Sediment Control Fencing & Silt Barriers

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are differences. Traditional silt fences use woven geotextile fabric staked into the ground. Sediment logs and coir fiber logs are modern alternatives — they sit on the ground surface, allow water to pass through their porous fiber structure, and are biodegradable, making them more environmentally friendly and often more cost-effective.

Silt fences or sediment barriers should be installed before any ground-disturbing activity begins on a construction site. They must be in place prior to grading, excavation, or clearing to prevent sediment runoff from the outset. In Iowa and most states, this is a regulatory requirement under stormwater permit conditions for construction sites of one acre or more.

Sediment logs are made from various porous, interlocked natural fibers and are suited for slopes, drainage outlets, and site perimeters. Coir fiber logs are specifically made from coconut husk fibers and offer the highest strength among natural fiber products. Coir logs are particularly effective for shoreline stabilization, wetland construction, and waterway applications where longer-term durability is needed.

Yes. Both sediment logs and coir fiber logs are made from natural, biodegradable materials. Sediment logs use interlocked natural fibers, while coir fiber logs are made from coconut husks cured in fresh water. This means they can be left in place after project completion, breaking down naturally and even supporting vegetation establishment without requiring removal.

Sediment logs are versatile and can be deployed along curb and drainage outlets, steep slopes, site perimeters, ditch bottoms, waterways, and over bare soils. They reduce the velocity of stormwater runoff, allowing suspended soil particles to settle. Their flexible form makes them easy to conform to uneven terrain where rigid barriers may be impractical.

Service life varies by product and environment. Sediment logs are generally rated for temporary use up to 12 months, while coir fiber logs offer medium-to-long-term performance of 1–3 years or more due to the superior durability of coconut fiber. Both are designed to degrade naturally after their functional lifespan, reducing post-project cleanup requirements.