Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 39

RECPs, including terminal edges, are
anchored properly to the subgrade.
Special plastic nettings
There are a variety of plastic netting
designs available with aperture sizes and
tensile strengths specifically designed to
reduce animal entrapment. In fact, these
innovative netting designs have been
tested at a leading research university and
have been proven to allow snakes to pass
freely through the netting, greatly reducing
entanglement and entrapment. These
netting designs are available in RECPs
with a range of fibrous fill types, functional
life spans and degradation mechanisms.
Woven natural
fiber nettings
Woven natural fiber nettings are another
common wildlife-friendly solution for
use in RECPs. Since these nettings are
typically manufactured from yarns that
are loosely woven together, and not fixed
or knotted at their intersections, the
mesh openings can expand, if needed.
This allows wildlife to move more freely
through the collective yarns, greatly
reducing the risk of animal entrapment.
The 100% biodegradability of these
types of nettings is also considered beneficial
to wildlife and the environment.
Netless erosion
control blankets
Innovative RECPs have also been developed
that do not use any netting structures.
These products typically contain
lower tensile strengths than their netted
counterparts. Thus, netless blankets generally
are best for moderate slopes and
light swale protection projects, but they
eliminate any potential concerns regarding
wildlife entrapment.
How do I choose the right
RECP option?
Engineers, specifiers and installers should
evaluate each application (erosion and
hydraulic parameters, types of wildlife
present, longevity requirements, etc.)
when determining the most appropriate
RECP type for their project. RECPs
provide a cost-effective way to control
soil movement and accelerate vegetation
growth from flat areas to concentrated
flow applications, which certainly benefits
wildlife by protecting water resources and
creating pollinator corridors and wildlife
habitat, among several other benefits.
Through proper selection and installation
of RECPs, these benefits can be maximized
while minimizing any potential concerns
that might exist regarding wildlife.
ECTC members are committed to
providing wildlife and environmentally
friendly RECPs and other technologies.
Please contact Jon Curry, ECTC executive
director, to learn more about the
organization's members, tools, services
and sustainable solutions. In addition,
check out the new ErosionCouncil.org
website to find a complete toolbox of
specifications, CAD files, installation
videos, fact sheets and more. G
FIGURE 1 (TOP) Excelsior RECP with natural,
biodegradable, wildlife, and environmentally
friendly lightly woven jute netting installed
across a bio-sensitive floodplain.
FIGURE 2 (BOTTOM) Close-up of excelsior
RECP with natural, biodegradable, wildlife,
and environmentally friendly lightly woven
jute netting. Notice the loose weaves and
fibrous materials. Photos courtesy of American
Excelsior Company.
>> For more, search ECTC at
GeosyntheticsMagazine.com.
GeosyntheticsMagazine.com
39
http://www.GeosyntheticsMagazine.com http://www.ErosionCouncil.org http://www.GeosyntheticsMagazine.com
Geosynthetics February/March 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Geosynthetics February/March 2024
