This is a great question, and it may surprise you to know that removing a silt curtain can require nearly as much care and planning as installing one. When your project is complete, it’s recommended that the suspended silt and sediment be given at least 6-12 hours to settle completely. At this point, the turbidity should be measured on both sides of the curtain, until clarity within the containment area equals or exceeds that of the waterway, which indicates that settling has completed. Once that condition is satisfied, the curtain should be removed within 72 hours. Extreme care should be taken during removal to prevent stirring up accumulated sediment and creating an even more serious problem as it’s carried downstream.
Depending on the requirements at your site, it may be necessary to check with the engineer or local authorities to determine if accumulated silt needs to be removed before the curtain is taken down. If that’s necessary, you’ll need to allow additional time after the removal for any resulting turbidity to re-settle before removing the barrier. Once the clarity has reached acceptable levels, the removal can begin. Deep skirts should be furled up before towing out of the water, to prevent damage to the curtain equipment. Similar to installation procedures, use a staging area that is free from sharp rocks or other hazards that could tear or damage the gear as it is dragged across the ground. Thick plastic sheeting, tarps, and even cardboard can be used to cover some problem areas, but care must be taken if you intend to use the equipment again.
