A silt fence is a temporary barrier made of fabric that is used to control sediment runoff during construction or land disturbance activities. It is typically installed around the perimeter of a site to capture soil particles and prevent them from entering nearby water bodies. The fence allows water to pass through while trapping silt and other debris. Silt fences are usually made from geotextile materials and are supported by wooden or metal posts. They are an essential tool in erosion control and are often required by environmental regulations to protect streams, rivers, and lakes from pollution caused by sediment.