Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. The silt fence shall be installed and in good working condition prior to any grading or excavation operations and as needed throughout the construction process. The silt fence installation shall not exceed the amount required for the current construction season. 2. Silt Fence may be installed in the ground by either of the two methods listed below. a. Trenching Method (1) The Contractor shall excavate a trench to the depth, width, and length shown in the contract. (2) The Contractor shall place the silt fence in the trench and pin it as shown in the contract. (3) Wire staples shall be used for anchoring the silt fence. (4) The Contractor shall backfill the trench, compact the soil, and attach the fabric to the posts as shown in the contract. The posts shall be driven until firm. b. Slicing Method (1) The Contractor shall install silt fence by mechanically slicing the material into the soil. (2) The Contractor shall compact the soil and attach the fabric to the posts as shown in the contract. The posts shall be driven until firm. 3. Silt Fence installed in below water conditions. a. Trenching is not required. b. Fold a 6-inch (150 mm) flap toward the sediment source and pin as shown in the contract. Install the stakes as for a dry installation. Attach the fabric to the posts with zip ties or other approved methods and secure it from slipping down the post. 4. All silt fence splice joints shall be overlapped a minimum of 6 feet (1.8 m). 5. The Contractor shall remove sediment that accumulates near the silt fence during construction and disposed of as waste excavation, used as salvaged topsoil, or placed in an on-project upland location. a. Sediment removal shall be initiated when sediment depth has reached one-half the height of the above ground portion of the silt fence or as directed by the Engineer in conjunction with silt fence repairs. b. Sediment shall be removed to approximately 6 inches (150 mm) from the face of the silt fence. c. Each time sediment is removed, the silt fence shall be repaired to a good working condition. Good working condition includes fabric repair, retrenching, post repair, tie replacement, and any associated handwork.
