Turbidity Curtain DOT Requirements by State

Turbidity curtains, also known as silt curtains, are essential tools for construction projects near water bodies. They act as barriers, containing sediment and preventing it from clouding the water and harming aquatic life. While the overall goal of these curtains is the same across the US, the specific requirements set by each state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) can vary significantly.

Always consult your state’s DOT website or contact the relevant authorities for the latest and most accurate information. By staying informed, you can ensure your construction project minimizes its impact on the environment and complies with all regulations.

Additional Tips:

• Partner with an experienced turbidity curtain supplier or contractor familiar with your state’s specific requirements. Elastec’s representatives can provide the expertise you need regarding deployment, anchoring and turbidity curtain price.
• Choose curtains appropriate for the water conditions and project duration.
• Properly deploy and maintain the curtains according to regulations and best practices.
• Monitor turbidity levels and adjust the curtains as needed throughout the project.

By taking these steps, you can ensure your construction project runs smoothly while protecting the health of our waterways. Below are links to each state’s department of transportation website to help you gather more information. View our guide on how to install turbidity curtains and make sure to tell us about your project. Our team can give you the expert advice you need for a successful installation.

Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montanna | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming

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Alabama

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) requires that silt or turbidity curtains be installed in accordance with their Standard Specifications for Highway Construction (section 665) and the “Alabama Handbook for Erosion Control, Sediment Control, and Storm Water Management.” These temporary sediment barriers must be placed as shown on project plans or as directed by the engineer, oriented parallel to water flow in moving conditions, and be compatible with manufacturer’s recommendations. ALDOT specifies that turbidity curtains should use Type I DOT curtains—featuring 6″ or 8″ foam floats with at least 18 oz PVC fabric—and must be regularly inspected and maintained alongside other best management practices and NPDES permit requirements.

Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)

Alaska

Alaska DOT’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) guidance (BMP 19.00) and its associated specifications (680 – Silt Curtain) require that silt or turbidity curtains—also known as floating silt curtains—be used to isolate in- or near‑water work areas by deploying geotextile fabric skirts suspended from floats and anchored at the bottom by weights (typically chain), ensuring the curtain remains vertical in calm or tidal waters; designers must specify curtain depth, fabric permeability, bottom gap clearance, float sizing, anchor-chain length, anchor point spacing, and high‑visibility floats, and should avoid curtain placement across active flow paths and minimize impacts to substrate and habitat. The DOT also mandates proper installation and maintenance throughout construction, with barriers placed within 10 ft of any fill toe or within 25 ft of open water, to effectively contain sediment and turbidity until project completion.

Alaska Department of Transportation

Arizona

Arizona DOT mandates the use of silt or turbidity curtains for all work in or adjacent to surface waters—including rivers, lakes, and wetlands—to satisfy Clean Water Act (CWA) §401/402 requirements under its Construction General Permit (AZG2008‑001). These curtains must meet the design, installation, anchoring, and maintenance standards specified in the ADOT Erosion & Pollution Control Manual, ensuring effective sediment containment during construction activities. ADOT projects that involve dredging or fill in U.S. waters must secure §404/401 permits and adhere to monitoring protocols to confirm turbidity remains within allowed limits; turbidity curtains must be properly deployed, inspected regularly, and adjusted or maintained as necessary throughout the project.

Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)

Arkansas

The Arkansas DOT mandates use of turbidity (silt) curtains to control sediment runoff during aquatic construction and maintenance activities—especially those disturbing ≥1 acre, which require NPDES Construction General Permit coverage. Designing and installing barriers in accordance with DOT and FHWA standards is essential: curtains must be selected by type (DOT Type 1, 2, or 3) based on water depth, currents, and conditions, and must include floating booms, ballast chains, anchorage (stakes, weighted anchors) at intervals (typically ≤100 ft), and secure shoreline tie‑ins. Type 3 DOT curtains include permeable polypropylene filter panels replacing ~20 % of the skirt to help manage pressure while retaining silt, and all installations must be engineered to local site conditions and approved by the ARDOT Engineer prior to deployment.

Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) 

California

Caltrans specifies that silt/turbidity curtains—also known as turbidity barriers—must be used in calm or slow-moving water environments (ponds, lakes, lagoons, slow-flowing rivers) where sediment discharge is unavoidable. These curtains rely on a floating top boom and a weighted bottom hem (steel chain or ballast) to maintain vertical positioning in the water. They must be installed parallel to water flow (when present), with anchors spaced every ~30 m (100 ft), and extend to either the full depth or within one foot of the bottom (using permeable fabric if closer). Daily inspections are required; any damage, gaps, or dislocation must be repaired promptly. Sediment must be allowed to settle for at least 6–12 hours before removing either the sediment or the curtain itself. Removal must be done carefully—curtains are detached from anchors, furled, and towed out—only after visible turbidity has dissipated and sampled water meets quality standards.

California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS)

Colorado

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) requires the use of silt and turbidity curtains as part of its erosion‑control specifications outlined in Section 208 of the 2023 Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction. These must be constructed and installed in English measurements, with geotextile materials meeting minimum performance standards for strength, permittivity, and UV stability. While “silt fence” and “silt berms” are specifically detailed—requiring wooden or metal posts, specified fabric properties, proper anchoring, and regular maintenance—CDOT mandates that any in- or near-water work be contained using appropriate sediment barriers. These curtains must be deployed per contract plans, positioned to block sediment runoff, extended to the bottom substrate, firmly anchored, and inspected consistently to ensure compliance with NPDES and watershed protection requirements.

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)

Connecticut

Connecticut’s Department of Transportation (CT DOT), aligning with CT DEEP and the statewide Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines, mandates that turbidity or silt curtains—referred to as floating turbidity barriers—be utilized around in-water work sites to contain sediment and prevent its migration into surrounding waterbodies. These curtains must form a continuous vertical seal (with bottom resting on the substrate and at least a 3″ freeboard above water), be securely anchored, maintained in working condition throughout the project, and inspected regularly per manufacturer and engineer specifications. CT DOT restricts their deployment seasonally—installation and removal are allowed only between July 1 and March 31 — and prohibits using silt curtains alone to confine flowing water for unconfined in-stream work, which must instead be contained via cofferdams, sheet piles, or similar techniques.

Connecticut Department of Transportation

Delaware

Delaware’s Department of Transportation (DELDOT) mandates the use of floating turbidity (silt) curtains for any in‑ or near‑water construction—such as pile installation/removal, scour protection, soil borings, or bridge work—to control sediment and turbidity. The standard detail requires at least one curtain panel for depths up to 5 ft, two panels to reach the bottom in depths up to 10 ft, and special deep‑water panels where depths exceed 10 ft. Curtains must include flotation, bottom-load and top-load lines, be anchored or staked per engineer’s direction, and be deployed to fully enclose the work area without crossing active flow paths. Throughout the project, they must remain intact and properly maintained so that no project-related sediment escapes the enclosure.

Delaware Department of Transportation (DELDOT)

Florida

Florida DOT requires both floating and staked turbidity (silt) curtains to control sediment during in‑water or shoreline construction. Under Section 104‑6.4.119, contractors must install turbidity barriers—floating or anchored—before any work that could stir up turbidity, based on plans or engineer approval. These barriers must be maintained throughout the project to minimize water quality impacts, with prompt repair or adjustment as needed. FDOT allows using new or approved used geotextile, vinyl or PVC materials for silt fences and turbidity barriers, subject to engineer approval. Silt fences are restricted to upland areas and must not cross active flows; in or near flowing water, turbidity curtains must be used and sized appropriately by type (I, II, III) according to site conditions to effectively contain sediment and avoid degradation of water quality.

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

Georgia

Georgia DOT outlines clear standards for the use of silt (turbidity) curtains—also known as floating booms or silt retention barriers—to control sediment in or adjacent to water bodies. They must be installed per Standard Specifications Sections 165/170 with details in Drawing D‑51 (4‑22‑2016): curtains are either floating or staked, using impermeable vinyl or permeable geotextile, kept vertical with floats on top and ballast or anchors at the bottom, with a maximum staked height of 5 ft unless directed. Installation requires placement roughly 25 ft outside the active work zone and within 5 ft of the bed bottom, with the top extending 2 ft above normal waterline, aligned parallel to current if present. The curtain design must be sized to contain sediment effectively, and contractors must follow manufacturer guidelines, perform regular maintenance, and adhere to quality acceptance and warranty provisions.

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) 

Hawaii

Hawaii Department of Transportation requires the use of silt or turbidity curtains as a key best management practice (BMP) for any in‑water or near‑shore construction where sediment discharge cannot be avoided. According to its BMP Manual, these floating barriers must be deployed in calm or slow-moving waters—lakes, ponds, or slow streams—extending close to the bottom yet topped with flotation buoys, anchored (typically every 100 ft), and oriented parallel to water flow to effectively confine suspended sediment. The fabric curtain must be bright, impervious (or pervious in bottom foot for wave conditions), and weighted with a bottom ballast line. Active inspection and repair of any tears or gaps are required, and sediment should be allowed to settle for 6–12 hours before either removal of sediment or the curtain itself. In a site-specific example for Hilo Harbor (Pier 4), both a perimeter curtain around the work area and a separate curtain around barges are mandated, with daily inspections and work stoppage if barriers become ineffective until fully repaired.

Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT)

Idaho

The Idaho Transportation Department’s Standard Specifications for Highway Construction (2023) include Section 647, which governs the use of temporary turbidity (silt) curtains for in‑water work. These pre-assembled barriers must fully enclose the construction area using geotextile or geomembrane skirts, flotation devices, ballast chain, and securing hardware. They must be installed before work begins, maintained properly (aligned, inspected, free of gaps), and removed only once in‑water turbidity returns to pre‑construction levels. The Department measures these installations as a lump sum, and maintenance tasks (such as realignment and accessory removal) are included in that payment.

Idaho Department of Transportation

Illinois

Illinois DOT requires that any land-disturbing work near or in waterways include proper silt or turbidity curtains as part of the project’s Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (per Illinois Urban Manual Practice 930). Such floating curtains must be anchored on both banks (shoreward and streamside) to prevent downstream or lateral drift. They’re mandated whenever an acre or more is disturbed during roadway projects adjacent to rivers, streams, or wetlands, and must be installed prior to major land-disturbing activities. Materials must meet IDOT pay items (e.g., turbidity curtain – item XX005972, silt curtain – XX007107) and adhere to fabric, float, and anchoring specifications outlined in IDOT’s standard plans and the Erosion Control Field Guide. Maintenance and inspection during use are also required to ensure continued sediment containment and compliance with NPDES permit conditions.

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)

Indiana

Indiana DOT’s Specification 205‑C‑231, adopted February 21, 2013, outlines rigorous standards for temporary turbidity (silt) curtains used in water‑adjacent construction. The curtains must use impermeable vinyl‑nylon laminate with 18 oz/sq yd fabric, have 6″ marine‑grade expanded polystyrene flotation with at least 13 lb/ft buoyancy, and include a 0.25″ galvanized ballast chain weighing a minimum of 0.7 lb/ft. Materials are required to meet ASTM D 4632 tensile strength standards (≥300 lb) and come in bright colors for visibility. Installation must precede any in‑water disturbance; curtains are inspected for sediment seepage, with tears promptly repaired, and removed only after 48 hours of site stabilization, minimizing re‑suspension. All seams must meet full product strength per manufacturer specs, and deviations require engineer approval. Curtain costs—including materials, installation, maintenance, and removal—are included in the linear‑foot pay item.

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)

Iowa

Iowa DOT requires floating silt (turbidity) curtains—referred to under Standard Road Plan EC‑202—to be used during any in‑water or stream‑bank construction (e.g., temporary crossings, work pads) to isolate the work area and allow sediment to settle. These curtains consist of fabric skirts weighted along the bottom edge and supported by floats at the top, anchored laterally (anchors spaced per EC‑202: e.g., no more than 0.6 × stream width) to ensure a vertical barrier across varying flow conditions. They must extend nearly to the bed, with appropriate floatation and tensioning, and be located as close as practical to the disturbed area . Installation and maintenance—including inspections after storms—are required throughout construction. Silt curtain deployment is listed as a bid item under Iowa DOT Construction Manual CM 7.70 whenever bridge or stream‑bank work in water bodies is involved.

Iowa Department of Transportation

Kansas

Kansas DOT requires that silt or turbidity curtains—also known as floating silt curtains—be used during in‑water or near‑water construction to control erosion and sedimentation, per its standard specifications for road and bridge work. These barriers must consist of buoyant floats and an attached geotextile skirt, anchored securely (such as with chains or stakes) to maintain a vertical barrier from surface to near‑bottom, and keep sediment contained. Depending on site conditions (wave, current, tidal forces), curtains must meet DOT‑defined types (Type I–III) which specify float size, fabric weight (typically heavy PVC), top cable strength, and bottom ballast. Installation must be complete before construction begins, and curtains must be positioned as approved—ideally parallel to flow in moving water—with consistent spacing of anchors and maintaining minimal gap at the skirt’s bottom. Regular inspections, maintenance, sediment clean‑up, and adjustment throughout the project are required to ensure compliance with water quality and erosion control permits (e.g. NPDES).

Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT)

Kentucky

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) requires the use of silt or turbidity curtains—along with a full suite of erosion- and sediment-control measures—on all in‑ or near‑water construction sites to prevent sediment from leaving project boundaries. These barriers, typically specified in KYTC’s Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction (Sections 212–214) and detailed in the BMP Field Guide, must be installed downhill of bare soil areas, anchored securely, and maintained to intercept sheet flow and allow sediment to settle before discharge. KYTC enforces a standard that no sediment may leave the site and mandates inspections weekly and after rainfall (>0.5″), with accumulated sediment removed at one-third the barrier’s height. All disturbed areas must be stabilized—by seeding, mulching, sodding, or blankets—within 14 days of inactivity, or 21 days if temporary, ensuring full containment of turbidity and compliance with KPDES permit requirements.

Kentucky Department of Transportation

Louisiana

Louisiana DOT requires the use of silt or turbidity curtains (also known as floating sediment barriers) on any in‑ or near‑water construction activities in accordance with its Standard Specifications for Roads and Bridges (notably Section 204 and related erosion‑control subsections). These barriers must consist of a buoyant flotation boom supporting a geotextile skirt that extends close to the channel bottom, sufficiently weighted or anchored to maintain a vertical position in calm or flowing water. Curtain type (typically DOT Type I, II, or III) is selected based on water conditions—Type I for calm protected waters, up through Type III for moderate currents and wave action. Installation must occur before work begins, with end‑to‑end connections sealed, anchoring specified per site conditions, and routine inspection and maintenance required throughout the project in compliance with NPDES permit obligations.

Louisiana Department of Transportation

Maine

MaineDOT’s erosion and sedimentation control manual requires that any in-water work (like temporary crossings, dewatering, or cofferdams) employ floating turbidity (silt) curtains to prevent sediment discharge into water bodies. These curtains must consist of a flotation boom with an attached geotextile skirt extending toward—but not necessarily touching—the bottom, and be anchored and weighted to remain vertical under the water. They are to be positioned immediately surrounding the work area, properly installed according to site-specific water depth and flow conditions, and routinely inspected, repaired, and maintained throughout the project duration. Curtains should remain in place until visible turbidity subsides and sediment has sufficiently settled, ensuring compliance with MaineDOT’s Best Management Practices outlined in Section III‑95 to III‑97.

Main Department of Transportation

Maryland

Maryland DOT (via MDOT SHA) mandates the use of floating turbidity (silt) curtains for in‑water or near‑water construction activities—especially when hydraulic grading or fill occurs in streams, wetlands, or tidal zones. These curtains must consist of a geotextile skirt suspended from floats, anchored to the bottom, and deployed around the perimeter of the work area to effectively contain sediment. They also require daily inspections, prompt debris removal, repairs as needed, and sediment clean‑up behind the curtain before its careful removal to avoid re‑suspension. Operators must include these curtains as part of their approved erosion and sediment control plan under MDOT SHA’s Sediment & Stormwater Guidelines, aligning with MDE’s 2011 standards and COMAR regulations.

Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)

Massachusetts

MassDOT requires that any in‑water or bank-side construction activities use turbidity (silt) curtains that meet its technical specifications and ensure effective sediment containment. These curtains must consist of geotextile skirts—manufactured and tested to Massachusetts DOT standards—anchored at the bottom (typically with ballast chain) and supported on top by foam flotation. They must span from just above the water surface down to near the bottom, be tied securely to shorelines, and installed parallel to water flow in flowing conditions. Typical MassDOT-compliant products use 18 oz PVC-coated or permeable filter fabric, with flotation blocks sized appropriately (e.g., 6″–12″ EPS foam depending on depth) and skirt depths ranging from 3′ to 15′, including grommets, load cables, 5/16″ ballast chain, and heat‑sealed seams. Routine inspection—especially after storms—is required, and accumulated sediment must be removed before curtain removal.

Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MASSDOT)

Michigan

Michigan DOT mandates the use of turbidity curtains—shallow (≤ 2 ft) or deep (2–10 ft or deeper) depending on water depth—for any in‑water or shoreline construction to contain sediment within the work area. Shallow curtains may be staked or floated, while deep curtains must include flotation booms, weighted bottom hems (ballast chains reaching the bottom for ≤10 ft depth, or anchored bottom for >10 ft), and be securely anchored upstream, downstream, and to the channel bed. Curtains must extend at least 20% above the maximum water level (including waves) to prevent overtopping, be made from nonwoven geotextile in bright colors for visibility, and be inspected daily—especially after precipitation events—to repair piping or anchorage issues. Sediment collected behind curtains is typically left in place or removed gently by hand before curtain removal to minimize disturbance.

Overall, MDOT’s turbidity curtain specifications—including curtain type selection, placement, anchoring, inspection, maintenance, and removal—are detailed in its Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control Manual, Standard Specifications (Section 208), and related guidance documents.

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

Minnesota

Minnesota DOT requires the use of silt or turbidity curtains—also known as flotation silt curtains or turbidity barriers—when work takes place in or adjacent to water. The curtains must be installed as close to shore as possible and extend vertically to reach the bottom of the waterbody, typically embedding a minimum of 2 ft and up to 10 ft in depth per MnDOT Spec 3887, with floatation booms at the top and weighted skirts at the bottom. They must be supported by steel posts, cables, or anchors at specified spacing—often 6 ft max—and include breakaway features like floats and slack sleeves to accommodate water movement . These curtains are permitted only during active in‑water work and must be promptly removed once work concludes, replaced by redundant land-based perimeter controls. All installations must also comply with general sediment-control specifications (e.g., Specs 2573, 3886/3887, 3893), and contractors must adhere to SWPPP requirements under NPDES permits, ensuring regular inspection and maintenance.

Minnesota Department of Transportation

Mississippi

Mississippi DOT requires that silt or turbidity curtains—also known as floating turbidity barriers—be installed around any in‑water or near‑water construction to contain sediment and prevent its spread. The curtains must include a textile skirt suspended from flotation devices, weighted at the bottom, and securely anchored to maintain a vertical seal from surface to near the substrate. Materials and design are chosen based on site conditions (e.g., flow velocity, water depth, tide), ensuring the barrier doesn’t function as a dam and is not placed across active channels. Sediment is allowed to settle behind the curtain for at least 6–12 hours before removal, and curtains must remain undisturbed at least 12 hours prior to withdrawal from the water body. Proper deployment, regular inspection, maintenance, anchoring, and timely removal are all mandated as part of erosion‑control and stormwater management compliance.

Mississippi Department of Transportation

Missouri

Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) requires the use of silt or turbidity curtains—also called floating silt barriers—on any construction or maintenance project in or adjacent to waters of the state when sediment may be disturbed, as mandated within MoDOT’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) under its general State Operating Permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. These curtains must consist of a floating boom and weighted skirt, extend to within one foot of the stream or lake bottom, and be anchored securely at intervals appropriate for site conditions. MoDOT’s specifications (in Section 806.2 and in the 2023/2025 Standard Specifications for Highway Construction) emphasize deploying barriers parallel to flow, integrating with other best management practices (e.g., Type C berms), and inspecting them regularly—particularly after runoff events—to remove accumulated sediment once it reaches half the barrier height. Maintenance and timely removal only after turbidity has cleared are integral to ensuring compliance with Clean Water Act/NPDES standards and state water quality regulations.

Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT)

Montanna

The Montana Department of Transportation mandates that silt or turbidity curtains used during construction in or adjacent to waterways must form a continuous vertical seal—meaning the curtain skirt must rest firmly on the substrate, with a minimum 3‑inch freeboard above the water, and be securely anchored to resist movement. They must be maintained in functional condition throughout the project and inspected regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s and engineer’s specifications to ensure integrity and effectiveness in sediment control.

Montanna Department of Transportation 

Nebraska

Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) requires that any in‑stream or near‑water construction include the use of turbidity (silt) curtains as specified in contract plans and in compliance with NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) and watershed protection regulations. These curtains must form a continuous vertical seal—skirt extending fully to the bottom substrate with adequate freeboard at the top—securely anchored with appropriate ballast or weights. Contractors are responsible for installation, regular inspection, maintenance, and prompt repair, ensuring barriers are intact and preventing any sediment escape into adjacent water bodies throughout the project’s duration. The design, placement, and anchorage must be engineered to site-specific conditions, following NDOT drawings and details (consistent with standard DOT requirements).

Nebraska Department of Transportation

Nevada

Nevada DOT requires that silt or turbidity curtains—often referred to in their Water Quality Manual and Standard Specifications (Section 637)—be used as part of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for any disturbance of one acre or more draining to waters of the U.S. Contractors must install these floating or geotextile barriers prior to any in-stream work or soil disturbance, ensuring they extend to the streambed or near-bottom, are equipped with flotation devices and bottom ballast (typically chain), and are securely anchored per plan specifications. The curtains must remain intact and functional throughout construction, with regular inspections and maintenance to repair any tears or displacements, and should only be removed after turbidity subsides and water quality meets required limits. These measures must align with the state’s General Permit for stormwater and may be supplemented by additional BMPs, such as silt fences or cofferdams, depending on site-specific conditions.

Nevada Department of Transportation

New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s DOT requires the use of turbidity (silt) curtains for any in- or near-water construction—such as dredging, cofferdam installations, or wetland impacts—under both NH Administrative Rule Env‑Wt 304.06/903.03 and their Best Management Practices manuals. Curtains must be installed before any disturbance begins, form a continuous barrier around the work area (often supplemented by coffer dams), and remain securely anchored and free of gaps throughout the project. Regular inspection and maintenance are required to prevent sediment escape, and removal is only permitted once visible turbidity has cleared and water quality returns to acceptable standards.

New Hampshire Department of Transportation

New Jersey

The New Jersey Department of Transportation requires the installation of floating turbidity (silt) curtains for any in‑water or near‑water construction activities—such as discharge from storm sewers, dewatering, dredging, or general sediment-generating operations—to prevent drifting silt and control turbidity. These barriers must be tailored to site conditions and placed effectively to contain sediment, with placement and design approved by the Resident Engineer; alternative materials or methods are permissible if similarly effective and approved. NJDOT defines three curtain types based on waterbody characteristics: Type 1 for ponds, shallow lakes and small streams with currents <1 ft/s; Type 2 for larger lakes, streams, intercoastal or tidal areas with currents up to 5 ft/s; and Type 3 for high‑velocity, tidal/wave‑exposed waters up to 5 ft/s. Installation includes a floating top boom, weighted or chained bottom, support poles or anchors, and optional navigational warning lights if near boat channels. Curtains should fully span the depth (or nearly so) of the water, be anchored securely, and regularly inspected/maintained throughout construction under NJDEP/NPDES compliance.

New Jersey Department of Transportation

New Mexico

New Mexico’s Department of Transportation mandates that any construction or maintenance project disturbing soils adjacent to waterways incorporate silt or turbidity curtains as part of its Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. According to the NMDOT Erosion and Sediment Control Field Guide, these floating barriers must be installed along all down-gradient perimeters, anchored to maintain a continuous seal from the water surface to near the bed, and sized to suit site‑specific conditions (e.g., water depth and current velocity) . Placement must precede any in‑water disturbance, and maintenance—including regular inspections, prompt repair of damage, and sediment removal—must continue throughout construction to ensure compliance with NPDES stormwater permits . Removal is only permitted once turbidity has returned to pre‑construction levels.

New Mexico Department of Transportation

New York

New York State DOT requires turbidity (silt) curtains to be commercially‑available, preassembled systems composed of a geotextile skirt, flotation devices, bottom ballast, and anchoring, with panels securely joined so no sediment can pass through seams. Curtain sections must not exceed 100 ft each, and end sections must extend at least 10 ft beyond the disturbance zone. For non‑tidal or calm waters, the bottom weight must conform to the substrate to seal sediment, while in tidal or wave-affected areas the skirt must hang approximately 300 mm above the bottom to avoid scouring. Anchor points should be spaced no more than 30 m apart, and redirection barriers are required when currents exceed 1.5 m/s. Install curtains as close to disturbance as possible (parallel to flow, not across it), maintain a minimum 100 mm freeboard, inspect daily (extra during storms), correct any visible turbidity beyond the curtain promptly, and remove the curtain within 72 hours after turbidity drops to acceptable levels, ensuring sediment is not disturbed during removal.

New York Department of Transportation

North Carolina

North Carolina DOT requires that any in-stream or near-stream construction—including bridge approaches, dredging, cofferdams, and dewatering—employ turbidity (silt) curtains in accordance with NCDOT’s Erosion & Sediment Control standards. These curtains must feature a fabric skirt suspended from buoyant floats and anchored with weights or stakes to form a continuous vertical barrier reaching from the water’s surface to the bed. NCDOT explicitly mandates daily inspections—referenced in the project’s ESC narrative (using the “turbidity curtain pay item”)—with prompt repair of any damage, removal of debris, and manual clearing of sediment deposits prior to curtain removal. Final removal should involve carefully pulling the curtain toward the construction site, after confirming no visible turbidity remains and water quality standards are met.

North Carolina Dpartment of Transportation (NCDOT)

North Dakota

The North Dakota Department of Transportation mandates the use of floating silt (turbidity) curtains for any in‑ or near‑water construction activity as part of its erosion‑and‑sediment‑control requirements outlined in the NDDOT construction specifications and environmental BMP modules. These curtains must be installed prior to any disturbance, extending from shore to submerge just above the water bottom, and anchored securely both on shore and underwater—spaced strategically depending on water flow velocity, with detailed “still‑water” and “moving‑water” design patterns (e.g., 0–5 ft/sec flow rates) to maintain vertical alignment and prevent gaps. Deployment and movement of curtains throughout the project are incorporated into bid items and must be reflected in the contractor’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), with regular inspections, prompt repairs, and removal only after visible turbidity returns to pre‑construction levels.

North Dakota Department of Transportation

Ohio

Ohio DOT requires the use of properly installed and maintained silt or turbidity curtains for any land-disturbing activities adjacent to waterways, as part of its Erosion and Sediment Control Plan under the Illinois Urban Manual (Practice 930) and NPDES permits. These floating curtains must feature anchored geotextile skirts with adequate buoyant floats on top and bottom ballast, securely fastened to both banks to prevent downstream or lateral movement, and must be installed before major earth disturbance on sites disturbing one acre or more. Materials must conform to IDOT standards (e.g., turbidity curtain – item XX005972, silt curtain – XX007107) with specifications for fabric strength, bottom clearance, floatation, anchoring, and installation depth as defined in ODOT’s standard plans and the Erosion Control Field Guide. Regular inspections and maintenance are required throughout use to ensure sediment containment and compliance with water quality regulations.

Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)

Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation requires the use of Type 1 DOT-style floating turbidity curtains (also known as silt curtains) around all in-water work areas. These curtains must be installed prior to embankment or disturbance, remain in place and be moved along with the advancing construction zone, and fully enclose the work area to contain turbidity. They consist of a continuous geotextile skirt weighted at the bottom (typically with galvanized ballast chain) and supported by floats (commonly 6″ marine-grade foam), and must be secured to shoreline or structure anchors, per ODOT Standard Specifications §712.08. Maintenance includes ensuring the curtain remains vertical with bottom contact, inspecting regularly, repairing any damage, and only removing it when visible turbidity has dissipated and water quality standards are met.

Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT)

Oregon

Oregon DOT mandates that any in-water or near-water construction use turbidity (silt) curtains meeting its standardized Type 1 DOT style and conforming to Section 712.08 of the Standard Specifications. These curtains must form a continuous vertical seal: skirt rested on the channel bottom, secured by dead-weight ballast or anchors, and maintain at least 3″ of freeboard above water. Installation must precede embankment or disturbance activities, with the curtain relocated to follow construction progress . Additionally, ODOT’s erosion-control standards (e.g., RD1030 details) require silt barriers—similarly anchored and skirted—to be spaced appropriately (e.g., max 10 ft apart), include wire mesh backing, staples, stakes, ballast chain, and follow mandated installation details. Finally, turbidity curtains and other erosion control devices must be inspected and maintained per Section 00280 of the Standard Specifications and the Erosion & Sediment Control Manual; this includes regular inspections by the designated ESC Manager, prompt repairs, and turbidity monitoring to ensure compliance with state water quality standards.

Oregon Department of Transportation

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania DOT requires that silt or turbidity curtains be included in any Erosion & Sediment (E&S) Control Plan for in‑water or near‑water construction activities as outlined in its Publication 464 and the Commonwealth’s Construction Stormwater regulations (25 Pa. Code Chapter 102). These curtains must consist of floating booms with attached geotextile skirts that extend to the stream or pond bottom, be properly anchored to maintain a continuous vertical barrier, and installed before any land disturbance begins. They must comply with PennDOT standard plan specifications for fabric, floatation, anchoring, and installation, and be inspected and maintained regularly throughout construction to prevent sediment escape and meet NPDES permit requirements. Removal may only occur once downstream turbidity returns to pre-construction levels.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT)

Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s Department of Transportation and DEM require that silt or turbidity curtains—floating barriers with buoyant tops and weighted, non-degrading skirt fabrics—be used for any in‑ or near‑water work to contain sediment. The curtains must extend at least 20 % deeper than the water column to accommodate fluctuations, use floats providing at least 29 lb/ft buoyancy, bottom ballast (5/16″ galvanized chain), and dual top load cables; overlapping seams are required for multi‑width installations. They must be installed before disturbance begins, securely anchored to the substrate and shoreline, and inspected daily (and after storms or high winds), with repairs made immediately whenever damage or displacement is noted . Sediment trapped behind the curtain isn’t typically removed until removal, which itself must be done carefully toward the work area to prevent release. All removed silt must be properly stabilized upland under regulatory guidance.

Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT)

South Carolina

South Carolina DOT requires that silt or turbidity curtains—designed as floating turbidity barriers—be installed shore‑parallel (anchored at both ends along the shoreline), with no individual panel exceeding 550 ft in length. The curtain must consist of a synthetic fabric skirt suspended from buoyant floats at the surface and a weighted or anchored hem at the bottom, forming a continuous vertical barrier from the surface to near the streambed to contain sediment. Roots in the SCDOT Stormwater Quality Field Manual specify that these floating turbidity barriers are constructed from qualified, nonwoven geotextile materials listed on the SCDOT Qualified Products List (QPL) and must be installed according to SCDOT’s Standard Specifications, with proper anchoring to resist movement.

South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)

South Dakota

The South Dakota Department of Transportation requires the use of floating silt (turbidity) curtains for any in-water or near-water construction to contain sediment and prevent downstream turbidity. These curtains must include a flotation carrier or boom at the top and be securely anchored at the bottom, with sufficient weight to remain vertical and remain in contact with the substrate as water levels change. Installation must occur before any earth-disturbing activity begins, positioned as close to the work area as possible, aligned parallel to flow (if present), and in accordance with both the manufacturer’s installation instructions and directions provided by the project Engineer. Throughout construction, the curtains must be maintained, inspected, and repaired when necessary, and shall not be removed until visible turbidity has subsided and water clarity returns to pre-construction levels, typically under the oversight of both DOT and environmental permitting (e.g., SDDENR) requirements.

South Dakota Department of Transportation

Tennessee

Tennessee DOT requires that any in‑water or near‑water construction employing dewatering must incorporate erosion prevention and sediment control (EPSC) tools—specifically silt fences and floating turbidity (silt) curtains. Dewatering structures must pump through a silt fence or sediment filter bag after at least 6 hours of settling. Floating turbidity curtains consist of geotextile filter cloth suspended beneath flotation devices, anchored securely to maintain a vertical barrier from surface to near the bottom, allowing water to pass through while capturing sediment. These must be installed prior to disturbance, inspected and maintained during active operations, and only removed once turbidity has settled—typically after 6 hours—following contractor control plans based on TDOT’s Drainage and EPSC manuals.

Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)

Texas

Texas DOT’s Special Specification 5002 governs floating turbidity barriers (silt curtains). These curtains must be constructed from durable fabric that meets a minimum ASTM D4632 grab strength of 300 psi, include sufficient flotation to support the barrier at the surface, and employ bottom ballast (typically chain) to maintain a vertical seal. They must be fully deployed prior to any in‑water or near‑water disturbance, anchored appropriately around the perimeter of the work area, and inspected and maintained throughout the construction process. Removal is permitted only after visible turbidity has subsided and sediment has settled.

Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT)

Utah

Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) requires the use of silt/turbidity curtains as part of any Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) under the Clean Water Act §402—even for projects disturbing adjacent water bodies. These floating geotextile barriers, suspended from foam floats and weighted with bottom ballast (typically steel chain), must create a continuous vertical seal from the surface nearly to the bottom and be securely anchored shoreline-to-shoreline to prevent the escape of sediment during construction. UDOT mandates installation prior to any in-water work, regular inspection and maintenance throughout the project, and removal only after visible turbidity clears and sediment has settled (typically allowing 6–12 hours or until turbidity returns to within 10 NTU of pre-construction levels, at which point the Division of Water Quality must be notified).

Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT)

Vermont

Vermont’s Agency of Transportation (VTrans) requires the use of silt or turbidity curtains for any in‑water or near‑water construction to contain sediment and protect water quality. As part of its Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) under NPDES, these curtains must be installed before any disturbance begins, forming a continuous vertical seal from the water surface down to or near the bed, and securely anchored with floats on top and ballast or weights along the bottom. Inspections are typically required at least weekly—and whenever there’s visible discoloration in discharge—to ascertain that the curtain remains properly seated without gaps; if turbidity exceeds 25 NTU above background levels, weekly or more frequent monitoring is triggered until resolved. Curtain removal is permitted only after visible turbidity subsides and water returns to pre‑construction clarity, and all maintenance, placement, and removal activities must comply with VTrans EPSC Protocols and any specific project permit conditions.

Vermont Department of Transportation

Virginia

Virginia DOT requires that silt or turbidity curtains be installed wherever construction occurs in or adjacent to surface waters, as part of a compliant Erosion and Sediment Control Plan per VDOT and DEQ standards. These curtains must be deployed before any in‑water disturbance, anchored to create a continuous vertical barrier, and oriented parallel to, not across, the main flow of moving water. They must extend from the water surface to near the bottom, using floats, weighted skirts, anchor chains, and meet specifications in VDOT’s C‑SCM‑09 (turbidity curtain) BMP. In navigable waters, curtains are required to be marked with U.S. Coast Guard‑compliant lighted buoys. Finally, routine inspection and maintenance are required throughout the project to ensure integrity and prevent sediment release.

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)

Washington

Washington State DOT requires that silt or turbidity curtains be used for any in‑ or near‑water work as part of its Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control (TESC) measures, in compliance with the State’s Erosion and Sediment Control Manual and the Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSWGP). These curtains must consist of geotextile panels suspended below floats and weighted by ballast, deployed vertically to the substrate with minimal or no bottom gap, securely anchored and installed before any disturbance begins. They must be maintained and inspected regularly, with any damage or turbidity leaks repaired immediately. Deployment and removal are covered by linear‑foot contractual pay items, and all discharges must meet Washington water quality standards (WAC 173‑201A for surface water, 173‑200 for groundwater), with curtain length and placement based on the approved TESC Plan.

Washington State Department of Transportation

West Virginia

West Virginia’s Department of Transportation requires that silt or turbidity curtains be used as part of any in‑water or near‑water construction or land‑disturbing activity as specified in state erosion and sediment control plans and NPDES permits. According to state BMP guidance, turbidity in the receiving stream must not exceed 10 NTU above background levels when measured downstream of the curtain. While WVDOT typically defers to broader DEP and DEP‑oil-and-gas BMP manuals (e.g., 2012 Erosion & Sediment Control Field Manual), the general best‑practice protocol is to install floating curtains (comprised of floats, geotextile skirts, and bottom ballast) prior to disturbance, maintain secure anchoring and vertical alignment, conduct regular inspections and maintenance throughout the project, and only remove the curtain once turbidity has returned to near‑background levels.

West Virginia Department of Transportation

Wisconsin

Wisconsin DOT mandates that a turbidity barrier or silt curtain must be installed before any construction activity occurs adjacent to or within a waterbody, remaining in place and maintained until the site is stabilized and water clarity behind the curtain matches or exceeds that outside. The system requires a permeable fabric skirt—minimum 15 mils thick, meeting ASTM tensile and opening-size standards—suspended from flotation devices (e.g., EPS logs), weighted with bottom-chain ballast, and anchored to hold the curtain vertical and sealed at the shoreline. Installation details include leaving a 2 ft gap above the bottom substrate, ensuring at least 3 in of freeboard above the waterline, securely anchoring ends keyed into the bank, and evenly spacing anchors per manufacturer guidance. Daily inspections are required, with prompt repairs and avoidance of re-suspension during sediment removal or curtain removal. These requirements align with WDNR Standards 1070 (silt curtains) and 1069 (turbidity barriers); DOT’s Facilities Development Manual also provides detailed engineering layouts for proper installation.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Wyoming

Wyoming DOT requires that silt or turbidity curtains be used as part of its Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for any in‑water or near‑water construction disturbing an acre or more, in compliance with both the Federal Clean Water Act and Wyoming Water Quality Rules (WYPDES). These curtains must consist of a floating flotation boom supporting a geotextile or geomembrane skirt that extends to or near the waterbody’s bottom, securely anchored to maintain a continuous vertical barrier around the work area. They must be installed before any in‑water disturbance begins, inspected and maintained regularly throughout the project to ensure stability and integrity, and not removed until visible turbidity has subsided and water quality has returned to pre‑construction levels.

Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT)

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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.