Siltworm & Bioworm FAQs

Where can I buy your filter socks?

Siltworm is available for purchase through trusted distribution partners. We ship nationally in the continental US. Call us today at 219-885-9676 or email us at sales@siltworm.com to find your closest distributor.

Where are your filter socks made?

We're proud to say it's manufactured in Elkhart, Indiana.

Where do you get the material that's inside your filter socks?

We have a partnership with a large wood recycler who diverts construction waste wood from landfills. This wood waste is sorted, ground, and kiln dried to ensure it is bark, bug, seed, weed, and disease free. It is recognized as a biodegradable material.

How long do your filter socks typically last on a site?

Here are the specs for Siltworm SD, our most popular option:

  • Netting Lifespan: Approximately 2-4 years
  • Fill Lifespan: Approximately 18-24 months

That said, on an active construction site, Siltworm typically lasts 12-18 months when installed and maintained properly. Weather conditions and site usage play a big role in lifespan. We designed Siltworm to be lightweight so it can be moved around on a jobsite; therefore, it should never be ran over with equipment.

Is Siltworm reusable?

Yes! As long as it was maintained properly and the fill remains constained in the netting. Additionally, the fill must also be able to still filter sediment.

How does Siltworm pricing compare to silt fence?

Great question! For each category below, the green check is the winner. 

Material Costs:

  • Silt Fence ✅
  • Siltworm

Installation Time & Cost:

  • Silt Fence ❌
  • Siltworm

Maintenance & Repair Cost:

  • Silt Fence ❌
  • Siltworm

Removal & Disposal Cost:

  • Silt Fence ❌
  • Siltworm

While Siltworm will have a higher up front cost, the savings really add up in installation, maintenance, repair, removal and disposal costs making Siltworm the clear winner overall.

What are the benefits of using Siltworm over silt fence?

We're glad you asked! Here's a comparison:

  • Silt Fence:
    • Installation Costs
      • Requires trenching = labor intensive and time consuming
      • Likely requires 2 to 3 person crew with equipment to do it correctly
      • Improper installation leads to failure of product = more labor costs
    • Maintenance Costs
      • Easily collapse, tear, or fail due by water overage
      • Likely have to re-stake and fix failures often
      • Added labor costs to fix failures
    • Removal Costs
      • Labor intensive - Remove fabric, Pull up stakes and re-grade the area that was trenched.
      • Fence fabric and stakes needs to be disposed of.
      • Potential disposal fees and environmental space taken up in landfills.
  • Siltworm:
    • Installation Costs
      • No equipment or trenching = less labor
      • Likely one person can install quickly
      • Reduced labor hours = cost savings
    • Maintenance Costs
      • Durable and flexible
      • Easy maintenance
      • Minimal labor to repair = cost savings
    • Removal costs
      • No ground disurbance to regrade = cost savings
      • Just slit and remove netting - Fill is biodegradable
      • Less waste going to the landfill = savings on disposal and better for our enviroment.

Does Siltworm™ meet local and/or state regulatory requirements?

Yes, with a few potential exceptions. While we are approved across the nation, we recommend checking your state/local regulatory requirements to ensure "filter sock" can be used as a silt fence alternative.

If you need help, give us a call - we'll be happy to check for you as well. 

How do I store Siltworm™?

Siltworm comes shrink-wrapped and rain-capped. This means it can be stored safetly inside or outside on the job site.

ECS: SWPPP Installation & Maintenance FAQs

What types of projects does ECS work on?

Every SWPPP. Every Step. Every Site. is more than a tagline. It defines the full scope of our work. If a project involves soil disturbance and requires an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan or a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), ECS can help. This includes everything from single residential lots that require a plan to large residential developments, commercial and industrial sites, institutional facilities, Department of Transportation (DOT) projects, and municipal infrastructure projects.

What geographic areas does ECS service?

Every SWPPP. Every Step. Every Site. guides how we support projects across the country. While the majority of our work is based in the Midwest, with a strong presence in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, we also travel nationwide depending on project size and scope. In addition, we are expanding our footprint with an Orlando, Florida division launching soon.

Does ECS handle both installation and ongoing maintenance of erosion control measures?

Every SWPPP. Every Step. Every Site. is where ECS delivers the most value when we manage erosion and sediment control from start to finish. That said, we are also happy to step in for a single phase of a plan. If initial perimeter controls are already in place and your contractor has demobilized, ECS can handle repairs, ongoing maintenance, or final removal to keep your project compliant and moving forward.

Can ECS help with SWPPP implementation, inspections, and compliance support?

Every SWPPP. Every Step. Every Site. means ECS supports both compliance and execution. Our certified SWPPP experts assist with SWPPP implementation, perform required site inspections, and provide compliance support to help minimize the risk of warnings or fines. When ECS manages the entire SWPPP program from start to finish, we can significantly reduce compliance risks. If we are brought in for only part of the program, we focus on minimizing issues within the scope of work we control.

How quickly can ECS respond to urgent erosion control or storm-related issues?

Every SWPPP. Every Step. Every Site. means we understand the importance of addressing urgent erosion control and storm-related issues quickly and responsibly. ECS works within the requirements of the permit issued for your site and prioritizes situations that could impact compliance or the environment. Our response is guided by permit conditions, site conditions, and the specific nature of each issue to ensure the appropriate corrective actions are taken.

What erosion control BMPs does ECS typically install and maintain?

Every SWPPP. Every Step. Every Site. means that if a BMP is specified in your approved SWPPP, ECS can install and maintain it. We work with a full range of erosion and sediment control measures from traditional controls to newer innovations. When appropriate, our team may also recommend alternative or supplemental solutions based on site conditions, weather, constructability, or sustainability considerations. Any alternative recommendations are reviewed with and must be approved by the plan owner or their designated representative prior to implementation to ensure compliance is maintained at all times.

Does ECS provide labor-only services or equipment support?

Every SWPPP. Every Step. Every Site. means flexibility to meet your project needs. ECS can support labor-only services or provide labor along with the necessary equipment. Common labor + equipment services include:

  • Skid steer services
  • Slit seeding and drill seeding
  • Temporary seeding
  • Clearing
  • Mowing and heavy mowing
  • Bush hogging
  • Harley raking
  • Street sweeping
  • Wheel wash stations
  • Cleanup and site stabilization
  • Dewatering

If you do not see what you need listed here, contact us. In most cases, ECS can provide a solution or help coordinate the support your site requires.

How does ECS coordinate with contractors, inspectors, and site managers?

Every SWPPP. Every Step. Every Site. means clear communication and collaboration at every stage of a project. ECS engages in pre-construction coordination to understand site requirements and responsibilities, maintains regular on-site communication with designated contacts, and responds to inspection reports by addressing identified maintenance or corrective action needs. Our goal is to work as an extension of your team to keep projects moving, compliant, and well-documented.

Does ECS work year-round, including winter conditions?

Every SWPPP. Every Step. Every Site. means ECS provides year-round support, even in challenging Midwest conditions. While certain weather events may temporarily limit specific services for safety or site condition reasons, our team coordinates closely with the project contact when those situations arise. We continue to support SWPPP requirements whenever conditions allow, ensuring compliance and environmental protection remain a priority throughout the year.

Your sister company is Siltworm, Inc. Does that mean ECS only installs Siltworm™ or BioWorm™ for perimeter control?

Every SWPPP. Every Step. Every Site. also means respecting the plan and the preferences behind it. While we would be thrilled if every SWPPP included Siltworm™ or BioWorm™ for perimeter control, we know that engineers and contractors specify a variety of BMPs for good reasons. Our role is not to play favorites. ECS installs what is approved in the plan, and yes, that includes installing and maintaining plenty of traditional silt fence every year. Our priority is compliance, performance, and keeping your project moving forward.