You’ll often see turbidity booms in places where there is a large amount of material on the surface of the water. This can come in the form of solids and trash, or liquids like an oil spill. Booms are often made with a sturdier and more dense flotation device, meant to withstand more weight at the top of the water. Meanwhile, a skirt will be able to filter deep beneath the water’s surface, catching silt and other smaller and dissolved particles.
Your specific needs will determine whether a boom or curtain is best for your project’s uses. A boom can sometimes still be used to catch silt beneath the water, while still providing a strong floating barrier. Curtains can also come in a variety of materials, some permeable, allowing water to pass through. A turbidity boom is usually made of heavy PVC fabric, and will rarely reach beyond 2 feet in length, however a turbidity curtain can reach beyond 60 feet into the water.
