What is the Purpose of the Ballast Chain in a Floating Barrier?

The ballast chain, when needed, is located along the bottom ‘hem’ or seam of a turbidity curtain or containment boom.   It comes in various materials and weights depending on conditions of the site where the silt curtain or marine boom will be deployed.   (See Fig A)
 
A floating barrier with a skirt which hangs below the surface of the water is designed to contain, separate, act as a barrier for surface debris or suspended particulate matter.  Much like hanging laundry on a clothesline, the underwater fabric will ‘billow’ in currents, swells, and tides.  In fact, they are an engineered design built to work under just these conditions. The ocean, as a living, moving, entity will create forces that continually and continuously act on the boom or barrier under the water, and the ballast chain helps to decrease the billowing angle by providing some counter-weight.
 
The purpose of the ballast chain is to offset or mitigate some of the billowing of the curtain without stopping it altogether.  Trying to hold billowing fabric completely vertical in a heaving ocean would tear it apart if it were even possible to do so.  In fact, billowing and  ‘scalloping’ of the curtain are taken into design consideration based on the selection criteria our GEI Works technical advisors use when helping clients with their site-specific solutions.  Scalloping allows for the additional length of curtain or boom to account for the pockets needed in higher current conditions.  (See Fig. B)   Ballast chain, generally weighs between .65 lbs/ft (1/4” chain) and 1 lbs/ft (5/16” chain) is most often hot-dipped galvanized steel, or can be upgraded to stainless steel for salt-water or long-term products. 
 

On boom, the ballast chain is designed so that the curtain hangs just below the floatation cells so contained (or detained) matter stays at the surface.  On turbidity curtain, longer skirts hang below the water, and the ballast chains at the bottom edge help reduce the chance that the skirt will billow completely, act like a sail, or float to the surface.  Ballast chains are designed to keep the silt curtain ‘mostly vertical,' and not completely vertical.  The ‘mostly vertical’ face is sufficient for the curtain to function as intended in all but extreme circumstances.    

The assumption is often that the ballast chain will hold the curtain skirt (the area below the waterline) completely, even rigidly, vertical in the water.  However, this does not take into consideration hydrodynamic forces on a curtain when underwater or the fact that neither a boom nor a curtain is designed to function in this manner.  The ballast chain does not act as an anchor to hold the curtain or boom in place either vertically or in position relative to shore or anchors.  The ballast chain is not meant to be utilized as a tension member, and it is not intended to be used as a connection point for other tension components such as anchor lines. As it does not act as an anchor to keep the barrier stationary – auxiliary anchoring is required.  (To find out more about anchoring, visit our Turbidity Curtain and Boom Accessories page).
 

Have questions about boom or turbidity curtain? Please don’t hesitate to contact GEI Works for your next project. Call us at +1-772-646-0597.

Wildfire Mitigation: Prevention, Preparedness, and Facts

In the line of fire? Read on to learn more about wildfire prevention, preparedness, and post-fire mitigation!

Pre-Fire

Prevention

Wildfires are a growing problem within the United States. Fortunately, there are preventative measures that forestry services and fire departments take to decrease or even prevent forest fires in the long term:

·       Prescribed burns – Controlled or prescribed burns are implemented to decrease understory litter (collection of dead or decaying vegetation) and can drastically decrease the fuel supply for wildfires in a safe manner. Removal of this litter can prevent high-intensity wildfires in the long-term.

·       Mechanical thinning – Like prescribed burns, mechanical thinning is a process that removes litter from the forest floor. Mechanical thinning is accomplished using bulldozers and other heavy equipment to remove potential fuel from the surface in fire-prone regions.

·       Dozer lines – Dozer lines are fire lines that are cut through a forest to create a break in the vegetation and to turn up non-flammable mineral soil. In the event of a forest fire, there will be little material for the fire to consume, and this will slow down or stop the spread of the wildfire. 

For more information on the benefits of prescribed burning and mechanical thinning, as well as how it interacts with forest ecology, check out this U.S. Department of Agriculture article.

Preparedness

In the event of a forest fire, it is necessary for firefighters to have the right tools on hand to combat the flames. One of those is a backup firefighting water supply. Here are some common portable water tanks that see use during wildfire fighting:

·       Onion Tank – Onion Tanks are self-rising water storage tanks that can fold up for ease of storage. These can be a quick and simple firefighting solution in the field, and they require very little investment of storage space or set-up time.

·       Frame Tank – These open top tank types typically have a lightweight metal frame that will fold open and contain an interior liner for water storage. Frame tanks can then manifold together to create a chain of water reservoirs for firefighting and emergency response situations.

·       Water Trailer – Water trailers are a fully-mobile bulk water containment option and are towable to most locations. Mobile storage solutions can be used to refill other portable tanks or to fight fires independently through the use of spray bar and fire hose attachments.

·       Dip Bucket – For aerial firefighting, dip tanks are collapsible buckets slung underneath a helicopter. These can be refilled by water reservoirs or portable water tanks such as onion tanks or frame tanks in the field to suppress wildfires.

Forest fires

Facts

Did you know that the United States averages 100,000 wildfires each year? These fires clear approximately four to five million acres of land and move at a speed of 14 miles an hour. States in the western portion of the United States, such as California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming see the worst effects of these fires. However, Florida, where GEI Works is headquartered, experiences 3,300 wildfires annually.

Wildfires are caused by natural events, such as lava or lighting, but nearly all fires in the US are caused by humans from unattended campfires, debris burning, discarded cigarettes, parking vehicles on dry grass during drought or arson.

According to Timothy Ingalsbee, co-director of the Association for Fire Ecology in the US, “Livestock grazing, commercial logging, and systematic fire suppression has converted some frequent, low-severity fire regimes, such as the ponderosa pines in the interior west, into infrequent, high-severity fire regimes.” As a result, present day fire seasons last much longer than they did several decades ago, in 2013 it was found that fire seasons lasted 18% longer than they did in 1979. 

Furthermore, US Federal Wildfire Suppression and Protection costs have tripled since the 1990s, which accounts for half of the Forest Service’s annual budget. 

High-intensity fires can lead to top soils becoming hydrophobic and can decrease or prevent water absorption leading to an increase in flooding, intensified erosion, and as a result, faster transport of nitrates from ash.  This will change the hydrology of a region and can have negative long-term effects on the environment.

Post-Fire

Erosion Control

Erosion concerns following wildfires can persist for days or weeks after a fire to the following years as the hydrology of the region changes. 

Rainfall following a wildfire can carry black ash rich in phosphates, nitrates, and ammonia from the burned forest into streams and rivers which can clog the respiratory systems of aquatic life, lead to algal blooms, and pollute drinking water reservoirs. Additional implications are the transport of debris, such as downed trees, tree limbs, and brush into waterways. 

Forestry services can combat these environmental concerns through proactive erosion control methods, such as using coir logs, coir mats, silt fences, ditch checks, boom, and turbidity curtains to slow and stop the erosion of soil and post-fire debris flow.

To learn more about wildfire erosion control and pollution prevention, visit GEI Work’s Forestry page.

Five Important Considerations for Salt Water Projects

There are five main factors to consider when selecting floating barriers for a salt water project.  

Longevity: The widely-used reinforced PVC fabrics in turbidity curtain and floating boom are often durable enough to withstand general saltwater conditions.  However, due to extended deployment in areas with higher than usual pH levels, high, low, or high-to-low temperature fluctuation, and contaminated water where chemicals or hydrocarbons may be present, consideration should be given to other fabric options available.  Most often fabric boom or curtain is not meant to be a permanent solution. When requiring containment for more than one to three years, you should take fabric and materials selection under advisement. 

Corrosion:  Galvanized steel cable, marine-grade aluminum fasteners, anchor points, and similar components are subject to corrosion if placed in a salt water environment for more than a year.  These can upgrade to stainless steel for much longer resistance to the corrosive effects of salt water.  Also recommended for use are zinc anodes in conjunction with stainless steel components.  Zinc anode is a metal that releases its ions faster than surrounding metal and therefore draws corrosion to it rather than the marine-grade aluminum connectors.  Zinc anodes utilized in conjunction with stainless steel can increase the life of the metal components significantly for longer-term projects in salt water. For shorter term projects, galvanized components can be used up to 12 months. 

Forces:  One of the largest considerations factored in when selecting turbidity curtain or debris boom are the forces present in most salt water bodies.  Force and motion and the stressors created by the tide, currents, wave action, winds, and water depth are all critical factors in determining the right boom or curtain to deploy for saltwater projects.  Carefully review these factors as it will determine whether or not a permeable fabric should be added to a portion of the skirt to allow for greater flow in higher-current conditions where billowing will render the floating barrier ineffective, or if additional support will be needed.  

In addition to permeable fabrics, chain, connectors, stress plates, cables, and floats must be chosen to best withstand the greater forces that are present in bodies of salt water.  If water column depth is a factor, then longer skirts will require bulkier chain, hardier cables and tension systems, larger floats, and the addition, installation, and utilization of reefing lines. 

The most important consideration when dealing with saltwater conditions and the forces likely to be exerted on the turbidity curtain or boom is proper anchoring. The key factor for the successful performance of curtain in salt water projects is sufficient and effective anchoring.  Often salt water conditions require dual anchoring systems, especially in tidal conditions where flow may reverse from one side to its opposite.  Additional items may be required to install or keep the curtain performing as needed in these conditions, including tidal compensators, tow bridles, reefing lines and buoys.  

Navigation:   Another factor taken into consideration is whether or not turbidity curtain or boom will deploy in a navigable waterway.  Should there be marine traffic, anchoring, and curtain layout may be affected.  Anchoring plans may require adjustment to allow for unimpeded marine traffic. Additionally, marine regulations may require the use of warning signs, buoys, navigational lights or floating markers.  GEI Works can recommend and supply navigational accessories to protect project areas and traffic through shared waterways where the curtain or boom is installed. 

Maintenance:  Maintenance should not be neglected with deployed turbidity curtain or boom for saltwater projects.  A vigorous inspection and maintenance schedule should be undertaken to ensure the curtain remains effective and safe.

Recommended frequency for inspection could be as often as daily in high marine traffic, construction, high-current, and wind or wave conditions.  Turbidity curtains or boom should be removed before severe storms and should be inspected as soon as possible following a major weather event.  

The inspection should include checking the curtain for marine growth, and ensuring the skirt has not become buried in debris or sediment.  The Army Corps of Engineers recommends that the skirt remain one foot from the bottom at all times.  

Check connections, buoys, and mooring lines for marine growth and clean, if needed.  Re-positioning or re-tensioning of anchors may be required periodically to maintain an effective profile and to ensure the settling basin shape and size remains stable. Components or sections may require cleaning, maintenance, replacement parts, or section removal and replacement. Curtain formerly placed in salt water should be rinsed with fresh water thoroughly and allowed to dry before being stored for further use.

GEI Works recommends the practice of utilizing a log to record inspection and maintenance required and performed on a job site for the duration of the project and can provide one for use.

Armed with the considerations above, our customers can rely on our technical team to find them the perfect containment solution for saltwater projects.  Floating boom and barrier recommendations are based on supplied information, site drawings, bathymetric and site analysis, and may not perform as intended should unforeseen variations in site conditions occur. Visit our website for more information on floating boom and barriers. http://www.erosionpollution.com/floatingboom.html

What Type of Turbidity Barrier Does Your Project Need?

When selecting the right type of turbidity curtain for your project, there are some important factors to consider.  When you call our technical team to ask what type of turbidity barrier to use on your project, they will ask about the conditions present at your site that will affect its use.

They may ask for any site plans, specifications or bathymetric readings you may be able to email in for review.  In order to understand timelines and lead times, they will want to know when you will need the turbidity barriers on site.  They may ask what site requirements there are, or what engineering specs you have been asked to follow, if any.   Let’s look at the criteria for selection in a little more detail.

1. Water Body:  Is the curtain going to be deployed into a river, lake, pond, stream, or in the ocean? The type of water is important for several reasons.   If the barrier will be deployed in fresh water, galvanized components and standard materials should be acceptable for shorter term projects.  However, if there are contaminants or if it will be used in salt or brackish water, certain compatibilities may need to be considered.   Is the bottom silt?  What depth?  Sand, or rocky bottoms may also change anchoring strategies.  The water body type should prompt additional questions about conditions where the curtain will be deployed.

2. Current:  Your technical advisor is going to ask about water flow or the speed of the current where the barrier will be.  What direction is the flow relative to the deployment area?  Water speed is a significant factor in determining which type of turbidity barrier is required.  Our team utilizes load-bearing calculation to help determine what forces will be present in your provided conditions.  The velocity of the current in knots is measured against wind and wave measurements to help configure loading.  The direction of flow determines the anchoring pattern that will hold the curtain in place.  The velocity of the current contributes to the anchoring as well.

3. Waves:  The velocity, frequency, type and size of the waves play an important part in curtain type selection.  Typically, waves under two feet with moderate winds may allow the use of Triton Type 2 curtains.  Faster water and waves of two feet or higher become a more highly engineered project.  The load bearing for tension parameters with flotation (buoyancy), drape and weight are all considerations we take into account.  The frequency is the timing between waves.  As for the type, are they most often breaking waves?  Swells?  Rollers?  All have a different impact on the way the barrier will behave in those conditions.

4. Wind:  Wind speed, measured in knots, contributes to load bearing calculations as well, along with current direction, speed and wave height.  Wind factors are considered for installation as well as performance and longevity in field.

5. Tides:   Tidal water requires specific consideration for which type of curtain, and important accessories should be considered.  If tidal swings are significant, then tidal compensators may be required as a sliding mechanism to help the barrier adjust to the varying water depths.  In addition, barriers deployed in a tidal area often require more robust components, additional tension cables, and dual anchoring to keep the pre-determined curtain design stable against reversing currents. 

6. Navigation:  If the silt barrier will be placed in a body of water in which marine traffic is present, proper marine navigational LED lights, markers, reflectors and warning signs may be needed to help with visibility.  In addition to adding proper safety accessories of this nature, the design or layout of the curtain may require adjustment and consideration for the flow of marine traffic.  Often, curtain deployed in a high traffic zone cannot be stretched across a body of water, impeding traffic.  A ‘baffle’ pattern may be suggested, where the silt barrier creates a number of ‘switchbacks’ for water to flow through and settle, but which also allows for the passage of boats.

7. Depth:  Water depth and bottom conditions are important in determining the type of anchor that should be used.  The Army Corps of Engineers recommends that silt curtain / turbidity barrier skirts remain 1’ (one foot) from the bottom surface at all times.  In the tidal conditions above, considerations are made for accessories that can also help with the changing depth.  Reefing lines can be purchased and installed during manufacture, which act as the cord on a sent of mini-blinds, furling and unfurling skirt according to different bottom depths. We can also make each section of curtain tailor-made for the area it will be deployed in, so that skirt depth ranges by section according to bathymetric readings of the bottom’s differing depths.  Others choose standard sizing for the deepest depth required, then utilize factory-installed reefing lines to manually adjust curtain lengths to match varying depths.  Reefing lines are recommended for skirts over 10’ in depth.  The reefing lines make deployment, maintenance and removal much easier and more efficient. For skirt lengths over 10’ larger flotation is required.

8. Duration:  If the water and site conditions warrant the use of lighter, small barrier types, the duration of the project may be another factor that may require a move to more robust components or fabrics.  Most Type 1 projects require curtain that will be deployed for 6-12 months.  Longer use will require review of project duration in conjunction with the other determining factors above. 

9. Anchoring:  Inarguably the single most important factor in the successful performance of any barrier project is proper anchor weight, frequency and positioning for the conditions.  Whereas it is not a factor specific to choosing the type of curtain, the factors used to determine the right type of curtain – also determine the right kind of anchoring pattern, frequency and weight.  Bottom type, depth, tide, current, wind, and marine traffic are just some of the factors to take into account. Our technical advisors can work with you to determine the proper anchoring required for selected barriers.

10. Accessories:  Accessories may seem an afterthought, but the right accessories to match supplied product and conditions for use – can greatly reduce labor, wear, or damage to your silt barrier.  Tow bridles help defray pulling force from a single point by evenly distributing forces along load-bearing components.  Anchor kits are chosen to suit conditions and curtain types.  Repair kits make in-field repairs possible, and fabrics and supplied materials should be compatible with site conditions and longevity requirements.  Additional anchor points may need to be installed for applications where more aggressive anchoring is required.  “T” connectors can be provided to join sections of curtain in particular patterns to create settling areas.  Ground anchors can be provided for Type 1 curtain being deployed and anchored to shore or for in-water applications where depth considerations can be overcome.  Hull connectors can be used to attach sections of barrier directly to a hull.  Replacement connectors, spare sections, stainless steel components, zinc anodes and standoffs can also be supplied to suit the conditions of your site and the parameters of your project.  Be sure to talk to our technical team to determine which accessories can make your job easier, less costly, and longer lasting!

Six Advantages of GEI Works Dewatering Products

What is dewatering? 

Dewatering – The process of removing water from a solid material or particulates. Dewatering is made possible through the use of various dewatering equipment, such as belt presses, centrifuges, geotextiles, or rotary vacuums. Dewatering is also referred to as unwatering, water control groundwater control, sludge dewatering, construction dewatering, or construction site dewatering.

 Taurus dewatering products by GEI Works

Our dewatering products are made from a rugged, needle punched, nonwoven geotextile fabric. Dewatering filter bags, drain filter socks and sludge tubes are an easy, economical solution to control the amount of sediment that leaves a factory or job site. These dewatering products help you stay in compliance with stormwater regulations. Dewatering products also filter non-stormwater such as: water from cofferdams, water diversions, ground water and water used during construction projects.

Advantages of geotextile dewatering bags

Cost Effectiveness
Dewatering bags are a small investment compared to more permanent mechanical dewaterers as a result of their disposability. This is achieved through a simple design of a hose coupling and a water-permeable geo-textile.

Portability
When not filled, GEI Works dewatering bags can be folded easily and stored for future use. Once sediment has filled the bag, it can be picked up and transported, depending on weight, to an appropriate dumping location. Or, the bag may be allowed to dry on-site and then cut open to reintegrate the solids into the surroundings.

Product Availability
Given the foldable design and cost, water control bags by GEI Works can be manufactured and shipped in very short time frames.

Ease of Use
Dewatering bags can be set up or transported away by just one person. With their simple design, all you have to do is unfold the bag, attach the hose, and begin dewatering!

Ease of Particulate Recyclability
Although the bags are not reusable, the separated particulates can find use in a variety of applications, including landscaping and agriculture. For example, dewatered silt is high in nutrients, making it an ideal soil amendment for various types of plants and vegetation.

Low Energy Input
The use of a geotextile allows for passive separation of water and solid matter, which means dewatering bags require the lowest energy input out of all other commercial dewatering products. Simply pump the water and allow the bag to do the rest!

Are you in need of a dewatering solution for your next project? Check out our available options at GEIWorks.com or call us at +1-772-646-0597.

Welcome to the new and improved GEI Works Blog!

Hello and thank you for joining us on the official blog of GEI Works!

Our blog has been resurfaced and redesigned from the former Granite Environmental, Inc. style to the improved design you see today. References to Granite Environmental, Inc., with the exception of the blog address, have been changed to GEI Works to match our company name. Furthermore, on the right sidebar there are links to all of our social media accounts so you can stay up-to-date with everything GEI Works, so be sure to visit our Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter pages!

Activity on our blog has been sporadic in the past, but from here on out you can expect regular updates from us as we share with you new information about containment, pollution prevention, liquid storage, erosion control, trade shows, and the latest news about GEI Works.

Be sure to join in the conversation on our social media accounts, as we greatly value your feedback and support. Check back next week for the first of many posts right here on the GEI Works Blog!

Why Do Shrimp Taste So Good?

It's the "Golden Water"  used for farming  shrimp.

The salt water stock is referred to as "Brine" and "Golden Water",  rich with nutrients and energy for the pacific white shrimp according to Florida Organic Aquaculture, LLC. It provides a natural source of nutrients and qualities  to a controlled shrimp raising  process.  It will be  harvested from a water treatment facility and stored in a 10,000 gallon poly tank. The shrimp farm will pump the 'brine' from the tank to a truck which will transport the golden water to the shrimp farm.

The project consisted of an aluminum angle berm whose purpose would be to  catch any spill of the brine during the transfer from the tank to a truck used to transport the brine. The berm was spec'd to contain 110% of the tank contents and measured 15' x 50'. It was fitted with a valve that could be opened to release any rain water that collected during the life of the project. Standing water in the berm would not only delay the extraction time of the brine but could also enable the breeding of mosquitoes.  The aluminum angle frames would be removed from one end of the berm in order for the truck to enter after which they would be replaced to ensure the berm captured any over spill or leaks from the pumping process of the brine from the tank to the truck.  An underlayment of geotextile was also used under the berm to reduce punctures and damage to the berm from rocks or other ground debris. Additionally, plywood "runners" and additional geotextile was suggested to be used to create a "track" for the path of the truck tires. This will help to prevent punctures or other damage to the berm. It was also recommended that the driver brush or clean any debris from the trucks tire tread before entering the berm.

The tank was a 10k gallon poly tank with a 24" vented manway  opening on the top and a release valve fitting  at the bottom front of tank.

GEI Works installed the berm in place prior to the delivery of the tank which was set in place using a crane.

Filtering stormwater and protecting the Indian River.

It’s refreshing to see sustainable environmental products used right here in our own back yard. GEI Works manufactures and ships environmental products all over the world; however, there is a special sense of pride when we see our products being used in our home town of Sebastian,Florida.

“They’re working great” says Chris Pinson of PinsonContractor Services of Sebastian, FL. He’s referring to the Taurus brand of over-the-grate filters manufactured by GEI Works, Inc. It’s challenging for construction companies to keep soil laden  stormwater, and pollutants from exiting the job site during construction, not to mention during Florida’s frequent storm events. Even with the best perimeter practices in play, there will inevitably be natural events that cause site discharge and runoff to escape.

We have to think “outside the box” or “outside the site perimeter”, if you will, when it comes to protecting our lakes, rivers and streams. When storm drains are taxed with debris, soil, sediment and trash, they are defenseless in preventing these aggregates from entering estuaries.  Stormwater drains are meant for rain, which is why we have designed the Taurus Over Grate Filter to reduce pollutants from entering storm drains.

Chris is working on a project to provide additional parking in a busy area next to the Indian River in Sebastian, FL. There are a number of popular restaurants along the river bank on Indian River Drive including Tiki Bar, Captain Hiram’s, Squid Lips and Mulligans. This job site is on undeveloped property, which makes soil disruption a necessary element of development. Chris states “The city of Sebastian is very focused on protecting the Indian River from unwanted nutrients due to site run-off. They love the Taurus over grate filters. As a contractor, I like that the product works and is easy to install. What’s more, it makes the inspectors happy”.

Pictured below: The Taurus Over Grate Filter fits over the top of the stormwater drain grate. It allows water to flow into the storm drain while filtering sediment and debris. These filters are currently protecting the storm drains located downstream from the above mentioned construction site. Taurus Under Grate Filters are equally effective and available for high traffic construction areas.  Equally capable, Taurus Curb Inlet Filters catch debris inside curb drains.

For more than a decade, GEI Works, Inc. has been providing quality made products to the construction industry, emergency response agencies, spill clean up companies and many others. GEI Works, Inc. is proud to be an environmentally conscience company, and proud to call Sebastian, Florida home.

For more information about GEI Works, Inc., visit www.GEIWorks.com

To contact Chris Pinson of Pinson Contractor Services, LLC., email Chris at CPinsonCS@gmail.com

Marine Debris Removal Grant Opportunity

We’ve all seen it: Unsightly and harmful piles of plastic bottles, trash and other debris floating in the water and on the shoreline.  It’s an increasing problem, rearing its head as cosmetic eyesores along shorelines, and silently killing marine animals and ecosystems below the water’s surface.

Thankfully, there’s an increasing awareness forming; educating and alerting the public to the harmful impact of debris and what can be done to mitigate it. 

Supporting US based marine cleanup efforts, NOAA’s Marine Debris Program has announced their 10^th annual “Community-based Marine Debris Removal Grant Opportunity.”  In 2015 they awarded almost 1.4 million dollars between 13 organizations to support water clean-up projects. This year, the NOAA Marine Debris Program is prepared to award 2 million dollars to “locally-driven, marine debris assessment and removal projects that will benefit coastal habitat, waterways and NOAA trust resources”.

This grant opportunity comes from the Marine Debris Program within NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Their mission is to increase public awareness and education of marine debris issues to identify and prevent debris pollution in our water sources. Whether you’re concerned about marine debris affecting aquatic underwater life, or the visible shoreline blemishes above water, opportunities like these are crucial for local initiatives to drive action and awareness.

You can read more here on NOAA’s Blog:

•         Announcement
•         Grant Requirements and Details
•         2015 Grant Recipients

(For more about the effects of water pollution and prevention, see: water pollution solutions)   

If, like GEI Works, your organization is dedicated to the conservation of marine habitats, waterway cleanup efforts, or raising public education and awareness on the importance of debris removal, we encourage you to apply for this funding!  

GEI Works, Inc. manufactures products that work, including innovative and custom products for the protection of marine environments.  If we can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

www.geiworks.com

772.646.0597

Come Join Us at IECA!

GEI Works invites you to stop by Booth #231 at Environmental Connection in San Antonio, TX on February 17, 18, and 19. The International Erosion Control Association will be hosting their premier educational event at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in downtown San Antonio where 1,500 leaders of the erosion mitigation, sediment control, and stormwater management industry will attend application training courses, topic-focused technical sessions, and the largest expo of its kind. 

GEI Works will be featured at the "Learning Lounge" on Friday from 10:15-10:45 a.m. The Learning Lounge is a forum at which relevant erosion control topics are discussed, and solutions are proposed and explained.  As part of this event, GEI will debut three new stormwater filtration products. Each of these products are practical solutions to common challenges that erosion mitigation, sediment control, and stormwater management professionals face every day.

The new Taurus Over Grate Filter helps keep drain systems clean and free of debris.  It is durable enough to last in the toughest conditions, and its low profile makes it street-sweeper friendly.  It is rugged, convenient, versatile and easily installed by one person, without having to lift or remove heavy drain grates.  It can be used alone or combined with flocculants and absorbents, depending on the waterborne pollutants. 

The Taurus Ditch Check works like a mini check dam wall, slowing water flow while filtering sediment runoff in ditches, swales, and culverts. It has a self rising check dam designed to rise as the water flow increases, and lies nearly flat when there is no flow. The Taurus Ditch Check features an overflow port and built-in handles for easy sediment disposal, and folds flat for convenient storage and transport. 

The new Taurus Curb Inlet Filter prevents stormwater runoff from carrying harmful pollutants unfiltered into a curb drain. Unlike typical curb inlet guards that often create external sediment buildup, the Taurus Curb Inlet Filter allows sediment to flow into the drain where it is collected in a hopper and held until the unit is emptied. There is an overflow port to ensure that water doesn't pool, regardless of how full the hopper becomes. The Taurus Curb Inlet Filter is so low profile that it almost disappears when installed in the mouth of storm drains. 

If you plan on attending Environmental Connection, stop by our booth #231 and say hello. Feel free at any time to contact our product specialists for more product details.