The Importance of Using Catch Basin Silt Sacks for Storm Water Management

The Importance of Catch Basin Silt Sacks

Catch basins are an important part of storm water drainage systems. They are receptacles built into street curbs designed to collect rain water runoff and filter out debris, preventing it from entering the storm sewer system. Over time, catch basins accumulate sediment, debris, and other pollutants, reducing their effectiveness at filtering storm water before it enters the pipes below.

What is a Catch Basin Silt Sack?

A catch basin silt sack is designed to prevent sediment and debris from accumulating inside the catch basin. Silt sacks are mesh filters made of durable geotextile fabric with handles for easy installation and removal. They attach to the opening of catch basins, acting as a first defense barrier by capturing runoff sediments and pollutants before they reach the basin bottom.

Benefits of Using Silt Sacks in Catch Basins

There are several advantages to using silt sacks in catch basins:

• Prevent clogs - Silt sacks catch debris and sediment before it accumulates, preventing clogs in drainage pipes.
• Reduce flooding - By preventing clogs, silt sacks allow stormwater to drain freely, reducing localized street flooding.
• Protect water quality - Silt sacks filter out harmful substances like motor oil, fertilizers, animal waste, and heavy metals.
• Extend maintenance cycles - Removing accumulated debris less often reduces maintenance costs and worker hours.
• Support NPDES compliance - Keeping sediment and debris out of storm drains contributes to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit compliance.

When to Clean or Replace Silt Sacks

Catch basin silt sacks require periodic cleaning and replacement to maintain functionality. Recommended maintenance includes:

• Inspect silt sacks after major storms
• Clean or replace silt sacks when 25-50% full of accumulated sediment and debris
• Replace deteriorating or torn silt sacks
• Clean catch basins if overflow occurs past a full silt sack

How to Remove and Clean Silt Sacks

Removing and cleaning silt sacks from catch basins is an easy process:

1. Use silt sack handles to lift sack from catch basin opening
2. Empty collected sediment and debris into appropriate containers for disposal
3. Rinse silt sack clean using a water hose
4. Inspect silt sack for damage like tears or holes
5. Allow silt sack to dry fully before replacing in catch basin opening

Replacing Worn Out or Torn Silt Sacks

Eventually silt sacks require replacement when they become too worn or damaged. Signs that replacement is needed include:

• Holes, tears, fraying allowing debris passage through
• Thin, stretched out material unable to withstand runoff volumes
• Sagging shape unable to lay flat to filter properly
• UV light deterioration causing splintering fabric

Replacement silt sacks should be:

• Consistently sized appropriately to catch basin opening area
• Meet local environmental compliance standards
• Durable material resistant to runoff contents and environmental elements
• Easy to handle design with liftable straps or handles

Professional Silt Sack Systems

For frequent catch basin maintenance many municipalities and contractors turn to professional silt sack systems. Some options include:

Smart Silt Sack Pro

The Smart Silt Sack Pro features durable construction with integrated RFID tracking. RFID chips track sack usage and identify exactly which assets need replacement. Saves time and eliminates guesswork.

Dandy Curb Bag

The Dandy Curb Bag uses sturdy PVC frame to keep the silt sack securely in place within the catch basin without shifting. Angled design fits basins of varying sizes.

Dandy Sack

The Dandy Sack catch basin insert innovation offers a modular sediment filter system. Interlocking filter panels let you fully line basin walls with different filter patterns. Easy to detach panels simplify maintenance.

Keep Your Storm Drains Flowing Freely

Protecting local waterways and complying with environmental regulations means keeping debris, sediment, and other contaminants out of storm sewer systems. Installing catch basin silt sacks provides an easy first line of defense to handle runoff properly. Be sure to regularly clean or replace silt sacks as they fill up over time.

FAQs

What size silt sack do I need?

Choose a silt sack size that matches or is slightly larger than your catch basin opening. Standard sizes range from 24 x 24 inches up to 48 x 96 inches. Using an undersized sack will allow overflow past the fabric.

How often should silt sacks be cleaned?

Inspect silt sacks after major storms. Remove and clean out sediment when the sack is 25-50% full. This helps maintain airflow and drainage capacity.

Can I leave silt sacks in place year-round?

Silt sacks are designed for year-round outdoor use. However, in very cold climates, extremely cold temperatures may cause fabric to stiffen and become brittle. Remove during winter months if concerned.

What material should I look for?

Select durable geosynthetic fabrics like polypropylene that resist UV rays,stretching, and damage from stormwater contents. Avoid burlap or natural fibers with shorter lifespans.