Where is silt fence typically placed?

The placement of a silt fence is primarily aimed at controlling soil erosion and managing sedimentation during earth disturbance activities, particularly on sites with slopes. When positioned at the toe of a sloped hill, the silt fence effectively captures sediment-laden runoff before it can flow into lower areas or water bodies. This location allows the fence to intercept and slow down the flow of water, enabling sediment to settle out before the water continues on, thereby reducing the risk of erosion and protecting water quality.

In contrast, placing a silt fence at the top of a steep hill could lead to runoff bypassing the barrier or overwhelming it, as it may not sufficiently intercept all the runoff generated uphill. Open fields do not typically need silt fences unless they are adjacent to disturbed areas. Alongside buildings, while it might seem strategic, is often not the most effective location for addressing erosion and sediment control as compared to the natural drainage patterns observed at the toe of slopes.