Emergency Erosion Control At Mt. Jackson Solar Farm
After failed attempts to stabilize the earth at the Mt. Jackson Solar Farm, they required an immediate, cost-effective erosion control solution. Ferguson Waterworks was brought on board to address their ongoing concerns.
Download Case Study
Background
In Mt. Jackson, VA, a previous contractor failed to properly stabilize and vegetate a new solar farm. As a result, the site experienced severe erosion in critical drainage channels. In order to prevent further damage, the channels needed to be both repaired and protected immediately.
Complicating the situation, the solar panels were already installed when Ferguson Waterworks was contacted to remediate the issue. Consequently, the work zone was confined. Furthermore, there was the added risk of damaging the expensive panels with heavy machinery which is often used to install erosion control products.
Challenge
To sum it up, our challenge was to use compact equipment and lightweight materials to restabilize the channels on the solar farm without using disruptive and potentially harmful (to the solar panels) heavy equipment for installation.
Solution
G.B. Foltz Contracting contacted Ferguson Waterworks to provide immediate erosion control. Based on the project’s specifications, site limitations, and client requirements, we determined Shearforce simulated turf as the best solution. Not only does Shearforce slow down water flow, but it also protects both the channel and the freshly laid seeds from washing away. As new vegetation emerges, the soil will further anchor in place and the water velocity will be reduced. To top it off, no heavy machinery is required for installation.
Product advantages
ShearForce is a low-cost alternative to riprap and other traditional turf reinforcement mats. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for heavy machinery; for this project in particular, it reduced the risk of damaging the expensive solar panels.
ShearForce offers:
- Immediate erosion protection
- A more cost-effective alternative to rock riprap
- Easy maintenance and easy mowing
- UV stability
- An environmentally friendly stormwater solution
- Easy installation where heavy machinery won’t fit
Method
Firstly, it was determined that erosion on the solar farm disturbed the natural slope of the channel. Before installing Shearforce, the channels were graded. This was accomplished using compact construction equipment. When the grade of the channel was restored, grass seed was added to the dirt to promote vegetation. After seeding, the installation of ShearForce began. Rolls of ShearForce were carefully placed along the channel and pinned. Then, anchor trenches were backfilled. Lastly, the site was naturalized.
Why Ferguson Waterworks?
The contractor felt at ease with our proposed erosion control solution, which minimized disturbances to the expensive solar panels on the job site. We were also able to develop a prompt and cost-effective solution for immediate erosion control on the solar farm without going over budget.
View Similiar Case Studies
In order to revitalize and meet stormwater codes, the abandoned parking area at the Shoppes at Fashion Square in Orlando, FL, required updates. With a permeable paving system and machine technology, we helped the client achieve their goals, save $1 million, and complete the project in just 10 days.
With solar panels in place and operational, an immediate and effective erosion control solution was imperative. Especially considering the panels were positioned next to channels, drip lines, and spillways.
FocalPoint helps reduce traditional gray infrastructure, meanwhile accommodating stormwater BMPs and treating runoff before it enters the surrounding wetlands
