TYPE 1 TURBIDITY CURTAINS
Type 1 turbidity curtains or silt curtains, as they are sometimes called, are floating barriers designed to control sediment and runoff at construction sites in calm waters. They are designed for installation in calm conditions; verify applicable project specifications and permitting requirements before selecting a curtain. American Marine, a division of Elastec, has been manufacturing quality turbidity curtains since 1967. View DOT requirements by state.
Explore Our Type 1 Turbidity Curtains

SiltMax Type 1 DOT
Type 1 DOT turbidity curtain for sediment control in calm ponds, canals, drainage channels, and other sheltered inland waters.

SiltMax Type 1 Economy
Economical impermeable turbidity curtain for short-duration projects in calm ponds, canals, and reservoirs.

Type 1 StillWater Screen
Turbidity curtain for calm inland waters with permeable or impermeable skirt options to suit project needs.
Choosing a Type 1 Turbidity Curtain
Type 1 turbidity curtains are generally considered for calm, protected water where construction or shoreline work may disturb sediment. Selection should account for water depth, current, project duration, skirt material, anchoring, and any project-specific requirements.
Comparing Type 1 Options
- SiltMax Type 1 DOT: A calm-water curtain designed for inland applications where a DOT-oriented product specification may be needed; check the applicable project documents and state requirements.
- SiltMax Type 1 Economy: An impermeable option for shorter-duration work in calm ponds, canals, or reservoirs.
- Type 1 StillWater Screen: An option for calm waterways with permeable or impermeable skirt configurations, depending on project needs.
Type 1 Applications and Installation Considerations
Common applications include sheltered ponds, canals, drainage areas, and nearshore construction where site conditions remain appropriate for a Type 1 curtain.
See our turbidity curtain installation guide and accessories for information about installation, anchoring, and related components. For a broader comparison, review all turbidity curtain types and DOT requirements by state.
Type 1 Turbidity Curtain Questions
When should I consider a Type 1 curtain?
Type 1 is commonly considered for calm, sheltered waters. Wind, vessel wakes, and intermittent flows still need to be reviewed before choosing a curtain.
How do I choose between Economy, DOT, and StillWater?
Compare the specified fabric, permeable or impermeable skirt, size, project duration, and any required state or project standards. The right choice depends on the installation.
Can the curtain be made for different water depths?
Custom skirt depths may be available. Provide the water depth and expected changes in water level so Elastec can review the appropriate configuration.
Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
The Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) establish requirements that can apply to construction-related stormwater discharges. Turbidity curtains can be one part of a site’s sediment-control approach, but product selection and installation must reflect the specific water conditions, permit requirements, and project design. Consult the project engineer and state or local permitting authority; using a particular curtain does not, by itself, establish compliance.
For state-specific product guidance, see turbidity curtain DOT requirements by state.
TURBIDITY CURTAIN QUESTIONNAIRE
In order that we may recommend the best Turbidity Curtain for your project, please provide the following information. We have included some questions that will help us better understand your needs. Please answer as many as possible. If the flow rate is high, Elastec can provide modeling data to determine anchor spacing and feasibility of systems.
