Biomass filled Silt Socks/Fibre Rolls Norm Richardson, Domenic Cavallo & Mike Baldesarra OPBC AGM – March 7, 2019
A focus on Erosion and Sediment Control Construction industry is experiencing a continuously increased focus on the importance of erosion and sediment control measures (ESC) in construction projects The implementation of ESC measures is an integral part of the permit process for project approvals Conservation Authorities and municipalities want to see the reduction of erosion as an important element, coupled with the control of sediment runoff Examples of erosion control – flat slopes, seeding, limiting disturbance Examples of sediment control – sediment control ponds, fences, silt socks Most measures are intended to slow flow to allow settling of particles before discharge, or to provide some level of filtration before discharge.
Silt Socks in current industry Silt socks are increasing prevalence in the industry in two main areas As a replacement for traditional silt control fence As ‘check dam’ used perpendicular to ditch flow All are considered as temporary measures, and are removed following construction Ontario Provincial Standards (OPS) outline construction specification for temporary erosion and sediment control measures, OPSS 805. Excerpts Fibre Roll means an assembled or commercially available flexible, tubular structure that provides sediment control and may provide run-off filtration and includes wattles, filter socks and filter berms. Fibre rolls shall be of a consistent internal thickness with even fibre distribution throughout the roll. Fibre rolls shall be covered on the outside with an open- weave, biodegradable and photodegradable mesh or netting that securely contains the fibres within the rolls. Fibre rolls shall be filled with 100% organic, biodegradable material such as shredded straw, wood fibres or compost and may contain seed.
Typical Installation Detail - OPSD
Current Test Project – AJAX Lakeview Boulevard Reconstruction Complete realignment of Lakeview Boulevard through Paradise Park, one of Ajax’s lakefront parks Project includes watermain construction, new concrete box culverts, new permeable parking areas and new road construction Cooperation with park contractor for new playground Located in TRCA regulated lands Completion – November 2018
Current Swithgrass Socks in use AJAX
Feedback so far – Contractor’s Perspective Switchgrass socks are lightweight and easy to maneuver Can be easily installed in the same way as socks filled with other organic media Socks remain lightweight through usage Socks, and switchgrass media are durable enough to be repositioned through the project
Next Steps Leverage our current alliance with OPBC to supply fill material for silt socks/fibre rolls. Continue our ongoing product development, and integration in the Ontario construction market Work with educational/research institutions and government agencies on product testing and development Discussions with conservation authorities and municipalities about the use of silt socks/fibre rolls as erosion protection Current construction projects are specifying the use of fibre rolls, in accordance with OPS standards.
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