Materials
* Fabric: polypropylene, polyamide, nylon, polyester, or polyethylene woven or non-woven fabric, at least 700mm in width and a minimum unit weight of 140GSM. All fabrics to contain ultraviolet inhibitors and stabilisers to provide a minimum of 6 months of useable construction life (ultraviolet stability exceeding 70%).
* Fabric reinforcement: wire or steel mesh minimum 14-gauge with a maximum mesh spacing of 200mm.
* Support posts/stakes: 1500mm2 (min) hardwood, 2500mm2 (min) softwood, or 1.5kg/m (min) steel star pickets suitable for attaching fabric.

Installation
1. Refer to approved plans for location, extent, and required type of fabric (if specified). If there are questions or problems with the location, extent, fabric type, or method of installation contact the engineer or responsible on-site officer for assistance.
2. To the maximum degree practical, and where the plans allow, ensure the fence is located:
(i) totally within the property boundaries;
(ii) along a line of constant elevation wherever practical;
(iii) at least 2m from the toe of any filling operations that may result in shifting soil/fill damaging the fence.
3. Install returns within the fence at maximum 20m intervals if the fence is installed along the contour, or 5 to 10m maximum spacing (depending on slope) if the fence is installed at an angle to the contour. The 'returns' shall consist of either:
(i) V-shaped section extending at least 1.5m up the slope; or
(ii) sandbag or rock/aggregate check dam a minimum 1/3 and maximum 1/2 fence height, and extending at least 1.5m up the slope.
4. Ensure the extreme ends of the fence are turned up the slope at least 1.5m, or as necessary, to minimise water bypassing around the fence.
5. Ensure the sediment fence is installed in a manner that avoids the concentration of flow along the fence, and the undesirable discharge of water around the ends of the fence.
6. If the sediment fence is to be installed along the edge of existing trees, ensure care is taken to protect the trees and their root systems during installation of the fence. Do not attach the fabric to the trees.
7. Unless directed by the site supervisor or the approved plans, excavate a 200mm wide by 200mm deep trench along the proposed fence line, placing the excavated material on the up-slope side of the trench.
8. Along the lower side of the trench, appropriately secure the stakes into the ground spaced no greater than 3m if supported by a top support wire or weir mesh backing, otherwise no greater than 2m.
9. If specified, securely attach the support wire or mesh to the up-slope side of the stakes with the mesh extending at least 200mm into the excavated trench. Ensure the mesh and fabric is attached to the up-slope side of the stakes even when directing a fence around a corner or sharp change-of-direction.
10. Wherever possible, construct the sediment fence from a continuous roll of fabric. To join fabric either:
(i) attach each end to two overlapping stakes with the fabric folding around the associated stake one turn, and with the two stakes tied together with wire (Method 1); or
(ii) overlap the fabric to the next adjacent support post (Method 2).
11. Securely attach the fabric to the support posts using 25 x 12.5mm staples, or tie wire at maximum 150mm spacing.
12. Securely attach the fabric to the support wire/mesh (if any) at a maximum spacing of 1m.
13. Ensure the completed sediment fence is at least 450mm, but not more than 700mm high. If a spill-though weir is installed, ensure the crest of the weir is at least 300mm above ground level.
14. Backfill the trench and tamp the fill to firmly anchor the bottom of the fabric and mesh to prevent water from flowing under the fence.
15. If it is not possible to anchor the fabric in an excavated trench, then use a continuous layer of sand or aggregate to hold the fabric firmly on the ground.

Additional requirements for the installation of a spill-through weir
1. Locate the spill-through weir such that the weir crest will be lower than the ground level at each end of the fence.
2. Ensure the crest of the spill-through weir is at least 300mm the ground elevation.
3. Securely tie a horizontal cross member (weir) to the support posts/stakes each side of the weir. Cut the fabric down the side of each post and fold the fabric over the cross member and appropriately secure the fabric.
4. Install a suitable splash pad and/or chute immediately down-slope of the spill-through weir to control soil erosion and appropriately discharge the concentrated flow passing over the weir.

Maintenance
1. Inspect the sediment fence at least weekly and after any significant rain.  Make necessary repairs immediately.
2. Repair any torn sections with a continuous piece of fabric from post to post.
3. When making repairs, always restore the system to its original configuration unless an amended layout is required or specified.
4. If the fence is sagging between stakes, install additional support posts.
5. Remove accumulated sediment if the sediment deposit exceeds a depth of 1/3 the height of the fence.
6. Dispose of sediment in a suitable manner that will not cause an erosion or pollution hazard.
7. Replace the fabric if the service life of the existing fabric exceeds 6-months.

Removal
1. When disturbed areas up-slope of the sediment fence are sufficiently stabilised to restrain erosion, the fence must be removed.
2. Remove materials and collected sediment and dispose of in a suitable manner that will not cause an erosion or pollution hazard.
3. Rehabilitate/revegetate the disturbed ground as necessary to minimise the erosion hazard.