Can a storm drain diversion discharge to silt fence?

Discharging a storm drain diversion to a silt fence is typically not advisable because silt fences are designed primarily to capture sediment from sheet flow across a site, rather than from concentrated flows such as those that would come from a storm drain. When water flows through a storm drain, it can carry sediments and pollutants in higher concentrations and at greater velocities compared to sheet flow.

Silt fences have limitations in terms of their capacity to handle concentrated discharges, as they can become overwhelmed, leading to potential failure. The proper function of a silt fence relies on the even filtering of sediment-laden water, which is not achievable with the direct discharge from a storm drain. Instead, it's essential to divert this type of water to a more suitable sediment control practice, like a sediment basin or a trap, which can effectively handle and manage the runoff before it leaves the construction site. This approach helps prevent the transport of sediment into water bodies and maintains the integrity of the erosion and sediment control plan.