Erosion (noun) The process by which the surface of the earth is worn away by the action of water, glaciers, winds, waves, etc.
Erosion on construction sites can be a problem and a potential liability. The best action against erosion is prevention. Using MCS Inc. practices can help stop erosion before it ever starts and reduce soil loss on your site. Preserving topsoil and even subsoil can save money by reducing the need and costs associated with trucking fill and topsoil into a site. By using our Express Blower® truck we are able to quickly and efficiently install all of our erosion controls.
MCS Inc. distributes and installs Filtrexx® SiltSoxx™ compost filter sock throughout the entire state of NJ, DE, Eastern PA, NY, WV, VA and most of MD, NC and SC. We have several distributors throughout the Marcellus Shale regions of PA and WV providing contractors with quick, easy, cost effective pick up of palletized compost filter sock.
EcoBlanket®
In a Certified Erosion Control testing facility, an EcoBlanket® has shown to be over 99% effective in reducing soil loss as an erosion control measure. These test results show that EcoBlanket® compares with the highest rated BMP's in the industry for erosion control in similar conditions.1 EcoBlanket® is 100% natural and biodegradable. At the end of a project an EcoBlanket® can be tied into the final grading of an area and used as a soil amendment.
EcoBlanket® uses no plastic materials in its construction. The fibrous matrix it forms with the help of the bonding capabilities of Microblend® give the necessary structure needed without non-biodegradable reinforcements or netting. Made with recycled organics, the compost/mulch blend can be used as an earth friendly soil amendment at the completion of a project, or left as a permanent stabilizing organic layer to work into the topsoil over time.1
As an erosion control measure, EcoBlanket® completely covers the denuded soil with a matrix of natural organic material active with beneficial microbes. Through pneumatic application, the EcoBlanket® conforms to the varied contours of the soil surface providing an interlocking blanket with the soil beneath, holding soil particulates in place.1
The best practice for preventing erosion and stabilizing an area is vegetative cover. Using a process called Terraseeding ™ MCS Inc. can interject grass seed, wildflower seed, or any other type of seed into the EcoBlanket® to create a vegetated protective cover. Whether permanent or temporary, vegetation can greatly reduce the effects of erosive forces on soil. Foliage of plants helps to reduce the velocity of falling rain thereby reducing its erosive potential upon impact. This foliage can also play a role in "catching" soil particles that may become airborne as a result of wind erosion or swept away as a result of sheet flow erosion. Slowing sheet flow can allow heavy particles to "drop out" of the flow. The foliage can knock the particles down and keep them on the ground. The root systems of many plants also play a role in erosion protection by anchoring the soil firmly in place.
Plant roots create openings or cracks where roots have decayed, increase surface roughness, lower the density of the soil, and improve the structure of surface soils. This increase in the infiltration rate of rainfall and surface flow increases the moisture content of the soil. Plant roots also physically anchor the soil from movement induced by gravity, raindrop impact, or surface runoff. Laterally spreading root systems, especially rhizomes, are more effective in reducing surface erosion than vertically structured ones with tap roots. Roots form a backbone of fibers of relatively high tensile strength and adhesion within a matrix of lower tensile strength. The sheer strength of the soil mass is enhanced by the presence of a root matrix.²
For establishment of permanent vegetation, whether it be grasses, wildflowers or native plants, the EcoBlanket® can be injected with seed during the application process. The EcoBlanket® material combined with Microblend® makes an ideal growing media for seed while providing immediate erosion control.1
1information comes from the Rexius website http://www.ecoberm.com/ecoblanket.htm
² Information comes from http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2264/BAE-1514web.pdf
Microblend®
Microblend® is a proprietary mix of natural, biodegradable materials that act in concert with EcoBlanket® and Ecoberm®. As a stabilizing agent Microblend® helps EcoBlanket® and Ecoberm® bond with the soil surface and protects them from erosion damage. Microblend® also provides nutrients for the beneficial bacteria and fungi that live in compost. These bacteria and fungi degrade hydrocarbons, enhance root growth and strength and aid in the bonding of materials in both Ecoberm® and EcoBlanket®. It is a vital component of these two systems as well as the Terraseeding® process.
Mulch
MCS Inc. has the capabilities to spread mulch over large areas of disturbed soil to help reduce erosion. Using our Express Blower ® truck we can apply an average of 200 yards per day depending upon site conditions. Using mulch for temporary stabilization can aid in the reduction of raindrop erosive forces and help to eliminate sheet flow erosion.
Mulching is highly recommended and is most effective when used in conjunction with vegetation. In addition to stabilizing soils, mulching can reduce storm water velocity and improve the infiltration of runoff. Mulching can also aid plant growth by holding seeds, fertilizers, and topsoil in place, preventing birds from eating seeds, retaining moisture, and insulating plant roots against extreme temperatures.1
1Information comes from EPA website http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.cfm?action=factsheet_results&view=specific&bmp=41&minmeasure=4
Dune Protection
MCS Inc. can help protect your property from the relentless onslaught of the ocean. Waves generate energy and are one the most erosive forces on Earth. Unlike sea walls or jetties, dunes are a natural way to protect inland structures and property. By using native beach grasses planted in a high nutrient compost sock MCS Inc. can create a strong thriving root system that will anchor itself deep into the dune. The grass blades will then knock down windblown sand and continue the process of building the dune one grain at a time. The compost socks will be anchored into the dune as well. They will create a dynamic water permeable barrier that will flex with the waves as opposed to standing firm like a sea wall. The flexibility of the socks will allow the sand to replenish itself as it is taken from atop the socks and deposited at the bottom of the dune. The beach grass will remain firmly in place with its root system protected inside the sock. After a large storm the sand that is on top of the sock will be lost but the sand behind the sock wall will remain, thereby protecting the dune from eroding completely back into the sea.
MCS Inc. serves the entire state of New Jersey, eastern PA, NY, WV, VA, NC, SC, CT and throughout the Marcellus Shale regions of PA and WV with palletized compost filter sock.
