areas. A unified testing standard and sampling procedures are needed to provide for better and widespread evaluations of sediment perimeter barriers’ effectiveness.

Technical Abstract: This paper provides a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of structural sediment perimeter barriers (SPBs) in preventing sediment pollution. The study analyzed the results of previous research studies on the effectiveness of the SPBs, including their strengths and limitations. The findings suggest that while SPBs have shown promise in reducing sediment pollution, their effectiveness varies depending on factors such as design, installation, and maintenance. The review also identified the need for a unified test standard, especially a water sampling protocol, for SPBs to ensure consistent and reliable evaluation of their performance. Additionally, the paper calls for more studies to be conducted outside the southern region of the US to better understand the effectiveness of SPBs in other regions with different environmental conditions. More computer simulation modeling to supplement field studies and optimize SPB design and performance is recommended. Future research directions to address the identified gaps and improve the effectiveness of SPBs as a sediment pollution prevention measure are also discussed. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of SPBs, highlights the need for a unified test standard and sampling protocol, increased computer simulation modeling, and calls for further studies outside the southern region of the US to improve the generalizability of the findings.