- How BMP Erosion Control Products Keep Drinking Water Safe

Once the snow on the ground starts to melt, it’s the perfect time for the construction industry to “spring” into action. However, an increase in land development means increased environmental responsibility. Dirt, debris, and all kinds of material can flow off a construction site and right into our water sources. Today we’re going to be covering the last “ditch” effort in sediment control.

BMP Supplies is a manufacturer and supplier of environmental products designed and developed for the construction industry. Their series of sediment control logs, donuts, sacks, and socks are the final line of defense for keeping our water clean when land development occurs. Builders use sediment control to eliminate the step of cleaning the sewer system out after debris is washed away.

Why Does it Matter if a Little Dirt Gets into the Sewer System?

Well, first let’s start by talking about how the dirt gets there—through erosion and sedimentation. These naturally occurring processes involve the loosening, transport, and deposit of soil.

Erosion is when soil is worn away by natural forces (such as water, wind, glaciers, plants and animals) and is carried from one place to another, usually at a lower elevation.

Sedimentation is when soil particles that were previously suspended in flowing water are deposited, or settled, elsewhere. Construction activities can produce erosion at 200 to 400 times the natural rate—that’s a lot of moving soil!

Now imagine all that in our drinking water!

Our Offering of BMP Inlet Control Products

Inlet protection measures are considered the “last line of defense” for our waterways. Sediment controls are installed on, around, or under inlets to keep sediment and other pollutants from entering the waterways. A permeable barrier is used to reduce sediment content in the water before it gets any further. These products come in many different forms, from socks and donuts installed over catch basins to sediment boxes and bags installed below.

Catch Basin Logs

Here at ohcanadasupply.ca, we carry a variety of BMP’s inlet control products. First, let’s talk about catch basin logs and donuts. What’s a catch basin? That’s a good question! A catch basin is a type of drainage inlet designed to collect rain and water runoff. Catch basins can be covered by manholes or drainage sources at the curb or ground level, generally covered by a slotted grate. Under the grate or cover is a concrete structure, which allows trash and debris to settle at the bottom, below an outlet pipe that allows water to flow out of the basin. However, if the water is flowing into the catch basin too quickly, it can cause the trash and debris to rise toward the outlet pipe and exit the structure. Which is exactly what we don’t want to happen.

Donuts

That’s why it’s important to stop this debris from entering the catch basin in the first place. This is where things like donuts and logs come in handy. The donuts and logs are brightly colored for high visibility in busy areas, like construction sites. The external cover is made from a polyethylene fabric which is filled with wood shavings for the log and foam for the donuts. The donuts are made from foam to keep their sturdy, circular shape, whereas shape retention for the logs is less critical.

Installation of both the catch basin log and donut is easy. For the log, remove the grate and surround the hole with the flap against the inside edge, then re-insert the grate. For the donut, remove the grate, wrap the filter fabric around the grate and attach to the webbing and buckles, then re-insert the grate. It’s that simple!

Socks

There are also bio-logs, or socks, which provide another barrier for soil and silt much like the other geotextiles. What’s a geotextile? Geotextiles are permeable fabrics that, when used with soil, have the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect, or drain. In short, these durable fabrics let water out but keep the soil and silt in. Even better, these logs are made from bio-degradable burlap and will deteriorate within two years, leaving behind a weed-free, environmentally-friendly mulch. That means that if you forget the log behind, no worries! Nature will take care of it.

BMP’s line of inlet protection systems works together to keep our environment clean and keep you from having to pay a hefty fine. After all, no one wants to see our waterways filled with debris—here at ohcanadasupply.ca, we’re determined to help keep that water running smooth and clean. So, if you have any other questions, or need help figuring out the best erosion control products for your application, contact us here. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list so you can stay up to date with things happening here at ohcanadasupply.ca!

Tags : 2022, absorbent socks and booms, containment booms, leak diverters, march, portable spill container units, safety, spill control, spill kits

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How BMP Erosion Control Products Keep Drinking Water Safe

Why Does it Matter if a Little Dirt Gets into the Sewer System?