WatchYourDirt- Blog - Comments

Laurie comments on Shasta College Erosion Control Training Facility Goes International!

Laurie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:48:13 +0000

Looks really neat John!

Greg Balzer comments on Shasta College Erosion Control Training Facility Goes International!

Greg Balzer — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:18:55 +0000

Looks like a good and educational time was had by all. Wish we could get 12 or 18 people from Caltrans up there to get some hands-on experience!

scott frazer comments on Hydromulch & Compost Study

scott frazer — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:55:42 +0000

John

What was the rainfall during the duration of your hydromulch study?

My own experience in Tehachapi, CA during the development of several wind energy sites was that hydromulch is not as effective as using broadcast straw tucked in well by hand or with a roller with modified sheeps foot design.

My feeling was that in areas that receive less than 10 inches of rainfall per year the glue holding the hydromulch together creates a paper-mache that is likely to inhibit seed germination. We had some contrators try applications without the usual binding agent and these seemed to have better results. We were working on the edge of the east slope of the Sierra Nevada where Mojave desert influence was significant. Of course the steep slopes with shallow soils and high wind speed all tended to dry out the site before plants could germinate.

Best Regards,

Greg Balzer comments on Hydromulch & Compost Study

Greg Balzer — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:35:59 +0000

I believe your findings about the seed germinating through the compost, but there are others here at Caltrans that are skeptical. Could you post a few photos with captions that compare/contrast the results. As a "visual" I 'd much rather look at a few photos that read "yet another" report.

Thanks,

Greg

Scott Satterthwaite comments on Hydromulch & Compost Study

Scott Satterthwaite — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:31:43 +0000

Thanks John and Dave. EPA is proposing effluent limitations for pollutants (nutrients, sediment and turbidity) from construction sites. When I sent this information to a county stormwater engineer consultant he was impressed with the trial, yet was concerned about nutrients leaching from the compost material. I have worked with other types of compost BMPs and believe the nutrients are either tied up or used up in the bio process.

James Swirsky comments on Let There Be Video: Welcome Caltrans!

James Swirsky — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:01:04 +0000

Thanks Greg! We love hearing that the material we put out is useful. We have a lot more material in the hopper. It should make for an interesting fall!

Thanks again for getting Caltrans access!

Greg Balzer comments on Let There Be Video: Welcome Caltrans!

Greg Balzer — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 00:35:23 +0000

Thanks for the Kudos.

WatchYourDirt has a lot of down-to-earth, hands-on, practical educational material here regarding erosion control.

I am glad Caltrans employees now have access.

Keep up the good work,

Greg

Patrish comments on New Zealand & John

Patrish — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 04:46:09 +0000

Awwwwsommme, and on to F i j i It's a good life, John

Bob comments on New Zealand & John

Bob — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:02:44 +0000

You are amazing, John! Thanks for doing what you do!

Rosie comments on New Zealand & John

Rosie — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:24:10 +0000

COOL!