Premium Silt Fence Solutions for Construction and Development in New Jersey

NJDEP regulations require silt fence inspections after every rainfall event of half an inch or more, and at least once every seven days regardless of rainfall. Most soil conservation districts in New Jersey — including the Freehold Soil Conservation District and the Ocean County Soil Conservation District — expect written inspection records to be maintained on site. Failing to document inspections is one of the most common triggers for a correction notice on New Jersey construction sites.

Standard silt fence uses woven filter fabric stapled to wooden posts. It is appropriate for low to moderate drainage areas with sheet flow runoff. Super silt fence adds a wire mesh backing behind the fabric. That backing provides significantly more structural support against hydrostatic pressure. Super silt fence is required in areas with concentrated flow, larger drainage areas, or steeper grades. Your soil conservation district approval will typically specify which type is required at each location on your site plan.

The property owner and the general contractor share responsibility for maintaining erosion controls on an active site. Your SWPPP identifies the responsible party by name. In practice, that means the GC is typically on the hook for repairs, replacements, and inspection documentation. Subcontractors who disturb existing silt fence during their scope of work are also expected to restore it before leaving the site. Eastcoast Site Work provides weekly maintenance visits for clients who need a dedicated contractor handling all erosion control upkeep. See our SWPPP compliance services for more detail.

That depends heavily on site conditions, rainfall frequency, and how much disturbance occurs near the fence line. A well-installed silt fence on a stable site can last through an entire construction season. On a high-traffic site with frequent heavy rain, sections may need repair or replacement within a few months. Fabric that has become clogged with sediment loses its filtration effectiveness even if it appears structurally intact. Regular inspection and prompt repair is the most reliable way to keep your erosion controls functional and your site in compliance.

Yes, with some limitations. Frozen ground makes driving wooden posts difficult and sometimes impossible without mechanical assistance. We have equipment to handle winter installations when ground conditions allow. However, the best approach is to get silt fence installed before ground freezes in late fall. Sites that go into winter without erosion controls in place are at risk for sediment discharge during winter rain events and spring melt. Contact us before your site goes dormant to make sure controls are in place before conditions change.

Yes. Temporary erosion controls including silt fence must be removed after the site has been stabilized and vegetation is established. Leaving silt fence in place after a project is closed is a common violation that draws attention during final inspections. We handle removal as part of our site closeout services. If your site also needs hydroseeding for final slope stabilization before closeout, we can coordinate both in a single visit.