Sediment migration is a primary concern on all disturbed land areas. An ill-timed rainfall event can be devastating. In fact, millions of dollars are spent each year restoring slopes, rebuilding drainage channels, and dredging and cleaning ponds and streams. Additionally, lack of compliance with local and federal environmental regulations can result in costly construction delays and substantial fines. The good news is that much of this costly damage is preventable. Recently, silt fence has been introduced as a sediment control device. Silt fence is constructed of geotextile fabric attached to hardwood stakes. Installation of a typical roll of silt fence, for example 4 feet high and 100 feet long, is accomplished by stretching the product, trenching in the bottom of the material, and driving the stakes into the ground. Unfortunately, silt fence is too often not installed properly. Additionally, maintenance of the installed silt fence requires periodic removal of the soil solids accumulated behind the structure. Because of its non-degradability, removal of the silt fence is required when construction site activity is complete. An active job site surrounded by silt fence at least gives assurance to neighbors that the developer is concerned about damage to neighboring property. Whether or not this is actually true depends on many factors, including proper specification activity, sound installation practices, and regular maintenance. At times, the use of silt fence can be puzzling at best. It is not unheard of to see a row of silt fence sitting on top of the highest point on an active jobsite. Even tough new laws cannot make water and sediment particles flow uphill. A whole new generation of sediment control products have emerged in recent years. These products include very specialized devices to protect storm drain inlets; curtains to contain turbidity along pond edges, and a host of other tools. Other sediment control devices include coconut logs and straw and rice wattles, just to name a few. All of these products have their merits. Clearly, the most successful site developers of the future will be those who thoroughly understand the available technology, employ sound Best Management Practices (BMPs), and comply with the law. North American Green, a leading manufacturer of erosion control products based in Evansville, Ind., released a new sediment control device earlier this year. North American Green?EUR??,,????'???s SedimentSTOP?EUR??,,????<