ENVIRONMENTAL - International Erosion Control Association

I N T E R N A T I O N A L E R O S I O N C O N T R O L A S S O C I A T I O N
ENVIRONMENTAL
VOLUME 2 · ISSUE 1 | www.ieca.org
INSIDE
THIS
ISSUE
SPECIAL EC08
CONFERENCE
PREVIEW
CASE STUDY: DUST
CONTROL SYSTEM
AND METHOD FOR
STRAW BLOWING
IMPROVING
CONSTRUCTION
SITE HYDROLOGY
IMPROVES WATER
QUALITY

HYDRAULICALLY INFILLED
Flexterra FGM is sprayed into
the Enkamat matrix to provide
immediate erosion control.
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
Designed with durable, UV-stabilized,
thermally fused nylon fi laments,
Enkamat TRM will not unravel, crush or tear.
99% EFFECTIVE
The GreenArmor System delivers
superior erosion control on
slopes and in channels.
UNMATCHED FACTORS OF SAFETY
Providing immediate and lasting
protection, the GreenArmor System
exceeds safety factors of other TRMs
at 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of hard armor.
TWICE AS FAST!
With a 1500% water holding
capacity, the GreenArmor System
doubles the turf establishment
rates of other TRM products.
HIGHER-DENSITY TURF
With 95% open space, Enkamat TRM
assures thicker turf establishment and
enhanced root reinforcement.
THIS WILL UN-ROCK YOUR WORLD
Introducing a revolutionary Green-Engineering alternative to hard armor.
Combining today’s most technologically advanced erosion
control and revegetation products, the GreenArmor
System is simply superior. Enkamat ® Turf Reinforcement
Mat (TRM) provides a permanent, lofty and open matrix
that is hydraulically inlled with Flexterra ® Flexible Growth
Medium (FGM) to intimately bond soil and seeds while
accelerating growth. This unique system protects
against elevated levels of hydraulic lift and shear
forces while encouraging turf establishment and longterm
root reinforcement—growing denser vegetation,
faster, in areas where common TRMs have fallen short.
To learn more, visit www.greenarmorsystem.com.
www.greenarmorsystem.com
The GreenArmor System is part of Profile Erosion Control Solutions (PECS), the industry’s most comprehensive
assortment of erosion and sediment control technologies with onsite expertise and support. Get more information
and request a free sample by visiting www.greenarmorsystem.com or by calling 1-800-508-8681.
Flexterra is a registered trademark and GreenArmor and Green-Engineering are trademarks of PROFILE Products LLC. Enkamat is a registered trademark of Colbond Inc.

EROSION
Proven Solutions.
Whether it’s the nationally tested and recognized EcoBerm ® or EcoBlanket ® ,
Express Blower, Inc. provides you with the equipment that keeps erosion under control.
Express Blower is a trademark, and the Express Blower
design logo is a registered trademark of Express Blower, Inc.

Introducing E-Stapler
A New and Improved e-STAPLE® Applicator System By
American Excelsior Company
(Arlington, TX) - American Excelsior Company is please to announce the new and improved
applicator for the exclusive installation of E-Staple ® biodegradable staples.
E-Stapler will install either 4 or 6 inch E-Staples for the sole purpose of anchoring American
Excelsior Company’s lines of Curlex ® and AEC Premier Straw ® erosion control blankets.
E-Stapler will expedite installation time, therefore, decreasing the overall installation price
of biodegradable staples vs. steel staples that have been commonly used in the past. In the
end, E-Staples and E-Stapler help create a biodegradable solution vs. rusted steel anchoring
your ECB or any other product where staple or pins are needed.
American Excelsior Company has 10 facilities in the U.S. and over 100 distributor partners.
Our Curlex ® NetFree is the only all natural fi ber rolled erosion control
blanket that is free of plastic or jute netting on either side. That makes it ideal
for environmentaly sensitive applications where wildlife is a concern or areas
that requre earl mowing.
Curlex NetFree is made from the same Curlex excelsior fi bers that have been
employed worldwide to help reduce soil and sediment loss for over 37 years.
And, since it has no net, it completely biodegradable.
So, when deciding what netting to use on your next erosion control project..
go net free with Curlex Net Free.
1-800-777-SOIL • www.curlex.com
American Excelsior Company Updates
ErosionWorks Design Software
ErosionWorks is a free erosion and sediment control design software that runs directly
from the internet at www.erosionworks.com
Recent additions included three major items “Sticky data” was incorporated allowing users
to navigate back and forth throughout the program, while all entry remains on each screen.
Now, the results of altering one or several of the input design parameters can be known
within seconds. The second major addition to Erosion Works was the option to generate
a report directly from the program. Users are now able to easily generate a saveable and
printable .pdf fi le for their records by the click of their mouse. Thirdly, American Excelsior
Company once again proved to be the leader in the erosion and sediment control industry
by becoming the fi rst to incorporate DOT product approval status to the design program.
A simple drop down menu allows users to select any state and the program will list the
products that are currently approved by the DOT in the selected state.

ContentsVOLUME 2 • ISSUE 1
©iStockphoto.com/Tammy Peluso
30
32
SPECIAL SECTION
25
EC08 Conference Preview
See what’s in store for this year’s
Environmental Connection
conference, including new
courses, speakers, activities
and more.
FEATURES
30
2007 Photo Contest Winners
A before-and-after look at our
first, second and third place
photo contest winners.
32
Case Study
When Nitta Erosion Control was
fined after applying straw according
to specifications designed for the
job, they created a product to reduce
the dust problem and comply
with California, USA state law.
By Alfred T. Nitta and Laura Bills
COLUMNS
13
Tech Talk
Nature’s Biological Tackifiers:
Biological Soil Crusts
By Julie Etra, CPESC
17
Business Matters
How to Leverage the
IECA Conference to
Grow Your Business
By Judith M. Guido
21
Viewpoint
Challenges of an Erosion and
Sediment Control Inspector
By Tom Wells, CPESC, CISEC
NEWSWORTHY AND NOTABLE
11 Streamline Your Association Email
11 IECA Members Support
International Development
34
Improving Construction Site
Hydrology Improves Water
Quality
Learn all about the benefits of
Low-Impact Development (LID)
practices.
DEPARTMENTS
9 Director’s Message
40 Advertisers.com
40 Advertisers’ Index
42 Blooper of the Month
By Greg Northcutt
34
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 5

Published for
3001 S. Lincoln Ave., Suite A
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 USA
Phone: 800.455.IECA (4322)
or 970.879.3010
Fax: 970.879.8563
Email: ecinfo@ieca.org
Website: www.ieca.org
Editorial Review Panel
Dr. Peter Bacon, CPESC
Steven Bubnick
Thomas Carpenter, CPESC
Claudia Chambers, CPESC, CIT
Joe Crea, CPESC, CPSWQ
Dr. Sherri Dunlap, CPESC
Julie Etra, CPESC
Michael Frankcombe, CPESC
John Gonzales, BSET, CPSWQ
Dr. Rob Loch
Martha Mitchell, CPESC
Rick Morse, CPESC
Dr. Jane Rickson
Dr. Steve Riley
Michael Sprague
Aaron Staup, CPESC
Ray Walke, PE
Editor Becky Milot-Bradford
Members are encouraged to submit comments and
news items to Meg Tully at meg@ieca.org
Published by
Naylor, LLC
5950 N.W. First Place
Gainesville, FL 32607 USA
Phone: 800.369.6220 or 352.332.1252
Fax: 352.331.3525
Website: www.naylor.com
Publisher: Catherine Upton
Managing Editor: Colleen Raccioppi
Marketing: Danielle Van Doren
Project Manager: Tom Schell
Advertising Director: Rick Sauers
Advertising Sales: Diane Markey,
Michael McMahon, Geri Newman,
Josh Rothburd, Eric Singer
and Shawn Wiggins
Layout & Design: Bill Kitson
Advertising Art: Julius Muljadi
For advertising information and ad rates,
please contact Tom Schell at toms@naylor.com.
©2007 International Erosion Control
Association. All rights reserved. The contents
of this publication may not be reproduced,
in whole or in part, without the prior written
consent of the publisher.
Published January 2008/IEC-Q0407/6533
IECA mission: Connect, educate and develop the worldwide erosion and sediment
control community.
Environmental Connection is the quarterly magazine (published January, April, July, and
October) for members of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA). Our goal
is to present industry and association news, highlight member contributions to
society, and promote the exchange of scientific and technical information. Each issue of
Environmental Connection includes peer-reviewed articles on a wide variety of timely erosion
and sediment control topics, as well as regular features that provide thought-provoking
accounts of people, programs, and issues in the erosion and sediment control profession.
Environmental Connection welcomes submission of articles of interest to erosion and sediment
control professionals at all levels. Complete instructions to authors are published
online at www.ieca.org.
IECA membership: Individuals receive Environmental Connection by being members
of IECA. Professional membership costs $170 USD. Call 800.455.4322 or go online to
www.ieca.org for more information.
Change of address: IECA members, notify IECA 60 days in advance. Journals undeliverable
because of incorrect address will be destroyed by the post office and cannot
be replaced. We cannot guarantee to supply back issues on late renewals or late address
corrections.
IECA is grateful for the support of its Cornerstone Members
Central Fiber Corporation Hydro Rock Company Inc.
Envirotraxx
KriStar Enterprises, Inc.
ErosionControlBlanket.com North American Green Inc
Friendly Environment Profile Products LLC
Environmental Connection is printed on recycled paper using vegetablebased
inks and an environmentally-sensitive publishing process. The paper
contains 10% total recovered fiber/all post-consumer fiber, and meets EPA
and FTC guidelines for recycled coated papers.
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 7

We Offer
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
Q: Why is CONTECH ESS is the #1 choice for erosion
control and soil stabilization?
A: The answer is above.
CONTECH Earth Stabilization Solutions Inc. offers unmatched site-engineering expertise together with the
industry’s widest selection of permanent and temporary erosion control, soil stabilization and retaining wall
products. Anywhere unstable soil must be shaped, contoured, retained, or secured, CONTECH has the solution.
The first choice for architects, engineers, contractors, and project managers nationwide, CONTECH Earth Stabilization Solutions includes Keystone Retaining
Wall Systems ® , Inc., Bin-Wall, Vista DSM ® , Metric Sheeting, ReCon Retaining Walls, Wire Walls, Tensar ® Geogrids, LANDLOK ® Turf Reinforcement Mats
(TRMs), PYRAMAT ® , Geotextiles (Woven and Non-woven), Erosion Control Blankets (ECBs), Temporary Erosion Control Products, Silt Fence, ARMORTEC ®
Family of Products, GEOLINK ® , Modular Welded Wire Gabions, Stone Mattresses, Pile Shell, Tunnel Liner Plate, and TENAX RoaDrain.
To Learn More About CONTECH Earth Stabilization Solutions Inc., call (800) 338-1122 or visit www.contechess.com.
9025 Centre Pointe Drive, Suite 400 • West Chester, Ohio 45069

Director’s
Message
IECA Launches Endowment Fund
By Tom Williams,
CPESC and Mark Hunter,
PE, Endowment Fund
Co-Chairs
Wondering what happened to the idea of a charitable foundation arm of
the IECA? Well, the Foundation Committee hasn’t been idle and much
has happened with the IECA Foundation over the last few months. For
starters, it’s no longer called The IECA Foundation. A new name has been developed
through a naming contest in which you may have participated. The new name
is—drum roll please—the Save Our International Lands Fund or as we like to call
it, the SOIL Fund. Be sure to attend the IECA’s Environmental Connection (EC08)
conference’s Opening General Session on Wednesday morning, February 20, in
Orlando, Florida, USA, for the official unveiling of the new name and logo, which
we believe captures the meaning of the fund’s true purpose. For tax and legal purposes,
the word fund will be used instead of foundation from now on.
We are in the midst of developing the plans for the grand launching of the
fund at EC08. You can expect to see more of Jim Sikking—also known as Doogie
Howser’s dad, Lt. Howard Hunter from Hill Street Blues, and/or Capt. Styles from
Star Trek III: The Search For Spock—at EC08 as the fund’s honorary chairperson
and official spokesperson. On Thursday, February 21, there will be a 5K fun run/
walk with proceeds going to the fund. Be sure and sign up early, and get as many
sponsors as you can. We expect the competition for both fastest time and largest
donation to be fierce.
The types of projects that will be funded with the money have been debated at
length and will always be a matter for discussion as proposals come in. Ultimately,
the Fund Committee will accept these proposals and bring them forward to the
IECA Board of Directors for approval and prioritization. At present, the goals of the
fund describe the following general types of projects to be funded:
• Research that advances our knowledge of the impacts of erosion and the techniques
to control it;
• Erosion control education and applied technology;
• Projects that improve the lives of those impacted by erosion and sediment.
As one can imagine, these goals leave the door open for funding a wide variety
of projects and efforts. It has been stated by some of the many contributing experts
helping us to set up the fund that, “If you have the money, there will be no shortage
of projects that will come to you.” This continues to be true and has been true all
along. However, deciding between the many and varied proposals is a consistently
difficult challenge. Ultimately the funded projects need to fit IECA’s mission and
the membership’s interests, wants, needs and goals. Therefore, we are asking you,
the potential donor and ultimate benefactor of the funded projects, to bring forth
your ideas, projects, efforts and dreams of what to fund. So please, be creative and
send your ideas on to any of the IECA Board of Directors or Fund Committee
members, and be a part of this exciting new opportunity that IECA is offering. For
more information, go to IECA’s web site at www.ieca.org/membership/getinvolved/
getinvolved.asp.
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 9

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10 • ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION
354721_TheTerawet.indd 1 11/7/07 3:48:06 PM

IECA news
Streamline Your
Association Email
As an IECA member you can now select the types of
email you wish to receive from the association. By editing
your profile online, you can opt-in to several different
email lists including member benefits, legislative updates,
webinar updates, conference and event information and
advertising opportunities.
The goal of this new feature is to allow you to receive
information most relevant to your interests in a timely,
cost-effective manner. If you choose not to be on any of
IECA’s email lists, you will only receive business-related
emails from the association. These would include items
such as dues reminders, registration confirmations, payment
receipts and notification of elections.
To update your profile and email selections log in to
http://www.ieca.org > Members Only > Edit My Profile.
To continue to receive email other than standard business
email from IECA you will need to make list selections
by July 31, 2008.
IECA Members Support
International Development
Seventy four percent of members believe that IECA should
strive to become either a global or international association,
according to a member survey conducted by the association
last August. The top reason members cite is protection of our
natural resources by educating everyone about erosion and
sediment control. Members did caution IECA to balance
international development efforts with domestic efforts so
that the association does not lose momentum in the United
States. Currently, 75 percent of IECA’s members reside in the
USA, while 15 percent reside abroad.
The next steps in this process are to engage IECA’s newly
created International Development Committee. The committee’s
mission is to recommend viable international goals,
objectives and strategies that will enable IECA to grow its
global presence in a manageable and sustainable fashion. The
committee hopes to have a draft plan ready for Board discussion
by February 2008.
We thank the following members who have dedicated
their time, knowledge and enthusiasm to serve on the
International Development Committee: Julie Etra, chair;
Craig S. Benson, Jason Call, Jeff DeGraffenried, C.R.
Devaraj, Laura Girard, John A. McCullah, Rick Morse,
Roberto A. Rodriquez, Rafael Salazar and Doug Wimble.
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Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 11
355060_Environmental.indd 1 11/1/07 4:21:05338877_Vitamin.indd PM
1 7/26/07 5:18:38 PM

EROSION CONTROL ∙ RETAINING STRUCTURES ∙ SOIL REINFORCEMENT ∙ GREEN ENGINEERING
After
Before
For over 125 years, Maccaferri has been
controlling the forces of erosion and retaining
the earth’s soil. We’ve learned a lot since 1879
and apply that knowledge to every product and
every project.
Our range of gabions, Reno mattresses, soil
reinforcement and erosion control products are
field proven to be the best in the industry.
Maccaferri strives to provide a cost effective
and dependable environmental solution to
every project. We can help you save time and
money.
www.maccaferri-usa.com ∙ 800-638-7744
355014_Maccaferri.indd 1 11/5/07 5:00:51 PM
For more information
12 • ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION
338496_Contractors.indd 1 7/23/07 1:00:23 PM

PEER
review
Tech Talk
Nature’s Biological Tackifiers:
Biological Soil Crusts
Biological Soil Crusts (BSC), also known as cryptogamic crusts, soil crusts, and microphytic crusts, are communities of
microorganisms that often include cyanobacteria, lichens, bacteria, fungi, and mosses. In arid environments they can comprise
70 percent of the living ground cover and are a primary source of fixed nitrogen. In addition, through their metabolism they
exude sticky materials that bind soil.
By Julie Etra, CPESC and
Timothy Flynn, PhD
Introduction
Arid environments are notoriously difficult to revegetate, and dust control is often
accomplished through repeated applications of water and/or tackifier—neither of which
produces a long-term solution. One long-term solution is the establishment of Biological
Soil Crusts (BSC), which are communities of microorganisms that often include
cyanobacteria, lichens, bacteria, fungi
and mosses. BSC dominate many arid
environments and improve soil fertility
through nitrogen fixation [1,2,3] —the conversion
of atmospheric nitrogen to plantusable
forms.
According to IECA member Timothy
Flynn, “In the American southwest BSC
are responsible for 99 percent of the nitrogen
input, represent up to 70 percent of
the living ground’s cover, improve the
nutritional value of forage plants, improve
water retention and control erosion.”
BSC in eastern Utah (photo courtesy of
www.soilcrust.org). Notice that the landscape is
dominated by the living crust, not the vascular
plants in this arid ecosystem.
The Benefit of Biofertilizers
These biofertilizers also add carbon to the soil. They can present an alternative to
petroleum-based chemical fertilizers. In an effort towards developing a technology
that exploits the adaptive and desirable traits of BSC communities, Flynn, through a
grant from the USDA Small Business Innovative Research Program, is currently mass
producing a “brew” of roughly eight cyanobacterial species in his bioreactor in Grand
Junction, Colorado, USA. Organisms include the common cyanobacteria (blue-green
algae) Microcoleus, Nostoc, Scytonema, Schizothrix, Anabaena, Lyngbya, Chroococcus,
Phormidium and others. Of the eight common species, six are nitrogen-fixing.
Flynn began production in 2001 with source material collected from Bang’s Canyon
in western Colorado. However, his interest in BSC dates back some 16 years when, during
his honeymoon, his new bride naively asked him what he wanted to do with his
life. While passing un-vegetated and eroding mine tailings piles around Idaho Springs,
Colorado, he pointed to the tailings and flatly responded, “Fix that.” During their honeymoon
travels in western Colorado and Utah, the couple had the opportunity to examine
the soil crusts and noted their role in the ecosystem.
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 13

Nature’s Biological Tackifiers: Biological Soil Crusts
These soil nitrogen and chlorophyll data graphs were generated from two plots (A and B) in Rabbit
Valley, Colorado, after 18 months on the ground. The number in the parentheses is the inoculation
rate (mg/m 2 ) of the cyanobacteria on a dry weight basis. Notice that the nitrogen follows the chlorophyll
pattern which indicates that the nitrogen was produced by the cyanobacteria.
30.00
Total Nitrogen (18 Months)
Nitrogen (mg/m 2 )
25.00
20.00
15.00
10.00
Nitrate
Nitrate
Ammonium
The “photostage” of the bioreactor where the cells
harvest energy from sunlight. In this pilot-scale
system, 100 m of clear tubing is compressed into a
7 x 2.2 m fence-like configuration.
5.00
0
A (0) A (30) A (100) A (300) B (0) B (30) B (100) B (300)
Plot-Inoculation Treatment (mg/m 2 )
Carbon dioxide source, resting tank and valve
system.
Soil Chlorophyl (18 Months)
100
90
80
70
Chlorophyl (mg/m 2 )
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
A (0) A (30) A (100) A (300) B (0) B (30) B (100) B (300)
Flynn’s bioreactor—a series of clear
tubes encased in a greenhouse—is carefully
monitored for pH that indicates
consumption of carbon dioxide use—
the food source for the microorganisms.
During daylight, the organisms consume
carbon dioxide and conversely respire carbon
dioxide at night. A tank of carbon
Plot-Inoculation Treatment (mg/m 2 )
dioxide supplies the reactor while a computer
connected to a pH probe carefully
monitors the pH so that the valve opens
when the pH reaches the predefined
value. A small amount of inorganic mineral
solution is added twice per year. The
bioreactor requires cleaning approximately
once per month as a function of rate of
Source material production: Small “pea-sized”
crust samples taken from nature are introduced to
an aerated liquid medium and illuminated with
fluorescent light. As the cell number increases,
the cultures are transferred to larger containers.
The cultures ultimately are used to inoculate the
photobioreactor.
production. Harvests take place weekly
and average one kilogram of dry weight
per month. Preservatives also are added
at harvest time so that the cultures have
indefinite viability.
In 2005 Flynn installed test plots in
Rabbit Valley, west of Grand Junction,
to test the efficacy of the ‘inocula’ in the
field. Replicated plots include a control of
no material and three rates of application:
30 mg m -1 , 100 mg m -1 and 300 mg m -1 .
Although there has been some degree of
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 15

Nature’s Biological Tackifiers
TRIANGULAR
SILT DIKE ®
Made with lightweight and durable materials, Triangular
Silt Dike barrier comes in seven foot sections and
installs in minutes with U-Shaped wire staples.
The flexibility of the barrier allows it to be installed
on rough and rocky terrain while the protective aprons
on both sides of the barrier helps prevent erosion and
failure of the structure.
• Effective
• Fast & Easy Installation
• Conforms to Curves and Rough Terrain
• Lightweight & Durable
• Re-usable
• Easy to Install on Concrete or Asphalt
1.800.290.8473
www.tri-siltdike.com
US Patent No. 5,605,416
Triangular Silt Dike and the logo are trademarks of the Triangular Silt Dike Co., Inc.
success with the lowest rate, according to
Flynn higher rates between 100 and 300
mg m -1 produced obvious results.
Since the material can be handled in
dry form, packaging, storage and application
methodologies are flexible. For
the small scale test plot applications, the
material was applied with a backpack
sprayer. However, for larger applications
existing equipment such as a hydroseeder
could be used. The material can
be applied alone or with vascular plant
seeds and may be compatible with other
materials, such as mulches and tackifiers.
Current research has focused on
developing a pelletized inoculum that
can be applied directly to soil without
the need for creating a water-based slurry.
Additional research is needed to answer a
number of questions including the effective
range of particular cyanobacterial
strains. If this material can be made commercially
available, the implications for
soil restoration and erosion control particularly
in arid environments are huge.
339952_Triangular.indd 1 8/17/07 8:05:10 AM
References
1 Belnap, J., K.T. Harper, and S.D. Warren.
1994. Surface disturbance of cryptobiotic
soil crusts: nitrogenase activity, chlorophyll
content and chlorophyll degradation.
Arid Soil Research and Rehabilitation
8:1-8.1.
2 Biological Soil Crusts: Ecology and Management.
2001. Technical Reference 1730-2,
U.S. Department of the Interior.
3 Richards, B.N.1974. Introduction to the
Soil Ecosystem. Longman Press, London
and New York. 266 pp.
Julie Etra, CPESC, will be reporting on
erosion and sediment control technology in
each issue of Environmental Connection.
Julie has more than 20 years of experience
in the fields of erosion control; revegetation;
restoration; botanical surveys; environmental
documents; and wetland delineation,
mitigation, and restoration. She is bilingual
(English and Spanish) and has served on the
IECA Board of Directors since 2004, and
served as the Western Chapter President
prior to that.
Manufacturers – you can send your press
releases to Julie at julieetra@aol.com for
consideration for this column.
16 • ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION
334782_JMD.indd 1 7/18/07 2:27:38 PM

PEER
review
Business Matters
How to Leverage the
IECA Conference to
Grow Your Business
Some preparation before you attend a conference or trade show, and some follow up afterward, can help you maximize
your investment of time and money.
If it’s important for you to know the current market dynamics, have access to
research and understand the industry economics and trends that will affect
your business over the coming years, then you need to invest your time and
money at the IECA conference. You’ll find the answers and resources from those
in-the-know at the conference, and they’ll teach you how to strategically apply
your newfound knowledge to effectively position your company for growth. You’ll
have the opportunity to compare and benchmark yourself with other companies
similar to yours, and have a forum to ask all of your burning business questions of
qualified people who are happy to supply you with the answers.
By Judith M. Guido
Make the Most of Your Presence
1. Conduct Pre-Conference Planning: What is it you want to accomplish
while at the show? Write down your goals and objectives for the show. (Hint:
Focus on your greatest pain points and the opportunities you’d like to size.) What
educational classes do you want to attend? Whom do you want to meet? What
type of equipment do you want to see or demo? Schedule your classes and make
your appointments prior to the conference.
Highlight the booths of providers whose equipment or services you’d like to
see. This will save you a lot of time.
2. Attend the Keynote Session: Once you arrive, be sure to hear keynote
speakers as they will focus on key industry opportunities and challenges. Be sure
you have a pulse on the industry’s dynamics and how they will affect your business.
Meet with your suppliers and prospective suppliers and use this time as a
review and planning session.
3. Learn About the Competition: Conduct competitive intelligence while
at the conference. Knowing and understanding your competition are the keys
to your success. Also take the time to get to know and talk to your competition;
having healthy and respectful relationships with competitors raises the bar
for our entire industry. Besides, you never know when you will need one another
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 17

How to Leverage the IECA Conference to Grow Your Business
for help or to align with for a better
opportunity.
4. Meet Key Players: Get to know
the IECA board members, employees
and members of the media. These folks
are professionals who eat, sleep and
breathe our industry and have dedicated
themselves to helping others. They
have a plethora of information and
resources and are happy to help you.
5. Give Back to Others and Share:
This trade show and conference is a
community of caring and sharing.
Your return on investment (what you
get back) will be a direct correlation of
what you put in and give of yourself.
The more you give, the more you get.
After the Conference
There will be so much to see, do
and learn at this year’s conference that
it will be just as important to have
a post-conference plan. You’ll be all
fired up, charged and exploding with
ideas that you gleaned from the speakers,
networking groups, new friends
Pick Cotton.
Pick
and suppliers you met during the trade
show. You’ll want to instantaneously
share all of your newfound knowledge
and ideas with your company teammates.
But, learning how to harness
and balance your enthusiasm will be
important to your success in implementing
your newfound knowledge.
You don’t want to frighten, overload
or give your team the impression that
you are experiencing another bout of
“PTSEM”—post trade show euphoric
mania. To get the best out of the IECA
show, you and your teammates can try
the following post-conference tips:
• Take a deep breath, relax and begin
to organize all of your thoughts and
contacts on paper. Begin with creating
a list of the salient contacts you
made whom you believe will have
a positive effect on growing your
company. Make sure you have all of
their critical contact information,
especially their email addresses as
this is one of the fastest and least
expensive ways to communicate.
• Jot down next to each name how
they can positively impact your
business (i.e., Joe Smith, a consultant
to help me write a strategic
business plan, or Jill Jones, a software
programmer and web builder)
and then plan a time to contact
these people and mark it in your
calendar. If you don’t have the time,
get someone organized in your
office to help you. Be sure to put
this information in your database,
PDA (personal digital assistant like
a BlackBerry or Palm), sales force
automation program, Excel spreadsheet
or whatever method you use
for collecting data.
• Next jot down all the great ideas
and concepts you learned. Prioritize
which of the ideas could solve your
greatest pain points and which
ideas could yield the greatest opportunities.
Remember, you can’t do
everything so prioritizing is critical
to your success. For example, you
might have heard a talk or participated
in a networking discussion
on estimating procedures, pricing,
marketing or sales that you would
like to incorporate in to your com-
18 • ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION
332316_NorthAmerican.indd 1
8/20/07 1:41:53 PM

Your return on
investment (what
you get back) will be
a direct correlation
of what you put in
and give of yourself.
The more you give,
the more you get.
pany operations. Whichever ones
hold the greatest benefits, implement
those first. Identify people
in your organization who would
be directly involved in the process,
share your newfound knowledge,
and brainstorm how you can effectively
use these new concepts in
your company. There might be
an IECA publication you learned
about that can help you with safety
or insurance issues that you may
want to order. Pick up the phone
and order it.
• Your next step should be to tackle
the equipment and supply side
of the equation. What equipment,
technology or new products did
you learn about that could create a
level of differentiation, cost or time
efficiencies, or create a competitive
advantage for you? Was there
software that could create efficiencies
for your backend operations, or
a new supplier partner that could
lower your cost of doing business?
Are there any new technologies or
products that could help with environmental
issues such as water conservation
and management?
• Lastly, what did you learn about
the overall state of the erosion control
industry, trends, themes, challenges,
opportunities and the competition?
Jot down those ideas and
present them to your team. Focus
on how they can affect your business,
and brainstorm ideas for resolution
or creating opportunities.
Like anything in life, what you
get out of the conference will equal
what you put into it. The IECA EC08
Conference and Expo is an extraordinary
event to learn best-in-class business
practices, state-of-the art equipment
and technology, make contacts
with educated professionals who can
help you profitably grow your company,
as well as discovering new friends and
reacquainting yourself with old friends.
If you take a moment to organize yourself,
prioritize and focus on your pain
points and opportunities your IECA
return on investment should yield years
of success!
Judith M. Guido, principal of Guido
& Associates, has been successfully helping
green and erosion control companies
grow their people and profits for 20
years. She will be a keynote speaker in
the business management seminar track
at this year’s IECA EC08 conference
in Orlando, Florida, USA. She can be
reached at 818-800-0135 or at jguido@sbcglobal.net.
Visit her web site for
free green industry educational tips at
www.guidoassoc.com.
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 19
353353_RoLanka.indd 1 10/29/07 3:48:26 PM

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20 • ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION
350880_Deltalok.indd 1 10/15/07 7:42:25 340615_KriStar.indd PM
1 8/17/07 7:51:32 AM

Viewpoint
Challenges of an Erosion and
Sediment Control Inspector
By Tom Wells, CPESC,
CISEC
I
have attended nearly every relevant seminar and workshop to be found over the
past several years and have spent countless hours researching and trying to memorize
all the federal, state and local storm water rules and regulations. Despite
all this education and training, the responsibilities of my position continue to prove
overwhelming.
One can be trained on what to look for on a job site—what’s good and what’s
bad. But when it comes to the true responsibilities and requirements of being an
erosion and sediment control inspector, there’s a lot more to know than what bad
silt fence looks like.
I felt inspired to bring to light some of the day-to-day activities that seem to take
most of my time and energy. Surprisingly, most of these things were never mentioned
in any seminar I’ve attended. Like many of you out there, I had to learn the
hard way. My goal is now to share my perspective and some of the issues and obstacles
encountered on a project-by-project basis.
I am an erosion and sediment control inspector for Lamp, Rynearson &
Associates—an Omaha, Nebraska, USA-based community and infrastructure
design firm. I am expected to be an expert on the erosion control process, and as a
result my responsibilities don’t end when I leave the job site.
The Roles of the Inspector
Our firm works on nearly all types of civil construction projects: linear (roadway,
street improvements), commercial, mixed-use, residential subdivisions and municipal
infrastructure. Our work involves different team members: applicants, designers,
contractors, subcontractors and others. So, as you might imagine, there are many
“hats” to wear as a private inspector, politician, negotiator, middleman, juggler, “fall
guy” and problem solver.
One of the requirements of my position is to be the liaison for nearly all parties
involved. I frequently coordinate and manage communication among the team
members so everyone is working from the same “page.” It’s my responsibility to balance
the expectations of all involved and to keep projects moving as smoothly as
possible regarding erosion and sediment control.
As the negotiator, I’m often the one asked to resolve grievances. To say that I
regularly run into some very strong differences of opinion as to how to solve erosion
control issues is an understatement. Have you ever walked into a room or onto a job
site only to have contractors or designers avoid you? Well, it has happened to me.
Avoidance is not nearly as bad as having a contractor or designer upset with you.
To the contractors I’m the pesky fly that just won’t go away. I’m constantly bringing
repairs and maintenance tasks to the contractor’s attention, making it harder
for them to meet project deadlines and profit objectives. Designers can be equally
challenging. An email or voice mail message with my name as the sender usually is
not good news for them. It may mean the designer needs to make another call to the
applicant, justifying additional costs for erosion control.
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 21

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Challenges of an Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector
The parties involved with a project
may have dissimilar priorities.
Applicants and contractors focus on
time and money; in other words, they
want the project to stay on schedule
and under budget. Designers want to
keep the applicant happy and maintain
project functionality. They are worried
about cost and time but also focus
heavily on compliance. The private
inspector’s objective is to make certain
all solutions are compliant with local,
state and federal regulations, in addition
to meeting project requirements.
I serve as the contact point for regulators.
When a repair date has been
missed, a sub-par repair completed, or
a homebuilder or sub-contractor has
tracked sediment from the job site, I
catch the heat from frustrated regulatory
inspectors. Regardless of the reasons
for the problems listed above, the
inspector often catches the brunt of
the regulator’s irritation.
As an inspector, I’m expected to
know all things erosion control related,
including all federal, state and local
rules/regulations. In addition, it’s my
responsibility to be current on all erosion
and sediment control products
and to understand their limitations
and design specifications, installation
methods and purposes and costs, while
being aware of the latest best management
practices. There’s a difficult
learning curve involved.
Another role I find myself taking
on is that of the “fall guy” who often
gets the blame for doing what’s right.
When it comes to inspections, reports
and recommendations, I’ve found
myself in situations that make it difficult
to maintain ethical integrity.
There is constant pressure from entities
with conflicting agendas.
Most designers are fully aware of
the costs of non-compliance. The
struggle is getting the applicant and
contractors to understand the importance
of erosion and sediment control
from the project’s beginning. The contractor’s
focus is to get the job completed
and move on to the next project
as quickly as possible; every time a
contractor pulls a work crew from its
current assignment to make a repair
that will maintain permit compliance,
it costs time and/or money. The regulator’s
priorities are more straightforward:
enforce existing rules and
regulations.
So where do my loyalties lie? Simply
put, with each of the entities that play
a key role in the project. My first priority
is keeping the project site in compliance,
and therefore keeping the client
and my employer in good graces.
I want to have a good working relationship
with contractors, but if they
aren’t choosing to make erosion and
sediment control a priority, then I
have to do what’s necessary to keep the
other parties protected by following
the established guidelines for erosion
and sediment control. By documenting
work requests, faxes, phone calls and
letters, I keep records of everything
asked of the contractor. It’s their decision
to choose whether to implement
the work requests.
Once contractors understand erosion
and sediment control expectations,
most are willing to follow regulations.
Inspectors, regulators and
designers have made erosion and sediment
control training a professional
priority. It’s my hope that more contractors
will consider training for interested
staff members so that they will
understand why project monitoring
and maintenance is essential.
The Future
To the chagrin of some, erosion and
sediment control in the Unites States is
not going away. Erosion control monitoring
has become an expected piece
of every project. As development and
redevelopment continues and the population
grows, it’s only going to become
more important to all of us. We each
play a vital role in the development
world: the applicant, designer, regulator,
contractor and inspector. My role is
just one piece of the puzzle that’s needed
to put a project together. There are
intricacies and pressures that each of
us face. The more we can identify with
one another and what we want as an
end result, the better we will function
as a whole and achieve our collective
goal—a successful project.
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Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 23
7/21/07 2:14:20 PM

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24 • ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION
352951_TRIC.indd 1 10/24/07 3:47:50 353864_Agrecol.indd PM
1 10/25/07 10:00:44 PM

Special Section
Conference Preview
New Courses for EC08
EC27: Watershed Assessment for River Stability and
Sediment Supply (WARSSS)
Instructor: Dave Rosgen, PhD
This brand new course will familiarize attendees with the
principles, fundamentals and procedures of WARSSS quantitative
cumulative watershed assessment methodology.
EC26: The Mike and Chuck Excellent Adventure. BMPs
with Field Trip
Instructors: Mike Harding, CPESC, Chuck Austin
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about stormwater
pollution prevention but were afraid to ask! Learn from a
leading technical expert in the erosion control industry about
proven design, inspection and maintenance techniques. A
half day of classroom instruction will teach you what you
need to know about estimating, budgeting your projects and
what should be included in your SWPPPs. Spend the afternoon
in the field learning BMP techniques.
EC43: Soil Microbiology
Instructor: Timothy Flynn, PhD
This course is recommended for anyone who uses vegetation
for erosion control, because “dirt” is not soil. Soil supports
vegetative growth, but dirt does not. So, what’s the
difference? The key difference, here, lies with the microbial
community.
This course will describe the biology and ecology of the
major microbial groups including bacteria, fungi and algae.
By understanding the biology of these groups, you can
manipulate and predict particular outcomes.
After learning what these microorganisms do in nature,
we will explore various means, both conventional and unconventional,
that can be used to transform sterile mineral
substrates into soil. In-depth consideration will be given to
mycorrhizal fungi, symbiotic relationships, nitrogen fixation
and cyanobacteria.
EC44: Introduction to Florida’s 2007 Erosion and
Sediment Designer and Regulatory Manual
Instructor: Jerald S. Fifield, CPESC, PhD
With the adoption of the statewide stormwater rule in
1982, Florida was the first state in the country to require
the treatment of stormwater from all new development. The
stormwater rule consists of technology-based requirements
relying upon a performance standard (environmental goal)
and Best Management Practices (BMPs) design criteria. For
Check out the industry’s
largest display of
products, equipment and
services as you expand
your network of valuable
professional contacts.
example, performance standards for erosion and sediment
control during grading is to retain sediment on-site, with a
backstop that no discharge shall violate the State of Florida’s
water quality standard for turbidity.
This introduction to Florida’s technical assessment of
BMPs is being presented so that a consistent level of professional
conduct for designers and reviewers exists as they develop
and review Erosion and Sediment Control (E&SC) drawings
and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs).
A primary goal is for designers and reviewers to provide (and
be accountable for) meaningful and practical E&SC drawings
as part of their SWPPPs for contractors to implement.
EC45: Regulatory Construction Compliance—What
Side of the Silt Fence Are You On?
Be exposed to a broad spectrum of viewpoints from regulatory
personnel and those who are regulated. These perspectives
not only represent “both sides of the silt fence” but also
provide a national perspective. Develop an understanding of
the cooperative philosophies of stormwater, erosion and sedimentation
control and regulatory compliance efforts that can
be found from coast to coast and border to border.
EC51: Business Development Basics
Instructor: Charles Vander Kooi
This course is for everyone including owners/operators,
key people, team leaders, decision makers, project managers,
supervisors, spouses, employees.
6 Things Contractors Always Ask Mr. Vander Kooi
1. How should I organize my company?
2. How should I deal with lowballers?
3. How much growth is good?
4. How do I keep in control?
5. Do I get the people first? Or the work?
6. When should I keep, or sell, equipment?
Negotiating: Most contractors only think about negotiating
a job when you talk about negotiating. Yet they
negotiate every day with their employees, existing job owners
and even with their family. In this talk, Charles Vander
Kooi will show you how to take negotiating from the usual
adversarial relationship to positive methods of arriving at
win/win solutions.
• How we have been doing it but shouldn’t have been
doing it.
• A better way—getting to agreements without giving in.
• The four principles to negotiating.
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 25

Conference Preview
People management: It takes a certain type of person
to be able to motivate and effectively manage a construction
crew. In this program Charles Vander Kooi draws
from more than 40 years of experience in the construction
industry to share his expertise on the broad subject of people
management.
In it he talks about the good employee who has gone bad
(egg sucking dog), the four different personalities needed
in a business, communication with contractors and many
other topics that are vital to effectively running a company.
EC52: Estimating and Bidding
Instructor: Charles Vander Kooi
This course is for owners/operators, estimators, and
accountants.
The goal was to develop the “perfect” estimating system
that recovers the “perfect overhead.” However, after
bidding more than a billion dollars in work personally,
and conducting extensive research with clients and other
consulting firms Charles decided that, in reality, there is
not a perfect estimating system. As a result he has developed
what he calls, “As Good As It Gets.” His system is a
Multiple Overhead Recovery System (MORS) based on the
premise that there are different variables on each and every
job, not to mention the different expenses each company
has that must be considered. Additionally there is a portion
of your company’s overhead that must be recovered on each
and every job.
MORS was developed to consider the changing variables
that are unique to each company and each job and to allocate
the proper amount of overhead to the material, labor,
equipment and subs throughout the year to make a profit.
The outline for the course includes:
• Labor costing: How to figure production hours instead
of dollar amounts.
• Equipment costing: Arriving at exact hourly and daily
costs.
• General conditions: Why they should be estimated on a
job-by-job basis, and what they are.
• Labor burden: Gives percentages of taxation on labor, or
items that apply to labor.
• Overhead allocation: Illustrates different methods to use
to allocate overhead.
• Profit: Deciphers between four different considerations:
need, risk, size and marketplace.
• The ding dong factor: Emphasizes the need for a cost
code for the people who hit below the belt.
Visit www.ieca.org for more information on all of our
courses or see your registration booklet that accompanied
this issue of Environmental Connection.
26 • ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION
338958_StormKlear.indd 1 7/24/07 9:20:49 AM

Make EC08 a Disney Family
Vacation
All the EC08 conference activities, exposition and networking
events will take place under one roof at Disney’s
Coronado Springs Resort. Inspired by the explorers who
searched for the fabled Seven Cities of Gold, Disney’s
Coronado Springs Resort celebrates the character and traditions
of the American Southwest and northern Mexico.
Here, palm-shaded courtyards and Spanish-style haciendas
create the perfect climate for business and pleasure.
A Google Earth image of the Greenwood Urban Wetland site.
Friday Field Tour:
Greenwood Urban
Wetland
The Greenwood Urban Wetland was built to
alleviate flooding and to treat stormwater runoff
prior to discharge to drainage wells that flow
to the Floridian Aquifer. The system is designed
to detain the runoff from 2.5 inches of rainfall.
Approximately 300,000 cubic yards of material
was removed to create the system which enlarged
the surface area of the “lake” from four to thirteen
acres. Weirs were constructed to control water levels
and establish three ponds to maximize stormwater
detention. The average water depth is 5.1 feet, the
storage volume is 66 acre feet, and the hydraulic residence
time is 22.7 days. The lakes have a 25- to 30-
foot-wide littoral shelf which was planted with over
82,000 plants of ten species of native macrophytes.
The lakes are connected by marsh flowways
and the system also includes a “riverine floodway”
that allows large storms to bypass the lake system.
The floodway is planted with seven species of hardwood
swamp trees. An upstream sediment/debris
basin, pond aeration and an irrigation system reusing
stormwater are incorporated into the design
to increase pollutant removal effectiveness. The
reuse system allows the city to irrigate the park and
the adjacent city-owned cemetery with stormwater
instead of potable water, saving the city $25,000 per
year. In addition to providing flood protection and
stormwater treatment, the 26-acre Lake Greenwood
Urban Wetland park includes sidewalks, bridges
and green space passive recreation that is widely
used by nearby residents.
Discount Disney Tickets and Information
Purchase discount Disney park tickets through Disney’s
Conventionears web site. Disney offers convention attendees
discounted tickets after 4:00 p.m. and other specials.
Visit Disney’s web site at www.disneyconventionears.com.
EC08 Keynote Speaker:
Chad Pregracke
Helping to Clean America’s Rivers
Chad Pregracke, founder and president of
Living Lands & Waters, is living, breathing
proof that one person can make a difference.
The Mississippi River was literally Pregracke’s
backyard while he was growing up. While there,
he noticed that the condition of the river was getting
worse due to the accumulation of trash on
Keynote speaker Chad
Pregracke aboard a barge
used to remove trash from
the shorelines. Based on his concern, while still in the Mississippi river.
college, he set out in the spring of 1997 to make a
difference … one river at a time … one piece of garbage at a time.
During his hour-long talk at the EC08 General Session,
Pregracke will take the audience out on one of the world’s greatest
rivers—a journey filled with lively characters, colorful places and
gripping adventures. His delivery is refreshingly spontaneous and
genuine.
As the founder of America’s only “industrial strength” river cleanup
organization, Pregracke tells a compelling and funny story about
growing up on the river and how his river experiences led to his
unique vision to clean up the Mississippi River. From the darkness
of underwater shell-diving to the brightness of open-air community
clean-ups, Pregracke’s tale embodies the importance of setting goals
and illustrates how determined hard-work and persistence pays off.
The river environment is relentlessly real and Pregracke brings
the same up-front honesty to his presentation. Pregracke’s sincere
enthusiasm is an uplifting wave as he relates his personal conviction
to clean America’s rivers.
Pregracke’s work has been filmed by many of the major networks
including PBS and featured in numerous national and international
magazines including Outside, Readers Digest, Smithsonian,
and others.
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 27

Servicing the
Erosion Control, Landscape
& Construction Industry
Conference Preview
Advancing Your
Erosion Control
Education Isn’t All Work
Just because EC08, IECA’s annual international
conference, offers a week of the most complete,
most up-to-date erosion and sediment control
training in the business, you don’t have to keep
your nose buried in a book to profit from the
experience.
To be held February 18–22, in Orlando,
Florida, USA, EC08 will provide ample opportunities
to take a break, unwind and have fun with
others who share your interest in protecting the
quality of soil, water and air resources.
“What better place to be in February than
in Orlando, which is world-famous for its mild
winter weather and numerous attractions?” asks
Kate Nowak, IECA’s events and sales director.
“Whether you come by yourself or bring your
family, you can select from many different entertaining,
educational and relaxing activities while
you’re here. They include special conference
events.”
Some Great Golf
Whether you come to win some fabulous prizes—including
a cool $10,000 (just shoot a hole-inone)—or
to experience the serenity of golfing amid
an environment of lakes, wetlands and clusters
of native oak, pine and magnolia trees, the EC08
Golf Tournament promises to be the biggest and
best ever.
Regardless of your handicap, this 18-hole event
is designed to be fun as teams of four play in a
scramble format. It will be held Tuesday, February
19, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Celebration
Golf Club. Golf Digest magazine’s Best Places to
Play 2004-2005 gives it 4 1/2 stars and rates in
among the top 200 in North America for service
and course conditioning.
Exhibitors at the EC08 Expo who play in the
tournament can set up their booths the day before.
The $135 registration fee covers transportation,
green fees, lunch at the club house and cart rental.
You’ll also receive a complimentary Razor golf
wedge coupon, a souvenir six pack of logo golf
balls and a $10 discount at the pro shop. For more
information and to register go to www.ieca.org
(Events & Programs > Annual Conference).
A Grand
Expo
Opening
Check out the industry’s
largest display of
products, equipment
and services as you
expand your network
of valuable professional
contacts at the Opening
Reception that marks
the start of the EC08
Expo. The three-hour
event, to be held in the
Exhibit Hall, begins
at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday,
February 19, and features
complimentary
food and beverages.
It’s a great way to meet
other professionals who
can help you advance
your skills and your
career.
Erosion Control & Stormwater Products
Site Work Materials & Supplies
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Fertilizer • Landscape Fabrics
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For more information call 888-239-4539
or visit us at www.hanesgeo.com
28 • ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION
355409_Hanes.indd 1 11/8/07 4:02:01 PM

Whether you come
by yourself or bring
your family, you
can select from
many different
entertaining,
educational, and
relaxing activities
while you’re here.
Sponsors
The space shuttle Explorer is one of the many sites at the Kennedy Space Center.
Fun for All
Attendees and spouses can participate in two special EC08 tours. The first, on
Wednesday, February 20, features a tour of the Kennedy Space Center. It leaves
at 9:00 a.m. and returns at 5:00 p.m. You’ll see the massive launch pads and the
gigantic Vehicle Assembly Building as well as the Apollo/Saturn V Complex and
the International Space Station Center. Activities at the Visitor Complex include a
view of 10-story high rockets and a walk through a full-size mock-up of the Space
Shuttle. You’ll also have lunch with an astronaut and learn what it’s like to explore
space. The fee is $125 per person.
The other tour, on Thursday, February 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, offers a fascinating
look behind the scenes at the Magic Kingdom park. When most people
hear the name “Walt Disney,” they think of Mickey Mouse, classic movies and
theme parks. What they often don’t think of, or even know about, are his many
innovative ideas that eventually led to the creation of the Walt Disney World
Resort. You’ll learn about those, and you’ll explore a tunnel beneath the park
to learn about its support system and visit a second-floor level to see how Walt
Disney’s life influenced the park’s Main Street, USA. Cost is $115 per person.
For more information and to register go to www.ieca.org (Events & Programs >
Annual Conference).
Some Friendly Competition
If you’re competing in the Chapter Challenge in the late afternoon of
Wednesday, February 20, you’ll want to hold onto your hat. And if you’re watching
from the sidelines, you’ll want to wave your hat to cheer your team on to
crossing the finish line first. Either way, the action is fast and at times, wild, as
the IECA Chapters compete in the one-and-only IECA HydRodeo. This entertaining
series of events tests competitors in the skills that erosion control contractors
use every day in their work.
For all the details, contact IECA.
IECA would like to thank the
following Corporate Partners for
the 2007 – 2008 year.
Platinum Partner
Stormwater USA
Gold Partner
Profile Products
Silver Partner
ScourStop
Bronze Partners
Finn Corporation
North American Green
IECA would like to thank our
Publication Partners.
Diamond Level
CE News
SiteLink
Stormwater Solutions
Sapphire Level
Land Development Today
Soil Erosion and Hydroseeding
Ruby Level
Better Roads
Erosion Control
Geosynthetics magazine
Geosynthetica.net
Land & Water
Landscape Architect &
Specifier News
Turf & Landscape
Construction
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 29

2007 Photo Contest Winners
First Place
Successful stabilization utilizing biodegradable blanket netting to protect the local
indigenous snake habitat. Submitted by Kory Kammeier, Western Excelsior. Location:
Oakland, CA, USA. Date: December 2006.
Each year IECA holds a photo
contest. Submissions are showcased
at the annual Environmental
Connection conference and at www.
ieca.org. Start planning now for your
2008 photo contest entry. Remember
to set your digital cameras to take
and print quality high resolution
photos. Photos must be submitted by
December 31. Check our web site for
more information.
Before
Note: The winners from the
“Impacts of Erosion and Sediment
Control” and “Technology in Action”
categories appeared in the July 2007
issue of News To Use.
After
30 • ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION

Second Place
Creek realignment along with retaining walls to protect the houses at the TOB project located in historical park in downtown
Orlando. Submitted by James Griffin, Bio-Mass Tech, Inc. Location: Orlando, FL, USA. Date: October 2003.
Before
After
Third Place
Before: Curlex blankets being installed as a quarry walls are constructed. After: Steep quarry walls protected with Curlex
between completed benches. Submitted by Kurt Kelsey, American Excelsior Company. Photograph by Carlos Kerrinckx.
Location: El Salvador. Date: October 2003 and January 2004.
Before
After
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 31

PEER
review
Case Study:
Dust Control System and Method
for Straw Blowing
By Alfred T. Nitta, President and Laura Bills, Secretary/Treasurer, Nitta Erosion Control
This article describes the development of a dust-suppression device for straw blowing.
When the authors’ erosion control business was fined after applying straw according
to specifications designed for the job, the need arose for additional dust control. Nitta
Erosion Control’s dust suppression system effectively reduces this dust problem, complies
with all California, USA state laws and also features additional benefits.
This case study discusses the pneumatic
method of straw blowing for
erosion control—a method widely
used in California, USA—and the
dust produced as its undesirable by-product.
As erosion control contractors, these
authors regularly apply straw according
to specifications designed for the job.
Recently, Nitta Erosion Control encountered
problems with this time-honored
method of erosion control: The dust
produced as a by-product of pneumatic
application can violate California’s air
quality regulations. After being detained
by officers, cited and fined for negative
air quality, Nitta’s team saw a definite
need for a solution.
As erosion control subcontractors,
Nitta Erosion Control must follow state
laws concerning dust issues while performing
its work and adhering to the
specifications of its clients. The strawblowing
method of erosion control is
time-proven and widely used. The straw
is either hand-spread in small areas or is
pneumatically placed in large areas over
the ground subject to erosion. With straw
covering the ground, the impact of rain
and water is reduced and the chance for
soil erosion is diminished. However, one
problem with straw blowers is that they
propel dust and dirt, as well as very fine
straw particles in a way that often causes
clouds of dust.
These clouds do not quickly settle to
the ground, and with wind drift can travel
to undesirable locations. Consequently,
an air quality problem is generated.
California air quality regulations require
that emissions not exceed 40 percent
opacity for more than three minutes in
every hour. [1] Placer County, California,
Air Pollution Control District regulations
are more severe with a 20 percent opacity
limit. [2] Also, visible emissions of fugitive
dust must not cross property boundaries.
Fines triggered by blowing straw initiated
a need to suppress dust emissions
from Nitta Erosion Control’s straw blowing
procedures. Ultimately the company
solved the problem by creating the Dust
Dog TM , a patent pending water/liquid
injection device that is mounted onto its
straw blowers.
Reducing the Dust
This dust-suppression system was
created by the owner of Nitta Erosion
Control, Alfred (Al) Nitta. To solve
the problem of excessive dust, he first
thought about how to improve the process
of straw blowing, which has been
specified by public agencies in the United
States for the last 20 years and is a proven,
effective way to control erosion in
many instances. The remedy resulted
from answering the following questions:
1. Why was there dust?
2. How could the dust be stopped? and,
after developing the basic idea,
3. Where should nozzles be placed for
the most advantageous outcome?
The “why” was easily answered since
all straw bales, no matter how they are
stored, are dirty and always contain small
chaff particles that resemble dust. The
“how” was more complicated.
How can the dust be reduced? Al’s
solution was to add water to the straw
before being blown. First, he located
water reservoirs and mounted them onto
the straw blower. Typical water use is
approximately 50 gallons of water per
acre. Nitta Erosion Control’s Finn B-
260s hold two 50 gallon tanks each and
its Big Bale Mulcher can hold 260 total
gallons of water. Since Nitta’s operation
includes hydroseeding and also tacking
the straw, water usually is provided by
the general contractor. Adding a tack
32 • ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION

Dust suppression system on. The man walking in the blowing straw is from an environmental
remediation company using an exposure monitor to test the dust particulate matter. Note hardly
any drift. What you can see is the particles of straw chaff larger than the respiratory dust that is
unhealthy.
Demonstration of straw application without the dust suppression on. Note the drift of dust
particles suspended in the air.
product to the water was considered, but
after testing the company found the tack
material clogged the nozzles and wasn’t
practical. The primary purpose for the
dust suppression was mainly to minimize
dust.
To answer the “where” question, Nitta
discovered the placement of the misters
was very important. After brainstorming
and attempts at experimenting with nozzle
placement, he found he must stop the
dust at its source. Water is injected just
after the bale shredder and also in other
various locations in the straw-beating
area, misting the straw in a way so that
maximum coating can occur. Initially,
standard spray nozzles were effective, but
with the purchase of a Big Bale Mulcher,
modified nozzles were necessary. These
nozzles are re-tooled to produce a fan
pattern that is more efficient at reducing
dust in a large bale.
Nitta’s solution allows for the dust
particles to adhere to the stra w so that
no significant dust and fine particles
are blown into the atmosphere. No surfactants
were deemed necessary since
water use is minimal. The additional
chemicals are not generally specified and
wouldn’t make the application any more
successful.
Problem Solved
Nitta Erosion Control has implemented
this device for the past two
years with complete success and is able
to comply with straw-blowing specifications
without fear of penalties for doing
its job. Additionally, the company has
allowed various manufacturers to mount
the device on newly manufactured straw
blowers. Along with the air quality benefits,
the team has found some additional
advantages to the invention.
Employing this method of blowing
straw, the straw is coated with a fine
liquid, becoming slightly heavier thus
making it easier to place on the ground.
The applicator discovered he could shoot
the straw farther and more accurately.
In job scheduling one cannot always
predict the weather or schedule installations
on perfect days. It’s difficult to
blow straw in windy conditions, and
Nitta found that it lost less material and
had improved placement with the dust
suppression device. Minimizing straw
loss allows the company to save money
because it doesn’t have to supply and
shoot more straw to fulfill the application
requirements. Health benefits also
are apparent.
With minimal dust blowing at the
time of application, breathing becomes
easier for the applicator as well as for the
laborers handling the straw. Safety issues
also are addressed by the improved ability
to see through clearer air. Ultimately,
Nitta Erosion Control has found that
the dust suppression device alleviates
many of the adverse affects associated
with straw blowing.
References
1 California Health and Safety Code,
Section 41701
2 Placer County (California) Air
Pollution Control District, Rule 202
- Visible Emissions (Adopted 11-
12-74; Revised 05-24-77, 06-19-79,
05-20-85)
Al Nitta obtained his contractor’s
license and started a land grading business
in the 1970s. By 1980 his main
business was hydroseeding, primarily for
public works jobs including the State of
California Department of Transportation,
counties, cities, school districts and large
private developers. This year, Al turned 84
and is still heavily involved in the erosion
control industry. He earned his CPESC in
1996 and has 30 years of practical experience
in erosion control.
In 1996, Laura Bills started as an
administrative assistant/job coordinator
at Nitta Erosion Control. In 2003,
she became office manager. In 2006, she
became Secretary/Treasurer.
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 33

PEER
review
Improving Construction Site
Hydrology Improves Water Quality
By Greg Northcutt
By mimicking the pre-development hydrology of a construction site, Low-Impact Development (LID) practices offer a more
environmentally-friendly way of managing stormwater runoff during and after construction than conventional stormwater
management techniques. Benefits include slower runoff velocities, more ground water recharge, improved water quality
downstream and lower construction costs.
If you’re looking for a new market
for your erosion control knowledge
and skills, you might want to
look at the relatively new field of Low
Impact Development (LID).
“It definitely offers opportunities
for erosion control professionals who
are up to speed on the principles and
techniques,” says John Kosco, a principal
engineer with management consulting
and technical services company
Tetra Tech, who teaches IECA training
courses in this subject. “Erosion
control professionals can use their
expertise to encourage developers and
contractors to include innovative Low
Impact Development practices in their
projects. These practices can reduce
stormwater runoff, minimize erosion
and decrease the overall stormwater
infrastructure costs to the developer.”
In various areas, municipalities now
include the practices in their development
codes and stormwater management
ordinances.
Back to Nature
LID integrates site design and practices
that replicate the pre-development
hydrologic conditions of the site
to mitigate the impacts of development
on land, water and air resources
in urban and developing watersheds.
At the same time, it combines strategic
planning with micro-management
techniques that enhance not only the
environment but also the economics of
the development project.
Conventional stormwater management
practices are designed to remove
stormwater runoff from sites as efficiently
as possible using channels and
pipes. This reduces the amount of runoff
that soaks into the soil to recharge
ground water supplies and help remove
pollutants. It also increases the volume
and erosive force of runoff flows, adds
to the amount of pollutants, such as
sediment, that wash off slopes and
flow downstream.
“This short-circuits the natural
meandering drainage pattern in
a watershed,” says Robb Lukes, an
environmental engineer with the Low
Impact Development Center, Inc., a
non-profit research, development
and training organization based in
Beltsville, Maryland, USA. “The peak
storm runoff comes sooner and higher
than in the pre-developed natural
setting. Although a conventional
stormwater detention basin may lower
the peak runoff flows, it still doesn’t
reduce the volume of runoff or solve
water quality issues.”
Reducing Runoff Impacts
LID is designed to conserve and
preserve the natural hydrology, while
maintaining as much of the original
runoff flow path as possible, reducing
impervious surfaces by decreasing
the area of sidewalks and driveways,
disconnecting impervious surfaces
from the drainage system (for
example, using roof drains to direct
runoff onto lawns) and maintaining
the native loose soil structure. Various
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
are used to retain, treat and slow runoff.
Among them:
Vegetated filter strip. Designed to
treat sheet flow from adjacent surfaces,
this can be a natural vegetated area,
ranging from a grassy meadow to a
small forest, or a constructed area that
has been graded, prepared and planted
34 • ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION

Photo credit (Figures 1–4):
Low Impact Development Center, Inc.
Figures 1–4: These photos
demonstrate four different
uses of bioretention cells, also
called rain gardens. These
vegetated landscape features
collect and store stormwater
runoff, allowing it to infiltrate
the soil, reducing stormwater
runoff and recharging ground
water supplies.
Do No Harm
The Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) oversees development
activities in a 6,060 sq. mi. (15,700 km2) watershed just
west of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The Authority
requires the use of many Water-Sensitive Design or Low Impact
Development practices to manage stormwater and control water
pollution associated with development and construction sites in
both urban and rural areas.
Developers must demonstrate that their projects will have a
sustainable Neutral or Beneficial Effect (NorBE) on water quality
during both the construction and post-construction phases
of the development, particularly during wet weather, reports
Bob Banens, senior environmental engineer with the Authority.
“NorBE is a stringent requirement and the Authority is rigorous
in its application.” he says. “We often require the use of
the MUSIC stormwater quality model and our own in-house
designed wastewater model to determine if the prospective
development will meet the Authority’s NorBE requirements.
Invariably this requires the developer to apply on-site watersensitive
design techniques and may require modification of the
project to ensure NorBE is met. If water-sensitive design is not
employed and NorBE is not met, the proposed development is
not approved.”
“In much of Eastern Australia, aquifer storage and recovery
is strongly discouraged where adding water to the ground can
result in dryland salinity,” says IECA member Rick Morse,
CPESC. “Sometimes the only way to achieve the SCA’s goals
is to use nearly all rainwater on site—so there’s no runoff at all.
This is not a necessarily desirable approach, but can be the only
option to avoid polluting the environment, especially where
the current land use is native bushland that generates very few
pollutants.”
The choice of stormwater management practices is left up to
the project designer, although the Authority may suggest practical
and appropriate measures that could be employed. These
may range from simple swales or rainwater storage tanks to
more sophisticated approaches, like a constructed wetland or a
bioretention swale.
A bioretention swale is a depression in the ground, filled with
soil, planted with water-tolerant vegetation and located above an
underdrained sand layer. It allows for ponding of runoff that
filters through the plants and soil that remove a wide variety of
pollutants by adsorption, filtration, sedimentation, volatilization,
ion exchange and biological decomposition. Water exits
the swale by filtrating into the surrounding soil, flowing out an
underdrain and by evapotranspiration. Mulch protects the surface
of the swale from weeds, erosion and desiccation.
Current Recommended Practices (CRPs) or Best
Management Practices (BMPs) endorsed by the Authority are
described in the Blue Book, which offers a unique, site-specific
approach for controlling erosion and sediment on lands disturbed
by construction activities. Written by Morse, it earned
IECA’s 2007 Environmental Achievement Award. “As all development
activities invariably involve construction,” says Barnes,
“the Blue Book is probably our most important endorsed CRP.”
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 35

Improving Construction Site Hydrology
Figure 5: The light area to the left of the road
is a newly planted grass swale. Usually installed
along streets and highways, this practice
replaces curb and gutter systems in managing
stormwater runoff. Swales channel flows away
from the road and use grass or other vegetation
to remove sediment and certain other pollutants
and to slow runoff velocity, allowing water
to filter into the soil. Photo credit: North
Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
355345_InnovativeEquipment.indd 1 10/31/07 5:15:56 PM
with grasses, shrubs or trees. It traps
sediment and sediment-bound pollutants
and can be installed as part of
the landscape. Because it disconnects
impervious surfaces from storm sewers
and line channels, a filter strip reduces
imperviousness and helps reduce peak
discharge rates.
Grassed swale. This is a shallow
channel with vegetated side slopes and
bottom that collects and slowly conveys
runoff flow to downstream discharge
points. It can replace a curb
and gutter and traps particulate pollutants
by filtering through a subsoil
matrix and/or infiltration into the
underlying soils. It also promotes infiltration
and reduces the flow velocity
of stormwater runoff.
Sand filter. A sand filter normally
is used to remove relatively large
amounts of sediments, metals, hydrocarbons
and floatables from stormwater
runoff from highly impervious
areas. It can be designed as an
open basin or buried trench. A forebay
removes trash, debris and coarse
sediment. As stormwater percolates
down through the sand media, finer
sediments and other pollutants are
removed by solids settling, filtering
and adsorption processes.
36 • ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION
335587_Pacific.indd 1 7/18/07 3:00:55 PM

Figure 6: This cistern next to the building
collects stormwater runoff from the roof and
stores it for irrigation or other non-potable uses,
instead of allowing it to flow into streams or
storm sewers. Photo credit: North Carolina
Cooperative Extension Service
Figure 7: As shown here, permeable pavement
soaks up stormwater runoff. An alternative to
large areas of concrete and asphalt, it allows
stormwater to infiltrate into the soil which can
help remove some types of pollutants. Photo
credit: North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Service
Figure 8: Rain gardens are typically
landscaped with native plants and grasses,
based on their moisture requirements and
ability to tolerate pollutants. They require
periodic maintenance, such as replacing
mulches and removing sediments, to continue
functioning properly. This example is located
in North Carolina, USA. Photo credit: North
Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
Learn More
IECA will offer two LID training courses during EC08, to be held
February 18–21, 2008, in Orlando, Florida, USA.
In the meantime, more information is available online from:
• Low Impact Development Center, www.lowimpactdevelopment.org
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lidnatl.pdf
• New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual (Chapter
9), www.njstormwater.org/bmp_manual2.htm
• North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Stormwater BMPS Manual (Chapter 8-20), http://h2o.enr.state.
nc.us/su/bmp_manual.htm
• California Stormwater Quality Association New Development and
Redevelopment Handbook (Section 5), www.cabmphandbooks.com/
Development.asp
Dry well. Either a structural chamber
and/or an excavated pit filled
with aggregate, a dry well is a subsurface
facility for temporarily storing
stormwater runoff from roofs of
structures. This stored runoff is discharged
by infiltrating into the surrounding
soil. It can be used to reduce
the total stormwater runoff volume
that a roof would ordinarily discharge
to downstream stormwater management
facilities.
Dry extended detention basin. This
BMP, which is typically dry between
storm events, reduces and delays stormwater
runoff peaks from both small
and large drainage areas. A low-flow
outlet slowly releases retained water
over a period of days and is not intended
to infiltrate or recharge groundwater.
Pollutant removal efficiency is low.
Unlike a wet pond, it does not have a
large permanent pool.
Infiltration device. Whether a trench
or a basin, this practice transfers more
stormwater runoff to the soil than
any other type of BMP to recharge
groundwater and maintain low flows
in stream systems. It is constructed
within highly permeable soils, offers a
high pollutant removal efficiency and
can help recharge groundwater. This
device is frequently used to infiltrate
runoff from adjacent impervious surfaces,
such as a parking lot, and works
best in relatively small drainage areas.
An infiltration trench is a long, narrow
trench, filled with large crushed
stone or other media for receiving runoff
with no outlet. Runoff is stored in
the void space between the stones and
infiltrates through the bottom and into
the soil matrix. An infiltration basin is
a shallow impoundment and works
much like an extended dry detention
basin, except that stormwater does not
flow into a receiving stream.
Permeable pavement. Porous concrete,
permeable interlocking concrete
pavers, concrete grid pavers and porous
asphalt offer an alternative to conventional
concrete and asphalt paving.
They allow stormwater to infiltrate
into a storage area where void spaces
provide temporary storage. Unlike traditional
paved surfaces, which convert
almost all rainfall into runoff,
these materials allow at least part of
the stormwater to infiltrate, reducing
peak runoff volumes and flows.
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 37

Improving Construction Site Hydrology Improves Water Quality
The Payoff
One place where LID is paying off
is the Minneapolis-St. Paul area of
Minnesota, USA, reports IECA member
Jay Riggs, CPESC—a district manager
for the Washington Soil and Water
Conservation District, which lies in the
area, and teaches IECA LID training
course.
“This area has taken a lead in implementing
many components of LID,” he
says. “Although we’re still relatively early
in the process, we’ve seen that as long as
these practices are designed and installed
properly, they are working well.”
Maintenance is one key to success,
adds Dwane Jones, a North Carolina
State University Extension agent.
“LID offers tremendous water quality
benefits,” he says. “However, we’ve
found that maintenance often falls
short. If you don’t keep them maintained
properly, you lose the long term
benefits.”
In addition to its many environmental
advantages, LID offers a number
of economic advantages. By minimizing
the use of traditional streets,
sidewalks, curbs and gutters, local
governments can save money on infrastructure
and utility maintenance
costs. Developers also can profit. “If
you can provide enough infiltration of
runoff you might be able to eliminate
underground storm drain systems and
BMPs to protect them,” notes Kosco.
Other gains may include lower land
clearing and grading costs, reduced
impact fess and more attractive, more
marketable home sites.
The National Association of Home
Builders Research Center reports that
a developer used LID practices on an
80-acre development in Maryland
that included 199 homes on 10,000
square foot lots. The developer saved
$300,000 by using bioretention techniques
to eliminate stormwater ponds,
gained six more lots and their revenue
and lowered finished lot costs by about
$4,000.
BIO-ENGINEERING
APPLICATIONS
SOLUTIONS @ www.terraaqua.com
• Retaining Walls
• Slope Reinforcement
• Design Criteria
• Text
• Stream Bank Stabilization • Channel Lining
• Photos
• Details
• Slope Protection
• Rockfall Confi nement
• Sample Calculations • Design Calculators
• Drop Structures & Weirs • Scour Aprons
• Standard Drawings & Details • Technical Specifi cations
• Shoreline Protection • Culvert Headwalls & Wing Walls • Construction Methods
• Erosion Control Measures
www.terraaqua.com
Solutions Resource • 800-736-9089
38 • ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION
337791_TerraAqua.indd 1 8/3/07 11:55:19 AM

Trackout Control
Device
The shaking of the vehicle as it drives across
the Grizzly Trackout Control Device knocks
dust, mud and other debris off the vehicle
tires and chassis which falls into the free
space below the grate making the trackout
device virtually maintenance free.
Minimize Trackout from Your Construction Site!
• Patented method to minimize the trackout of dirt, mud, dust & debris*
• Recognized innovation that is an improved method to control trackout
• Reusable, transportable, and can be expanded to any length required
• Reduces the cost of clean-up on the road
• Promotes a safe construction site by slowing exiting traffic
• Helps control Particulate Matter (PM10) to help improve air quality
• Sizes available: 10 ft. & 20 ft. widths & any length in 8 ft. sections
*Patent numbers 6,981,818; 6,881,006; 7,059,799 & more patents pending
• Professional
Training
• E & S
• Stormwater
Management
• Watersheds
When You’re Ready
for REAL Training
See our website for
courses and locations
www.waterlearning.org
703-289-9600
Grizzly Trackout Control • P.O. Box 10970 • Tempe, Arizona 85284 • 1-800-761-0056
www. trackoutcontrol.com
354817_Trackout.indd 1 11/7/07 7:29:2354260_WaterResources.indd PM
1 11/8/07 4:05:46 PM
355267_Earth.indd 1 11/7/07 4:25:14355103_Salix.indd PM
1
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 39
11/6/07 5:45:23 PM

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Fiber Marketing International ......................................41
COIR
RoLanka International, Inc. .........................................19
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
North American Green .................................................18
CONDITIONERS/FERTILIZERS
Earth Chem Inc. ............................................................39
Pacific Coast Seed Inc. .................................................36
DUST CONTROL
Fiber Marketing International ......................................41
Fischbach; and more LLC .............................................41
Northstar Impex Corp. .................................................24
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Clear Water Compliance Services, Inc. .........................10
Many options are available that can be added that will
make your machine ideal for your business.
‘Built Strong…
Built to Last’
Aero Mulchers
• MG-30 Mini
• SG-50 Small
• LG-65 Large
• LD-90 Large
Hydro Mulchers
• 300/500 Small
• 600/800/1100 Intermediate
• 1500/3000 Large
800-539-9410 Sales
800-433-0934 Factory
www.bowieindustries.com
tellmemore@bowieindustries.com
EQUIPMENT
Brockton Equipment/Spilldam, Inc. ............................23
Fiber Marketing International ......................................41
Finn Corporation .........................................................IBC
EROSION CONTROL BLANKETS (ECBS)
East Coast Erosion Blankets, LLC ..................................24
JMD Company ..............................................................16
EROSION CONTROL PRODUCTS
American Excelsior Company .........................................4
Erosion Control Implements, LLC ...................................6
EROSION CONTROLS
Profile Products LLC .................................................... IFC
FILTRATION
Clear Water Compliance Services, Inc. .........................10
GABIONS
Maccaferri Gabions Inc. ................................................12
Terra Aqua Gabions ......................................................38
GEOSYNTHETIC PRODUCTS
Propex ..........................................................................22
GEOTEXTILES
Hanes GeoComponents ................................................28
GREEN WALLS & SLOPES
Deltalok .......................................................................20
HYDROMULCHERS
Bowie Industries, Inc. ..................................................40
HYDROSTRAW MULCH
North American Green .................................................18
Pacific Coast Seed Inc. .................................................36
IRRIGATION
Ewing Irrigation .........................................................OBC
MULCH
Fiber Marketing International ......................................41
ORGANIC GROWTH STIMULANTS
Tri-C Enterprises ...........................................................24
PLANT MATERIALS
Agrecol Corporation ....................................................24
RETAINING STRUCTURES
Pacific LOCK + LOAD ....................................................14
RETAINING WALLS
Contech Earth Stabilization Solutions, Inc. .....................8
RUMBLE TRACK SHORING & STREET PLATES
Contractors-Services, LLC ............................................12
Trackout Control, LLC ...................................................39
SANDBAGS
Northstar Impex Corp. .................................................24
SEDIMENT CONTROL PRODUCTS
Contractors-Services, LLC ............................................12
North American Green .................................................18
StormKlear...................................................................26
The Terawet Corporation..............................................10
Triangular Silt Dike Co Inc. ...........................................16
SEED
Agrecol Corporation ....................................................24
Environmental Seed Producers ....................................11
Pacific Coast Seed Inc. .................................................36
Pennington Seed, Inc. ..................................................20
SHORELINE STABILIZATION
North American Green .................................................18
Pacific LOCK + LOAD ....................................................14
Propex ..........................................................................22
SLOPE STABILIZATION
Agrecol Corporation ....................................................24
Fiber Marketing International ......................................41
Fischbach; and more LLC .............................................41
North American Green .................................................18
Propex ..........................................................................22
SOIL AMENDMENTS
Earth Chem Inc. ............................................................39
SOIL REINFORCEMENTS
Pacific LOCK + LOAD ....................................................14
STABILIZATION, STREAMBANK
North American Green .................................................18
STORMWATER & TREATMENT PRODUCTS
KriStar Enterprises, Inc. ...............................................20
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Clear Water Compliance Services, Inc. .........................10
Fischbach; and more LLC .............................................41
STREAMBANK STABILIZATION
Agrecol Corporation ....................................................24
Propex ..........................................................................22
TACKIFIERS/EMULSIONS
Earth Chem Inc. ............................................................39
Fiber Marketing International ......................................41
Fischbach; and more LLC .............................................41
Northstar Impex Corp. .................................................24
TRAINING/CONTINUING EDUCATION
Water Resources Learning Center ................................39
TURF REINFORCEMENT
North American Green .................................................18
Propex ..........................................................................22
VITAMINS – HORMONES
Vitamin Institute .........................................................11
40 • ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION
340619_Bowie.indd 1 8/17/07 7:47:46 AM

IECA CareerCenter
www.ieca.org/careers
[ the best source of erosion control jobs and resumes ]
Register online today!
IECA CareerCenter
is an online service located at www.ieca.org/careers. The service
is free for job seekers and very affordable for employers. For more
information, visit www.ieca.org/careers.
CareerCenter.indd 1 8/22/07 8:36:41 AM
Robert C. Fischbach
Fischbach; and more, LLC
Sales Agents / Consultants
FYH TM Erosion Control Specialty Products
www.fischbachandmore.com
2512 W. Courtland Avenue 509/325-2882
Spokane, WA 99205 Fax: 509/328-4336
email: rcfischbach@comcast.net Cell: 509/981-8555
Please support the
advertisers who have
helped make this
publication possible.
339291_FischbachLLC.indd 1 7/24/07 2:48:03 PM
Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 41
355033_FiberMarketing.indd 1 10/30/07 6:58:24 PM

Blooper
It’s not a problem to store your
pollutants in a drainage channel, is it?
Submitted by Julie Etra, CPESC.
42 • ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION

finn’s [ Erosion Control ] solution
300-4000 GA. TANK SIZES
MECHANICAL AGITATION
EXCLUSIVE FINN PUMP
LIQUID RECIRCULATION
VERSATILE APPLICATIONS
T330 HYDROSEEDER ®
SMARTER WAYS TO WORK SINCE 1935.
Now’s the time to equip yourself with the best in
controlling erosion, stabilizing slopes and establishing
turf. And FINN HydroSeeders are all you need. All units
are designed to mix any type of materials, speed up the
loading process, mix thicker slurries without fear of
clogging and cover more area with each tank load.
FINN INVENTED THE HYDROSEEDER ® , you’re
redefining the industry.
H S
B C
hydroseeders straw blowers bark blowers hydroseeding consumables www.finncorp.com 1.800.543.7166

Booth 426