Testing and Specifying Sediment Retention Devices: Fid-Bau Portal

Testing and Specifying Sediment Retention Devices

Sprague, C. Joel / Sprague, James E.

Sediment control best management practices (BMPs), also known as sediment retention devices, or SRDs, are now commonly used on construction and post construction sites. However, quantitative information on performance effectiveness is difficult to find and not well documented. Thus, there is growing interest in the use of large-scale standardized testing procedures to evaluate the performance of a broad range of SRDs in a variety of applications. Following are the standards (or modified standards) commonly used for full-scale evaluations of SRDs: (1) ASTM D5141, "Standard Test Method for Determining Filtering Efficiency and Flow Rate of the Filtration Component of a Sediment Retention Device Using Site-Specific Soil"; (2) ASTM D7208, "Determination of Temporary Ditch Check Performance in Protecting Earthen Channels from Stormwater-Induced Erosion"; (3) ASTM D7351, "Standard Test Method for Determination of Sediment Retention Device Effectiveness in Sheet Flow Applications; and (4) TM11340, "Standard Test Method for Determination of Sediment Retention Device (SRDs) Performance in Reducing Sediment Loss from Rainfall-Induced Erosion during Perimeter Control Applications" (Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission). This paper reviews results of independent testing performed in accordance with these test procedures on a range of SRDs. Additionally, recommendations are made on the appropriate use of test results in specifications for SRDs.