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Structural Best Management Practices

A structural Best Management Practice (BMP) is a physical device. It is typically designed and constructed to trap or filter pollutants from runoff, or reduce runoff velocities.

Silt fence retaining sediment near river's bank Geotextile Silt Fence - A permeable barrier erected below disturbed areas to capture sediment. A silt fence can also be used to divert small volumes of water to a stable outlet.
Dam constructed of large limestone gravel across a wide earthen ditch Check Dam - A device constructed across ditch lines used to reduce velocity of concentrated flows in the ditch.
Sand fence on dune near lake shore Sand Fence and Dune Stabilization - A fence designed to trap blowing sand by reducing wind velocities.
Ditch lined with large limestone gravel in grassy area Riprap - A permanent cover of rocks and cobblestone used to stabilize stream banks.  It is very effective in protecting soil from high velocity flows.
Basin partially filled with muddy water Sediment Basin - A device used to intercept concentrated flows and prevent sediment from being transported off-site or into a waterway or wetland.
Floating fence retains water-borne sediment near a river's bank Turbidity Curtain - A silt fence that is oriented vertically in water by being buoyed at the top and weighted at the bottom or anchored down. The purpose of the curtain is to keep sediment and runoff from entering the water body.
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Related Content
 •  Vegetative Best Management Practices
 •  Operational Best Management Practices

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