Storm Drain, Curb Inlet and Drop Inlet Protection

Storm drain inlet protection removes sediment from runoff before the runoff enters the storm drain.  One method of protection is to create a temporary barrier upstream of the inlet, creating a backwater area that allows sediment to naturally settle out.  Another method of protection is to block the sediment with a filtering cloth.  The method used to protect a particular storm drain inlet varies with the type of the inlet, the inlet's location, and the potential runoff flow rate.

Both drop inlets and curb inlets can be protected by a "block and gravel filter," a barrier of cinder-blocks inside a barrier of loose gravel.  A block and gravel filter creates a backwater area for sediment removal, can handle high runoff flow rates, and is strong enough to allow overtopping during flooding conditions.  An alternative to a block and gravel filter is a "gravel bag filter."  A gravel bag filter is a barrier of sandbags filled with gravel, arranged like a block and gravel filter and performing a similar function.

Curb inlets with low runoff flow rates can be protected by erosion control logs arranged to intercept the runoff flow upstream of the inlet.  Drop inlets with low runoff flow rates can be protected by a barrier of installed silt fencing.

Universal Fence Company  offers installation and removal of storm drain drop inlet and curb inlet protection, using silt fencing barriers, erosion control logs, block and gravel filters, gravel bag filters, and other protective structures as required.