What size particles do hay bales filter?

Question

I am proposing the use of a dewatering bag to filter sediment while dewatering a trench. The permitting agency would like more information on how the particle size filtered by the filter bag (U.S. sieve no. 80) compares with hay bales. Please provide any references if you can. Thanks!

Answer 1

I would worry that the filter bag is way too fine a filter compared to the coarse filtering of a hay bale. Your sieve will quickly clog up with soil particles and will need constant replacement or cleaning. That is impractical.