• Type 1 Turbidity Curtain installed in calm coastal water beside an active shoreline construction site, creating a floating sediment control barrier around the work area.
  • Type 1 Turbidity Curtain installed around a residential dock and shoreline work area in calm canal water to help contain sediment and turbidity.
  • Aerial view of a Type 1 Turbidity Curtain installed along a shoreline restoration area, containing discolored sediment-laden water within a protected coastal work zone.

Type 1: Light-Duty and Department of Transportation (DOT) Turbidity Curtain

Key Specs

  • Length: 50 ft. – 100 ft., Custom Lengths Available
  • Fabric Material: PVC Coated Polyester
  • Hardware: Galvanized Steel Chain
  • Anchor Point: Reinforced End Grommets
  • Color Options: Yellow

See below for additional specifications.

Overview

Type 1 Turbidity Curtains: Light-Duty Sediment Control Solutions for Calm and Protected Water

Type 1 Turbidity Curtains are light-duty floating sediment control barriers designed to help contain silt, turbidity, suspended sediment and displaced particles during marine construction and in-water projects conducted in calm or protected water. Enviro-USA™’s Type 1 DOT Turbidity Curtains are designed for contractors working in areas such as ponds, small lakes, canals and waterways where little water movement, light wind or minimal current is expected.

Type 1 systems are suited for calm-water applications where strong currents, significant wave action and tidal conditions are not present. These floating turbidity barriers are positioned around or adjacent to an active work area to help control and confine suspended silt and sediment, reducing its movement into surrounding water. Enviro-USA™ identifies Type 1 as the light-duty option within its Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 turbidity curtain system, with Type 1 intended for protected conditions, Type 2 for moving water and Type 3 for more demanding tidal environments. Site-specific factors such as water depth, wind, current, anchoring, project requirements and environmental conditions should always be evaluated when selecting and installing a Type 1 Turbidity Curtain.

Applications

  • Small Ponds
  • Small Lakes
  • Canals
  • Calm and Protected Waterways
  • Waterways with Light Wind or Minimal Current
  • Bridge Construction in Calm-Water Areas
  • Marine and In-Water Construction in Protected Locations
  • Silt and Sediment Containment Around Work Areas
  • Projects Whose Specifications Call for a Type 1 DOT Turbidity Curtain
Length 50 ft. - 100 ft., Custom Lengths Available.
Skirt Draft Depths 5 ft. Standard (3 ft. - 10 ft.)
Farbic Material PVC Coated Polyester - DOT = 18 oz., Light Duty = 14 oz.
Float Type Square Foam Filled Flotation
Float Size 4 in. (Contractor), 6 in. (DOT)
Top Tension Cable N/A
Bottom Ballast Chain Galvanized Steel Chain - DOT = 1/4 in., Light Duty = 3/16 in.
Section Connectors Grommets
Color Yellow
Anchor Point Reinforced End Grommets at the Waterline

MEDIA GALLERY

Type 1 DOT Turbidity Curtain, manufactured by Enviro-USA, in Florida, USA
Calm water Type 1 containment barriers, sild barriers, for ponds, shallow lakes, swales, creeks, canals, and sheltered construction areas.
Type 1 Turbidity Curtain installed along an industrial waterfront beneath a bridge, creating a floating sediment control barrier around a marine work area.

Turbidity Curtain Resources:

Turbidity Barriers: The Ultimate Guide
Turbidity Curtain Spec Sheet
Turbidity Curtian  Blog / News

A Type 1 Turbidity Curtain is a light-duty floating sediment control barrier designed to help contain silt, turbidity, suspended sediment and displaced particles during construction and other in-water activities in calm or protected water. Type 1 curtains are commonly used in ponds, small lakes, canals and protected waterways where strong currents, significant wave action and tidal conditions are not expected. Common applications include shoreline work, bridge construction, excavation, maintenance projects and other activities that may disturb sediment near or below the waterline.

The primary difference between Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 Turbidity Curtains is the level of water movement and environmental conditions each system is intended to address. Type 1 Turbidity Curtains are generally used in calm or protected water with minimal current and wave activity. Type 2 Turbidity Curtains are designed for moving water and moderate conditions, while Type 3 Turbidity Curtains are heavier-duty systems intended for more demanding marine environments. Selecting the correct turbidity curtain should be based on site-specific factors including current, waves, wind, water depth, anchoring requirements and project specifications.

A Type 1 Turbidity Curtain should be installed in calm or protected water where the barrier can isolate an active work area and help limit the spread of suspended sediment into surrounding water. Typical locations include ponds, small lakes, canals, protected shorelines and other low-energy waterways. The curtain should be positioned and anchored according to the project layout, water depth and site conditions. Type 1 systems are not intended to replace heavier-duty Type 2 or Type 3 turbidity curtains when stronger currents, significant waves or challenging marine conditions are present.