Wherever you are in Florida, you are never far from the ocean. Additionally, Florida is also known for having an abundance of lakes, ponds, springs, and wetlands. These bodies of water are vital to the state’s ecosystem, and it is also very important to protect them.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) states that a portion of Florida’s fresh water supply is used for public water. However, state water resource managers are constantly on alert to conserve water and working on alternative water supply sources to augment the traditional sources. With Florida’s fresh water supply also used for agriculture and recreational, there is constant concern of adequate supply long term.
Construction projects that are near bodies of water must especially take precautions to protect the waters. One of the most common ways to protect water bodies during construction and land disturbing activities is Floating Turbidity Barrier. Most of us have seen these floating yellow objects in ponds or lakes as we drive along the highway. Do you know what they do and why they are there? Those yellow barriers, commonly known as turbidity curtains, hinder sediments from aggressively entering a water body.
Floating turbidity curtains, also known as silk curtains or barriers, are used to contain silt and sediment to an immediate construction work area that is near a body of water. The ultimate goal of turbidity curtains is to protect the environment, specifically the ecosystem and marine life. Selecting the right turbidity barrier is critical to ensure the structure works well for a particular application. It depends on several key factors related to the specific project environment and requirements. Water quality and environmental sensitivities, such as the presence of fish spawning habitats or wetlands, impact the selection. Certain areas may have stricter regulations requiring curtains with enhanced containment features. These factors ensure that the curtains will effectively contain sediment, reduce environmental impact, and comply with regulations.
When the curtain is installed, it is typically weighted at the bottom to ensure the sediments do not travel underneath. The barrier allows solids to settle back down to the bottom of the water before entering our natural water bodies. Most turbidity curtains will be used along a shoreline and calm water surfaces.
Turbidity curtains are deployed to keep a construction project near bodies of water in compliance, and to protect the environment. Call KCI to learn more, at 888-346-7779.
