DESIGN SPECIFICATION

1.3 Check Dams - Compost Filter Sock

PURPOSE & DESCRIPTION • Microorganisms in compost FilterMedia™ have the ability
Filtrexx SiltSoxx® (Soxx) compost filter sock is a three- to degrade organic pollutants and cycle captured nutrients in
dimensional tubular sediment control and stormwater runoff stormwater runoff.
filtration device typically used for Check Dams, as stormwater • Soxx (mesh netting containment system) allows check dams to be
drainage ditches and small channels on or near land disturbing placed in areas of concentrated flow.
activities to: • Check dams can be direct seeded at time of application to provide
• slow concentrated directional flow velocity of storm runoff, greater stability and pollutant filtration capability once vegetation
• reduce gully erosion in ditch bottoms, has established.
• remove sediment and soluble pollutants (such as phosphorus and • FilterMedia is organic and can be left on site soil after permanent
petroleum hydrocarbons) present in stormwater runoff stabilization is complete, used in landscape design, and/or seeded
and planted with permanent vegetation.
Check dams provide a porous physical barrier perpendicular to • FilterMedia improves existing soil structure if spread out and used
concentrated stormwater flow designed to reduce and disperse as a soil amendment after construction activity is complete.
runoff energy. It reduces erosion by slowing runoff velocity and • Biodegradable check dams can be left on site after construction
dissipating concentrated storm runoff flow. It also traps sediment activity is complete and may eliminate the need and cost for
and soluble pollutants primarily by filtering stormwater as it passes removal, labor and disposal.
through the matrix of the check dam and secondarily by allowing • Check dams are available in 8 in (200mm), 12 in (300mm), 18
water to temporarily pond behind the check dam, allowing in (450mm), 24in (600mm), and 32 in (800mm) diameters for a
deposition of suspended solids. variety of flow conditions and/or customized applications.
• Check dams may assist in qualification for LEED® Green
APPLICATION Building Rating and Certification credits under LEED
Check dams are used in drainage ditches and small channels on Building Design & Construction (BD+C), New Construction
and around land disturbing activities until final stabilization is v4. Awarded credits may be possible from the categories of
complete. Check dams should be installed prior to excavating, Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Materials & Resources, and
filling, or grading of uphill areas. Check dams are only used in ditch Innovation. Note: LEED is an independent program offered through
grades equal to or less than 10% (grades greater than 10% should the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED credits are determined on
employ structural stabilization practices). Check dams should not a per project basis by an independent auditing committee. Filtrexx
be used in areas where the contributing drainage area is greater than neither guarantees nor assures LEED credits from the use of its
2 (Fifield, 2001) to 10 acres (KY TC, 2006) (0.8 ha to 4 ha), and products. LEED is a trademark of the U.S. Green Building
should be placed in a manner to prevent sediment from entering Council.
receiving streams, rivers, lakes, or wetlands. Check dams should
never be used in ephemeral, perennial, or intermittent streams. Disadvantages
• If filler material of check dams is not Filtrexx® CertifiedSM
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES FilterMedia, hydraulic flow rate and/or sediment and pollutant
Advantages removal performance may be diminished.
• Tubular filtration matrix allows for better trapping and removal • If not installed correctly, maintained or used for a purpose or
of sediment and soluble pollutants in stormwater compared to intention that does not meet specifications, performance may be
planar constructed sediment control devices. diminished.
• Check dams can be customized to remove target pollutants from • If land surface is extremely bumpy, rocky, or changes elevation
stormwater, such as phosphorus and turbidity. abruptly, ground surface contact to check dam may be diminished
• Porous physical barrier of check dams reduces stormwater flow thereby adversely effecting performance.
velocity and disperses runoff energy. • If stormwater flow breaches check dam sediment retention will be
• Correct spacing of check dams will reduce erosion and prevent diminished.
gully formation in ditch/channel bed. • Check dams should never be the only form of site erosion/
• Greater surface area contact with soil relative to planar geotextile sediment
devices used for check dams reduces potential for runoff to control.
undercut the device leading to unfiltered stormwater. ADVANTAGES
• No trenching is required; therefore soil is not disturbed upon
LOW MED HIGH
installation.

ü
• Check dams can be installed year around in difficult soil
conditions such as frozen or wet ground, and dense and Installation Difficulty
compacted soils, as long as stakes can be driven.
• Check dams can be easily installed on top of rolled erosion
control blankets and turf reinforcement mats.
Durability
ü
• Check dams are easily implemented as one treatment in a greater
treatment train approach to a site erosion and sediment control
Sediment Control
ü
system.
• Organic matter and humus colloids in FilterMedia™ have the
Runoff Flow Control
ü
ability to bind and adsorb phosphorus, metals, and hydrocarbons
that may be present in stormwater runoff.
Life Cycle Cost
ü
Filtrexx Design Manual | Version 11.1 Construction Activities | Section 1. Sediment & Erosion Control
 Design Specification | 1.3 Check Dams - Compost Filter Sock | 2

• No ditch checks should be used in drainage areas that For engineering design details of check dams see Figure 3.1, 3.2,
exceed 10 acres (4 ha). and 3.3. For spacing and height specifications see Figure 3.4. For
• No ditch checks should be used in drainage ditches/channels that a summary of specifications for product/practice use, performance
exceed a 10% slope. and design see Table 3.1 and Table 3.2.
• Check dams should not be placed in ephemeral, perennial, or
intermittent streams. Planning:
Check dam application using check dams should not be considered
MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS as the primary/only means of sediment control and should be
Check dams use only Soxx photodegradable or biodegradable used within an overall integrated Erosion and Sediment Control
netting materials available from Filtrexx International and are or StormWater Pollution Prevention Plan. Check dams should be
the only mesh materials accepted in creating check dams for any considered one of the last treatments in a ‘treatment train system’
application. For Soxx Material Specifications see Table 3.1. before stormwater is discharged from a site or to a receiving water or
wetland.
FILTERMEDIA™ CHARACTERISTICS
Check dams use only Filtrexx CertifiedSM FilterMedia which Preconstruction meetings should be conducted to educate
is a coarse composted material that is specifically designed for construction site personnel about the tools/practices used and
removal of solids and soluble pollutants from stormwater runoff. acceptable traffic patterns that avoid running over check dams with
FilterMedia can be altered or customized to target specific pollutants heavy equipment.
in runoff as approved by the Engineer or Filtrexx International. All
Filtrexx Certified FilterMedia has been third party tested and Device Function:
certified to meet minimum performance criteria defined by Filtrexx Check dams are a porous physical barrier that is specifically designed
International. Performance parameters include hydraulic flow to slow stormwater flow velocity without completely stopping, or
through rate, total solids removal efficiency, total suspended solids ponding water. This reduces the propensity for flooding and runoff
removal efficiency, turbidity reduction, nutrient removal efficiency, undercutting the device. Check dams also remove sediment and
metals removal efficiency, and motor oil removal efficiency. For soluble pollutants from stormwater. The sediment and pollutant
information on the physical and chemical properties of Certified removal process characteristic to check dams combines both filtering
FilterMedia refer to the Filtrexx Design Manual, Section 5.1. Look and deposition of solids from ponding. This is different than
for the Filtrexx Certified FilterMedia Seal from our international methods that rely solely on ponding for deposition of solids for
network of Filtrexx Certified Installers and Manufacturers. sediment control. Ponding occurs when water flowing to the check
dam accumulates faster than the hydraulic flow through rate of the
PERFORMANCE check dam (and pollutant loads in stormwater are generally greater).
Performance testing and research on sediment control has been Typically, hydraulic flow-through rates for check dams is 50%
extensive. For a summary of performance testing, research results, greater than geotextile filter fabric (silt fence). Greater hydraulic
and design specifications see Table 3.2. For copies of publications, flow-through rates reduce ponding, therefore reducing the need for
full reports, or Tech Link summaries visit www.filtrexx.com taller sediment control structural design height. However, installation
Successful bidders will furnish adequate research support showing and maintenance is especially important for proper function and
their manufactured product meets or exceeds performance and performance.
design criteria outlined in this standard specification. Research
or performance testing will be accepted if it meets the following Pollutant Removal:
criteria: conducted by a neutral third party, utilizes standard test Unlike most check dam devices which only remove large sediment
methods reported by ASTM or referenced in a peer reviewed solids and some suspended solids, check dams have been shown
scientific journal, product and control treatments are tested in to remove stormwater pollutants that are more challenging.
triplicate, performance results are reported for product and control Check dams have the ability to remove soluble pollutants, such as
(control should be a bare soil under the same set of environmental phosphorus and petroleum hydrocarbons (e.g. motor oil), from
and experimental conditions), results are peer reviewed, results stormwater runoff. Additional Filtrexx Support Practices can be
indicate a minimum 60% TSS removal efficiency and a minimum added to the check dams to increase removal efficiency of target
hydraulic flow through rate of 5 gpm/ft2. Bidders shall attach a pollutants such as turbidity, TSS, and soluble phosphorus (see
copy of the research report indicating test methodologies utilized Section 4.1 EnviroSoxx® Pollutant Removal).
and results.
Note: the Contractor is responsible for establishing a working erosion It should be noted that sediment removal efficiency can be near
and sediment control system and may, with approval of the Engineer, 100% unless runoff breaches the check dam, at which point the
work outside the minimum construction requirements as needed. Where effectiveness may be reduced.
the Check dam deteriorates or fails, it shall be repaired or replaced with
an effective alternative. Runoff Flow:
Stormwater overflow of check dams is acceptable, since slowing
DESIGN CRITERIA stormwater flow velocity is the principle objective for check dam
Check dams are used as dams in drainage ditches and small channels applications. Larger diameter check dams should be constructed
to reduce velocity of concentrated storm runoff, reduce soil erosion if high runoff depth and flow rates are anticipated. Check dams
and gully formation in drainage ditches/channel beds, and reduce should be specified and installed so that the center height of the
sediment and pollutant loads flowing through and exiting drainage device is at least 6 in (150mm) lower than the banks of the ditch
ditches/channels. or channel. Additionally, the ends of the check dam should extend
up the banks so that stormwater moves through and over the check

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 Design Specification | 1.3 Check Dams - Compost Filter Sock | 3

dam and not around the ends. In extremely high flow channels, As an alternative to placing the check dam across the ditch or
channel protection, rip rap, or turf reinforcement mats should be channel, the check dam may be installed in a “Λ” construction
considered to prevent extreme channel soil erosion and help slow where the apex (or angle) of the “Λ” is positioned in the center of
potentially destructive stormwater flows. Runoff reduction design the ditch/channel bed pointing in the up-channel direction with the
and practices, such as Low Impact Development, should also be open end facing down-channel. The inside construction angle shall
considered to reduce runoff flows draining to, and through ditches be 90 degrees. The ends of the check dam should extend to the
and channels. interface of the ditch/channel bed and bank or up to the maximum
flow line of the ditch/channel. Ends of the check dam should be
Orientation: stabilized with stakes. Positioning the check dam in this manner
Place check dams on contours and even surfaces to assist in will act to slow and dissipate the energy of concentrated storm flows
dissipating concentrated flow into sheet flow and prevent in the ditch/channel by disrupting and spreading concentrated
undercutting of device. Concentrated flow of water should be storm flows within the ditch/channel bed. It should be noted that
perpendicular to the check dam at impact. this design construction will function less for sediment control than
the conventional design construction. See Figure 3.3 for design
Sediment Accumulation: drawing details.
Sediment and debris behind check dams should be removed once
the accumulated height reaches ½ the height of the check dam. INSTALLATION
Alternatively, another check dam can be installed slightly upslope, 1. Check dams used for slowing runoff velocity in storm ditches
on top of the existing check dam, thereby increasing capacity. This and channels and used to reduce sediment and soluble pollutant
process does not qualify as a soil disturbing activity. Storm debris loads leaving ditches and channels shall meet Filtrexx Soxx Mesh
accumulation behind the check dam should never reach a height Material and Filtrexx Certified FilterMedia specifications.
equal to the ends of the check dam or the banks of the ditch or 2. Call Filtrexx at 877-542-7699 or visit www.filtrexx.com for a
channel. current list of installers and distributors of Filtrexx products.
3. Check dams shall be placed at locations indicated on plans
Vegetated Check Dams: and in a manner as directed/specified by the Engineer or
For permanent check dam applications check dams can be direct- Manufacturer. Check dams should be installed in a pattern that
seeded at the time of installation to allow vegetation to establish reduces runoff velocity and ditch erosion, and allows for
directly in the check dam. Vegetated check dams will further assist in deposition of sediment and filtration of pollutants.
slowing runoff velocity which can increase deposition and filtration 4. Check dams may be manufactured on-site at time of application
of pollutants, and reduce the erosivity of stormwater runoff. The or pre-manufactured and delivered to site for installation.
option of adding vegetation will be at the discretion of the Engineer. 5. Installation of check dams will ensure that the check dams
No additional soil amendments or fertilizer is required for vegetation exceed the width of the normal ditch/channel flow line by at
establishment in the check dam. The appropriate seed mix shall be least 4 ft(1.2m) on both banks to ensure water flows though and
determined by the Engineer. over the device and not around it.
6. Center of check dams shall be at least 6 in (150mm) lower than
Drainage Area and Spacing: the sides of the ditch/channel.
Spacing and design height of check dams is ultimately dependent 7. Standard diameter size of Check dams for normal protection is
on the slope of the ditch or channel. See Figure 3.4 for spacing 12 in (300mm). In high flow ditches/channels, the designer may
requirements. Check dam spacing may be reduced to further slow specify larger Check dams of 18 in (450mm) or 24 in (600mm)
storm flow velocity, decrease propensity for bed erosion, and/or diameter, or increase staking requirement.
increase sediment and pollutant removal rates. Spacing check dams 8. Check dams may be stacked on top of each other, if additional
closer together will reduce flow velocity and bed erosion, while higher height is required.
check dams will remove more sediment from storm flows. 9. 8 in (200mm) diameter check dams may be placed closer
together to act as ‘speed bumps’ to slow flow velocity and reduce
For drainage ditches/channels with low concentrated flow velocity ditch/channel bed erosion.
(≤6 CFS, ≤0.17 CMS) and very small drainage areas a 12 in 10. If check dams are specified as a “Λ” construction design, the
(300mm) diameter check dam is recommended. For drainage angle of the ditch protection must be configured to a 90 degree
ditches/channels where concentrated flow velocity is moderate angle with the apex of the device in the center of the ditch/
(6-10 CFS, 0.17-0.28 CMS) a 18 in (450mm) check dam is channel bed with the open end facing down-channel. Ends of
recommended; for a drainage area larger than 1 acre (0.4 ha), or check dams shall extend to the bed and bank interface or to the
area draining to the ditch/channel is subject to high soil erosion maximum flow line of the ditch/channel. Stakes shall be used to
and sediment transport a 24 in (600mm) Inlet protection is stabilize the ends of the check dam.
recommended. Check dams may be stacked in a pyramid or equilateral 11. Stakes shall be installed through the middle of the check dam on
triangle construction, if additional design height is required. See Figure 5 ft (1.5m) centers, using 2 in (50mm) by 2 in (50mm) by 3 ft
3.2 for design drawing details. (1m) wooden stakes.
12. Staking depth for sand and silt loam soils shall be 12 in
Design Options: (300mm), and 8 in (200mm) for clay soils.
Closely spaced check dams intended as storm flow ‘speed bumps’ 13. Vegetated Check dams may be seeded at the time of
can be specified using 8 in (200mm) diameter check dams. This manufacture and installation to create a contained ‘green or
practice is used specifically to slow storm flow velocity and reduce living bio-filter/vegetated filter’. These may be left intact once
ditch/channel bed erosion. construction phase is complete. The appropriate seed mix shall
be specified by the Engineer.

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 Design Specification | 1.3 Check Dams - Compost Filter Sock | 4

14. Check dams may be installed on top of rolled erosion control 4. If check dams become clogged with debris and sediment,
blankets and turf reinforcement mats. immediate removal of debris and sediment should be conducted
to assure proper drainage and water flow through the ditch or
INSPECTION channel. Storm runoff overflow of the check dam is acceptable.
Routine inspection should be conducted within 24 hrs of a runoff 5. Check dams shall be maintained until disturbed area around the
event or as designated by the regulating authority. Check dams device has been permanently stabilized and construction activity
should be regularly inspected to make sure they maintain their has ceased.
shape and are producing adequate hydraulic flow-through, ditch/ 6. The FilterMedia may be dispersed on site once disturbed area has
channel erosion control, and sediment removal. If ponding been permanently stabilized, construction activity has ceased, or
becomes excessive, additional check dams may be required or as determined by the Engineer.
sediment removal may be necessary. Sediment accumulation
should be removed once it reaches ½ the height of the check dam. DISPOSAL/RECYCLING
Alternatively, another check dam may be installed slightly upslope, FilterMedia is an organic, composted product manufactured from
on top of the existing one. This process is not considered a soil locally generated organic, natural, and biologically based materials.
disturbing activity. Storm debris accumulation behind check dams Once all soil has been stabilized and construction activity has been
should never be higher than the sides of the check dam. Storm completed, the FilterMedia may be dispersed with a loader, rake,
runoff overflow is acceptable during large events. Check dams shall bulldozer or similar device and may be incorporated into the soil
be inspected until drainage area above and/or around receiving as an amendment or left on the soil surface to aid in permanent
ditch/channel has been permanently stabilized and construction seeding or landscaping. Leaving the FilterMedia on site reduces
activity has ceased. removal and disposal costs compared to other sediment control
devices. The mesh netting material will be extracted from the
MAINTENANCE FilterMedia and disposed of properly by the Contractor. The
1. The Contractor shall maintain the ditch protection in a photodegradable mesh netting material (Soxx) may degrade if left
functional condition at all times and it shall be routinely on site. Biodegradable mesh netting material is available and may
inspected. eliminate the need and cost of removal and disposal.
2. If the check dam has been damaged, it shall be repaired, or
replaced if beyond repair. METHOD OF MEASUREMENT
3. The Contractor shall remove sediment at the base of the upslope Bid items shall show measurement as ‘X inch (X mm) diameter
side of the check dam when accumulation has reached 1/2 of the Filtrexx® Check Dams/SiltSoxx/DitchChexx™ per linear ft (linear
effective height of the check dam, or as directed by the Engineer. meter) installed, per check dam, or as specified by the Engineer.
As an alternative, another ditch protection may be installed
adjacent and parallel to the upslope side of the original to Engineer shall notify Filtrexx of location, description, and details
increase sediment storage capacity with soil disturbance. Check of project prior to the bidding process so that Filtrexx can provide
dam and sediment backup in the center of the ditch/channel design aid and technical support.
should always remain lower than the sides.

FIELD APPLICATION PHOTO REFERENCES

Use as Speed Bumps to Slow Storm Water Velocity Check dams can be used to minimize transport and retain

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Trademarks used by Filtrexx International.

For other references on this topic, including additional research reports and
trade magazine and press coverage, visit the Filtrexx website at filtrexx.com CECB™ [Compost Erosion Control Blanket], CSWB™ [Compost
StormWater Blanket], DitchChexx™, EdgeSaver™, FilterCell™,
Filtrexx International, Technical Support FilterMedia™, FilterSoxx™, GrowingMedia™, InletSoxx™,
877-542-7699 | www.filtrexx.com | [email protected] LivingWall™, and Lockdown™, are Trademarks used by Filtrexx
Call for complete list of international installers and distributors. International.

the branch & leaf logo®, EnviroSoxx®, Filtrexx®, Filtrexx SiltSoxx®, Filtrexx CertifiedSM and its accompanying logo are Service Marks used by
GreenLoxx®, GroSoxx®, and the color GREEN®, are Registered Filtrexx International.

Filtrexx Design Manual | Version 11.1 Construction Activities | Section 1. Sediment & Erosion Control
 Design Specification | 1.3 Check Dams - Compost Filter Sock | 5

Keener, H., B. Faucette, M. Klingman. 2006. Flow-through rates and

The information contained herein may be subject to confidential evaluation of solids separation of compost filter media vs. silt fence in
intellectual property of Filtrexx International, including but not limited sediment control applications. 2006 American Society of Agricultural and
to US Patents 7,226,240; 7,452,165; 7,654,292; 8,272,812; 8,439,607; Biological Engineers Annual International Conference, Portland, OR. Paper
8,740,503; 8,821,076; 9,044,795; 9,945,090; and 9,982,409 or Patents No. 062060.
Pending and is the property of Filtrexx International.
KY TC, 2006. Kentucky Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Field
Copyright 2005-2021, Filtrexx International, all rights reserved. Guide. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All statements, product
characteristics, and performance data contained herein are believed to Marks, A., R. Tyler, and B. Faucette. 2005. The Filtrexx® Library. Digital
be reliable based on observation and testing, but no representations, publication of support tools for the erosion control industry. www.
guarantees, or warranties of any kind are made as to accuracy, suitability for filtrexxlibrary.com.
particular applications, or the results to be obtained. Nothing contained
herein is to be considered to be permission or a recommendation to use Marks, A., and R. Tyler. 2003. Filtrexx International Company Website.
any proprietary process or technology without permission of the owner. No Specifications, CAD drawings, case histories. www.filtrexx.com
warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made or intended.
Tyler, R.W., and A. Marks. 2004. Erosion Control Toolbox CD Kit. A
REFERENCES CITED & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Guide to Filtrexx® Products, Educational Supplement, and Project Videos.
Faucette, L.B., K. Kerchner, and A. Vick. 2006. Sediment Storage Capacity 3 CD set for Specifications and Design Considerations for Filtrexx®
of SiltSoxx™ vs. Silt Fence. Filtrexx® Tech Link #3314 Products.

Faucette, L.B., H. Keener, M Klingman, and K. Kerchner. 2006. Design Tyler, R.W., J. Hoeck, and J. Giles. 2004. Keys to understanding how to
Capacity Prediction Tool for Silt Soxx™ and Silt Fence. Filtrexx® Tech Link use compost and organic matter. IECA Annual Meeting Presentations
#3313 (description) and Filtrexx® Library #301 (design tool) published as IECA Digital Education Library, Copyright 2004 Blue Sky
Broadcast.
Faucette, L.B., and A. Vick. 2006. LEED Green Building Credits using
Filtrexx® Organic BMPs. Filtrexx® Tech Link #3301 Tyler, R.W. 2004. International PCT Patent Publication #: WO
2004/002834 A2. Containment Systems, Methods and Devices for
Faucette, L.B., A. Vick, K. Kerchner. 2006. Filtrexx®, Compost, Low Controlling Erosion.
Impact Development (LID), and Design Considerations for Storm Water
Management. Filtrexx® Tech Link #3306 Tyler, R.W., A. Marks. 2003. Filtrexx® Product Installation Guide.
Grafton, Ohio.
Faucette, L.B. 2006. Flow-Through Rate, Design Height, and Design
Capacity of Silt Soxx™ and Silt Fence. Filtrexx® Tech Link #3304 Tyler, R.W. 2003. International PCT Application #: PCTUS2003/020022.
Containment Systems, Methods and Devices for Controlling Erosion.
Faucette, L.B. 2006. Design Height, Flow-Through Rate, and Slope
Spacing of SiltSoxx™ and Silt Fence. Filtrexx® Tech Link #3311 Tyler, R.W., 2003. US Patent Publication #: 2003/0031511 A1. Devices,
Systems and Methods for Controlling Erosion.
Faucette, L.B., and R. Tyler. 2006. Organic BMPs used for Storm Water
Management. Proceedings of the International Erosion Control Association Tyler, R.W., and A. Marks. 2003. A Guide to Filtrexx® Products. Product
Annual Conference, Long Beach, CA 2006. Descriptions and Specifications for Filtrexx® Products.

Faucette, B., Sadeghi, and A., K. Sefton. 2006. USDA ARS - Evaluation of Tyler, R.W., 2002. US Patent Application #10/208,631. Devices, Systems
Compost Filter Socks and Silt Fence in Sediment and Nutrient Reduction and Methods for Controlling Erosion.
from Runoff. Filtrexx® Tech Link #3308
Tyler, R.W. 2001. Provisional Patent Application #60/309,054. Devices,
Faucette, B, F. Shields, and K. Kurtz. 2006. Removing storm water Systems and Methods for Controlling Erosion.
pollutants and determining relations between hydraulic flow-through rates,
pollutant removal efficiency, and physical characteristics of compost filter Tyler, R.W. 2001. Filtrexx® Product Manual. Specifications and Design
media. Second Interagency Conference on Research in Watersheds, 2006 Considerations for Filtrexx® Products, Grafton, OH.
Proceedings. Coweeta Hydrologic Research Station, NC. Filtrexx® Library
#106. Tyler, R.W. 1996. Winning the Organics Game – The Compost Marketers
Handbook. ASHS Press, ISBN # 0-9615027-2-x..
Faucette L.B., C.F. Jordan, L.M. Risse, M. Cabrera, D.C. Coleman, and
L.T. West. 2005. Tyler, R.W. 2007. US Patent # 7,226,240 “Devices, Systems and Methods
Evaluation of Storm Water from Compost and Conventional Erosion for Controlling Erosion” Issue date 6-5-07.
Control Practices in Construction Activities. Journal of Soil and Water
Conservation. 60:6:288-297. US EPA NPDES Phase II. 2006. Compost Filter Socks: Construction
Site Storm Water Runoff Control. National Menu of Best Management
Faucette, L.B. 2005. Removal and Degradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons Practices for Construction Sites. http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stromwater/
from Storm Water with Compost. Filtrexx® Tech Link #3307 menuofbmps/con_site.cfm

Faucette, L.B. 2005. A Comparison of Performance and Test Methods of

SiltSoxx™ and Silt Fence. Filtrexx® Tech Link #3302.

Faucette, L.B., and N. Strazar, A. Marks. 2006. Filtrexx® Polymer and

Flocculent Guide. Filtrexx® Library #601.

Fifield, J. 2001. Designing for Effective Sediment and Erosion Control on

Construction Sites. Forester Press, Santa Barbara, CA.

Filtrexx Design Manual | Version 11.1 Construction Activities | Section 1. Sediment & Erosion Control
 Design Specification | 1.3 Check Dams - Compost Filter Sock | 6

Table 3.1. Filtrexx SiltSoxx® Mesh Material Specifications.

ORIGINAL /
BASIC BASIC PLUS DURABLE DURABLE PLUS / EXTREME
NATURAL ORIGINAL NATURAL PLUS (5 mil High Density (Multi-Filament (Multi-Filament DURASOXX HD (Multi-Filament
Material Type (Cotton Fiber) (Wood Fiber) Polyethylene Polypropylene Polypropylene (Multi-Filament Polypropylene
HDPE) MFPP) MFPP) Polypropylene MFPP)
MFPP)
Material Characteristic Biodegradable Biodegradable Photodegradable Photodegradable Photodegradable Photodegradable Photodegradable
5 in (125mm),
8 in (200mm), 5 in (125mm),
8 in (200mm),
5 in (125mm), 5 in (125mm), 8 in (200mm), 12 in (300mm), 8 in (200mm),
12 in (300mm), 8 in (200mm),
Design Diameters 8 in (200mm), 8 in (200mm), 12 in (300mm), 18 in (400mm), 12 in (300mm),
18 in (400mm), 12 in (300mm)
12 in (300mm) 12 in (300mm) 18 in (400mm) 24 in (600mm), 18 in (400mm),
24 in (600mm),
32 in (800mm) 24 in (600mm)
32 in (800mm)
Mesh Opening 1/8 in (3mm) 1/8 in (3mm) 3/8 in (10mm) 3/8 in (10mm) 1/8 in (3mm) 1/8 in (3mm) 1/16 in (1.5mm)
Tensile Strength MD: 193 lbs MD: 210 lbs MD: 211 lbs MD: 236 lbs MD: 545 lbs MD: 670 lbs MD: 1062 lbs
(ATSM D4595)1 TD: 158 lbs TD: 289 lbs TD: 79 lbs TD: 223 lbs TD: 226 lbs TD: 423 lbs TD: 797 lbs
% Original Strength from
Ultraviolet Exposure ND ND 23% at 1000 hr 100% at 1000 hr 100% at 1000 hr 100% at 1000 hr 100% at 1000 hr
(ASTM G-155)
Functional Longevity/
Project Duration2 up to 12 months3 up to 18 months4 up to 4 yr up to 4 yr up to 5 yr up to 5 yr up to 5 yr

1
Tensile Strength is based on 12” diameter using ATSM D4595. See Filtrexx TechLink #3342 for full tensile strength testing.
2
Functional longevity ranges are estimates only. Site specific environmental conditions may result in significantly shorter or longer time periods.
3
Data based on Caltrans research and specifications
4
See TechLink #3339 for research & testing

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 Design Specification | 1.3 Check Dams - Compost Filter Sock | 7

Table 3.2. Filtrexx® Check Dams Performance and Design Specifications Summary.
Design Diameter
Design & 8 in (200mm) 12 in (300mm) 18 in (450mm) 24 in (600mm) 32 in (800mm) Testing Lab/ Reference Publication(s)
Performance
The Ohio State University, Ohio Transactions of the American Society
Effective Height 6.5 in (160mm) 9.5 in (240mm) 14.5 in (360mm) 19 in (480mm) 26 in (650mm) Agricultural Research and of Agricultural & Biological Engineers,
Development Center 2006

Effective 25 in 38 in 57 in 75 in 100 in
Circumference (630mm) (960mm) (1450mm) (1900mm) (2500mm)
Density 13 lbs/ft 32 lbs/ft 67 lbs/ft 133 lbs/ft 200 lbs/ft Soil Control Lab, Inc
(when filled) (20 kg/m) (50 kg/m) (100 kg/m) (200 kg/m) (300 kg/m)
Air Space 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% Soil Control Lab, Inc

Maximum unlimited unlimited unlimited unlimited unlimited

continuous length
Staking 5 ft (1.5m) 5 ft (1.5m) 5 ft (1.5m) 5 ft (1.5m) 5 ft (1.5m)
Requirement
Maintenance
Requirement 3.25 in 13 in
(sediment 4.75 in (120mm) 7.25 in (180mm) 9.5 in (240mm)
(80mm) (325mm)
accumulation removal
at X height)
Initial
Maintenance 22 in (55 cm); 32 in (80 cm); 42 in (105 cm); 64 in (160 cm); 86 in (215 cm); The University of Georgia & Auburn
Requirement based on 1109 L/linear m 1388 L/linear m 1825 L/linear m 2776 L/linear m 3885 L/linear m University
Rainfall-Runoff*
Functional Longevity** 6 mo – 5 yr 6 mo – 5 yr 6 mo – 5 yr 6 mo – 5 yr 6 mo – 5 yr

Maximum Slope 600 ft 750 ft 1000 ft 1300 ft 1650 ft The Ohio State University, Ohio Filtrexx Design Tool, Filtrexx Library
Agricultural Research and
Length (<2%) (183m) (229m) (305m) (396m) (500m) Development Center #301, Filtrexx Tech Link #3304 & #3311

Filtrexx Tech Link #3311 & #3313,

The Ohio State University, Ohio #3308; American Society of
Hydraulic Flow Through 7.5 gpm/ft 11.3 gpm/ft 15.0 gpm/ft 22.5 gpm/ft 30.0 gpm/ft Agricultural Research and Agricultural & Biological Engineers
Development Center; University
Rate (94 L/min/m) (141 L/min/m) (188 L/min/m) (281 L/min/m) (374 L/min/m) of Guelph, School of Engineering/ Meeting Proceedings, 2006, Second
Interagency Conference on Research in
Watershed Research Group Watersheds, 2006
American Society of Agricultural
USDA ARS Environmental Quality Lab/
P Factor (RUSLE) 0.1-0.32 0.1-0.32 0.1-0.32 0.1-0.32 0.1-0.32 University of Georgia & Biological Engineers Meeting
Proceedings, 2006

Sediment Storage 174 cu. in 396 cu. in 857 cu. in 1631 cu. in 2647 cu. in Filtrexx Tech Link #3314
Capacity*** (2850cc) (6490cc) (14040cc) (26840cc) (43377 cc)
International Erosion Control
Total Solids Removal 98% 98% 98% 98% 98% Soil Control Lab, Inc Association, 2006

Total Suspended Solids Filtrexx Tech Link #3308; American

78% 78% 78% 78% 78% USDA ARS Environmental Quality Lab Society of Agricultural & Biological
Removal Engineers Meeting Proceedings , 2006
Filtrexx Tech Link #3308; American
Turbidity Society of Agricultural & Biological
63% 63% 63% 63% 63% USDA ARS Environmental Quality Lab
Reduction Engineers Meeting
Proceedings , 2006

Clay (<0.002mm) 65% 65% 65% 65% 65% USDA ARS Environmental Quality Lab Filtrexx Tech Link
Removal
Silt (0.002-0.05mm) 64% 64% 64% 64% 64% USDA ARS Environmental Quality Lab Filtrexx Tech Link
Removal
Inlet protection, Ditch
Ditch Protection, Ditch
Inlet Ditch Protection, Protection,
Other Concrete Protection, Concrete
Protection, Ditch Concrete Washout, Concrete
Washout, Washout,
Recommended Uses Protection, Slope Filtration Filtration Washout, Filtration
Interruption System, Slope Filtration
System System
Interruption System

* Based on rainfall intensity of 12.5 cm (5 in)/hr applied to a bare clay loam soil at a 10% slope; runoff flow rate of 108 ml/sec/linear m (0.52 gpm/linear ft); and mean runoff volume of 230 L/m2 (6.3 g/ft2).
** Functional Longevity is dependent on mesh material type, UV exposure, freeze/thaw frequency, region of US/Canada, runoff-sediment frequency/durtion/loading, and adherence to specified maintenance requirement. Functional longevity
ranges are estimates only. Site specific environmental conditions may result in significantly shorter or longer time periods.
*** Sediment Storage Capacity = sediment accumulation behind (directly upslope) + within the device.

Filtrexx Design Manual | Version 11.1 Construction Activities | Section 1. Sediment & Erosion Control
 Design Specification | 1.3 Check Dams - Compost Filter Sock | 8

Figure 3.1. Engineering Design Drawing for Check Dam

Figure 3.2. Engineering Design Drawing for Stacking Check Dam to Increase Design Height.

EXCESS SOCK MATERIAL TO BE DRAWN

IN AND TIED OFF TO STAKE AT BOTH
ENDS

FILTREXX® FILTER SOXX™

SIZED TO SUIT CONDITIONS
8" TO 18" TYPICAL

FLOW
2" X 2" X 36" WOODEN STAKES
PLACED 5' O.C.

EXCESS SOCK MATERIAL TO BE DRAWN

IN AND TIED OFF TO STAKE AT BOTH
ENDS

FLOW
. SLOPE
2:1 MAX
TOP SOCK SHOULD BE SMALLER
DIAMETER THAN BOTTOM SOCKS
FILTREXX® FILTER SOXX™
SIZED TO SUIT CONDITIONS NOTES:
8" TO 18" TYPICAL 1. ALL MATERIAL TO MEET FILTREXX® SPECIFICATIONS.
2. CHECK DAMS SHOULD BE USED IN AREAS THAT DRAIN 10 ACRES OR LESS.
3. SEDIMENT SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM BEHIND CHECK DAM
2" X 2" X 36" WOODEN STAKES PLACED 5' O.C. ONCE THE ACCUMULATED HEIGHT HAS REACHED 1/2 THE HEIGHT OF THE CHECK DAM.
4. CHECK DAM CAN BE DIRECT SEEDED AT THE TIME OF INSTALLATION.
5. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO BE A FILTREXX CERTIFIED INSTALLER.

FILTREXX® CHECK DAM OPTION 2

NTS
Filtrexx Design Manual | Version 11.1 Construction Activities | Section 1. Sediment & Erosion Control
 Design Specification | 1.3 Check Dams - Compost Filter Sock | 9

Figure 3.3. Engineering Design Drawing for Inverted Check Dam used for Storm Flow.

EXCESS SOCK MATERIAL TO BE DRAWN

IN AND TIED OFF TO STAKE AT BOTH
ENDS
SOCK SHOULD EXTEND TO THE TOP OF
SWALE OR ABOVE THE MAX FLOW LINE
TO PREVENT FLOW AROUND THE ENDS

TOP OF SWALE

MAX FLOW ELEVATION

OPENING OF "V" SHOULD FACE

DOWNSLOPE/DOWNSTREAM AND POINT
SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE CENTER
AND LOW POINT OF THE
DITCH/CHANNEL/SWALE.

FLOW
FLOW FLOW
CENTER OF SWALE
Filtrexx SOXX™
FILTREXX® FILTER Filter Soxx
® ™

SizedCONDITIONS
SIZED TO SUIT To Suit Conditions
8" TO 18"8’ TYPICAL
to 16” Typical

2" X 2" X 36" WOODEN STAKES

PLACED 5' O.C.

MAX FLOW ELEVATION

20° (TYP.)

TOP OF SWALE

NOTES:
1. ALL MATERIAL TO MEET FILTREXX® SPECIFICATIONS.
2. CHECK DAM SHOULD BE USED IN AREAS THAT DRAIN 10 ACRES OR LESS.
3. CHECK DAM CAN BE DIRECT SEEDED AT THE TIME OF INSTALLATION.
4. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO BE A FILTREXX CERTIFIED INSTALLER.

Figure 3.4. Spacing and Height for Check Dam Structures in Drainage Ditches and Channels.
FILTREXX® CHECK DAM OPTION 3
600(180) NTS

550(165)

500(150)

450(135)

400(120)

350(105)

300(90)

250(75)

200(60)

150(45)

100(30)

50(15)

0
0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10
Feet (m) Slope (%)

12 in (300 mm) 24 in (610 mm) 36 in (915 mm)

Filtrexx Design Manual | Version 11.1 Construction Activities | Section 1. Sediment & Erosion Control