American Marine, a division of Elastec in Cocoa, Florida, has been manufacturing silt barriers since 1967. Also referred to as silt curtains, screens or turbidity barriers, their purpose is to minimize the migration of silt and sediment from a marine construction or dredging project to protect sensitive habitats. Built with the latest geosynthetic material technology, Elastec’s American Marine was an early pioneer in silt barrier development and invented a universal connector system which is still an industry standard today. Standard silt barrier specifications are available. Elastec can also custom fabricate silt barriers to keep debris and sediment accumulation under control.
Type 1 Silt Barriers

SiltMax Type 1 DOT
For use in inland waterways, the SiltMax Type 1 DOT Silt Barrier is specifically manufactured to meet and exceed U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and other regulatory requirements for silt control in Type 1 calm conditions. It is offered with impermeable and permeable options. Tell us more about your project.
SiltMax Type 1 DOT Silt Barrier Specifications
Fabric | 18 oz. Vinyl Laminated Fabric |
Color | Safety Yellow |
Flotation Size | 6 inch Square EPS Marine Quality |
Net Buoyancy | 6 inch / 15 cm - 13 lb./ft. / 19.2 kg/m |
Load Carrying Components | Fabric and 1/4 inch Galvanized Steel Chain |
Breaking Strength | 5,000 lb. / 2,267 kg |
Ballast | 0.72 lb. per foot Galvanized Chain |
Section Connections | Laced Grommets, Chain to Chain |
Available Depths | Standard 5 ft. (other depths available on request) |
Length | Standard is 100 ft. or 50 ft. |

SiltMax Type 1 Economy
For calm water, short duration use in canal, ponds, and reservoirs, the SiltMax Type 1 Economy Silt Barrier is compact for easy storage, very affordable, and can work with any project budget. It has an impermeable construction and works well to contain the silt and turbidity from near-shore projects. Tell us more about your project.
SiltMax Type 1 Economy Silt Barrier Specifications
Fabric | Reinforced PVC coated fabric with rip-stop |
Color | Safety Yellow |
Flotation Size | 6 inch Square EPS Marine Quality |
Net Buoyancy | 6 inch / 15 cm - 13 lb./ft. / 19.2 kg/m |
Load Carrying Components | Fabric and 3/16 inch Galvanized Steel Chain (3,000 lb. break strength) |
Ballast | 0.41 lb. per foot Galvanized Chain |
Section Connections | Laced Grommets, Chain to Chain |
Available Depths | Standard 5 ft. (other depths available on request) |
Length | Standard is 100 ft. or 50 ft. |

Type 1 StillWater Screen
For use in inland waterways, our Type 1 Stillwater Screen Silt Barrier is specifically manufactured to meet and exceed U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and other regulatory requirements for turbidity control in Type 1 calm conditions. Stillwater Screen is offered with impermeable and permeable options. Tell us more about your project.
Type 1 Stillwater Screen Silt Barrier Specifications
Fabric | 18 oz. vinyl laminated fabric |
Size | 6 inch / 15 cm up to 10 ft / 3 m depth 8 inch / 20 cm - 11 ft / 3.3 m to 17 ft / 5 m depth 12 inch / 30 cm - 18 ft / 5.4 m to 30 ft 9.14 m depth |
Net Buoyancy | 6 inch / 15 cm - 13 lb/ft / 19.2 kg/m 8 inch / 20 cm - 21 lb/ft / 31 kg/m 12 inch / 30 cm - 52 lb/ft / 76.8 kg/m |
Breaking Strength | 5,000 lb / 2,267 kg |
Ballast | 1/4 inch / 6 mm galvanized chain |
Available Depths | 3 ft to 30 ft / .91 m to 9.14 m |
Length | 100 ft / 30 m standard |
Type 2 Silt Barriers

SiltMax Type 2 DOT
Suitable for mild currents, waves, and wind the SiltMax Type 2 DOT Silt Barrier is designed for rapid deployment, fast storage and handling. It is also appropriate for most regulated applications. SiltMax Type 2 DOT barrier is offered with impermeable and permeable options. Tell us about your project.
SiltMax Type 2 DOT Silt Barrier Specifications
Fabric | Heavy Duty 18 oz. Vinyl PVC (impermeable skirts standard) |
Color | Hi-Visibility Safety Yellow |
Flotation Size | 6 inch Square Marine Grade |
Net Buoyancy | 6 inch / 15 cm - 13 lb./ft. / 19.2 kg/m |
Load Carrying Components | 5/16 inch Galvanized Steel Cable (10,540 lbs. ult. tensile strength), Fabric & 5/16 inch Galvanized Steel Chain (7,600 lbs. ult. tensile strength) |
Breaking Strength | 9,200 lb. / 4,173 kg |
Ballast | 1.06 lb. per foot Galvanized Chain |
Section Connections | ASTM 962 Universal Slide Complete With Toggle Pin, Laced Grommet Skirt, Shackle Chain To Chain, Shackle From Anchor Point Cable To Cable |
Available Depths | Standard 5 ft. (other depths available on request) |
Length | 100 ft. Standard (other lengths available on request) |

Type 2 FastWater Screen
Fastwater Screen Type 2 Silt Barrier is a durable premium curtain for rivers, streams, and lakes where moving water, winds, and waves are present. This rugged barrier design has proven itself in dredging, construction, and remedial applications. It is available in impermeable and permeable options. Tell us more about your project.
Type 2 FastWater Screen Silt Barrier Specifications
Fabric | 22 oz. vinyl coated fabric |
Size | 8 inch / 20 cm up to 10 ft / 3 m depth 12 inch / 30 cm - 11 ft / 3.3 m to 17 ft / 5 m depth |
Net Buoyancy | 8 inch / 20 cm - 21 lb/ft / 31 kg/m 12 inch / 30 cm - 52 lb/ft / 76.8 kg/m |
Breaking Strength | 9,200 lb / 4,173 kg |
Ballast | 5/16 inch / 8 mm galvanized chain |
Available Depths | 3 ft to 30 ft / .91 m to 9.14 m |
Length | 100 ft / 30 m standard |
Type 3 Silt Barriers

SiltMax Type 3 DOT
Suitable for use in tidal zones, rivers, and bays, SiltMax Type 3 DOT Silt Barrier is designed for rapid deployment and is engineered for medium flows. This curtain is permeable to allow water flow while retaining the silt and sediment. Tell us more about your project.
SiltMax Type 3 DOT Silt Barrier Specifications
Fabric | 18 oz. Vinyl PVC (permeable and impermeable skirts are available) |
Color | Safety Yellow |
Flotation Size | 6 inch Square EPS Marine Quality |
Net Buoyancy | 6 inch / 15 cm - 13 lb./ft. / 19.2 kg/m |
Load Carrying Components | 5/16 inch Galvanized Steel Cable (10,540 lbs. ult. tensile strength), Fabric and 5/16 inch Galvanized Steel Chain (7,600 lbs. ult. tensile strength) |
Breaking Strength | 9,200 lb. / 4,173 kg |
Ballast | 5/16 inch Galvanized Chain Standard (heavier available at additional cost) |
Section Connections | Universal ASTM, Laced Grommets, Shackle Chain to Chain |
Available Depths | Standard 5 ft. (other depths available on request) |
Length | 100 ft. Standard (other lengths available on request) |

Type 3 RuffWater Screen
Type 3 Ruffwater Screen Silt Barrier is a heavy duty premium barrier for use in tidal areas or areas where adverse conditions can occur. It is designed for use in demanding water conditions. The curtain intercepts debris and slows the movement of rough water, helping to keep marine habitats safe. Tell us more about your project.
Type 3 RuffWater Screen Silt Barrier Specifications
Fabric | 22 oz. vinyl coated fabric |
Size | 12 inch / 30 cm |
Net Buoyancy | 12 inch / 30 cm - 52 lb/ft / 76.8 kg/m |
Breaking Strength | 18,400 lb / 8,346 kg |
Ballast | 3/8 inch / 10 mm galvanized chain |
Available Depths | 3 ft to 30 ft / .91 m to 9.14 m |
Length | 100 ft / 30 m standard |