Many waterways, independent of size and function, are constructed in porous or permeable soils that are not adequately compacted or amended during construction to reliably hold water. Even when soil basins or synthetic "liners" are properly prepared from the onset, a variety of environmental factors (e.g. repeated freeze/thaw cycles, prolonged desiccation, pockets of more permeable soils, animal damage, and even subtle seismic activity) can compromise an earthen basin, causing problems over time. Additionally, structural failures or oversights (e.g. a faulty overflow structure or a hydrologicly connected remnant agriculture tile) can eventually cause noticeable (and undesirable) water loss.

Once a water body is determined to be leaking, traditional techniques often limit the remedy options. Many professionals advise that a basin be completely drained to effectively repair a compromised seal. Beyond the substantial cost and significant aesthetic downside, this is often not a desirable option, particularly in more mature waterways, due to the tremendously disruptive impact such a disturbance has on fish communities and the overall ecology in the system.

PONDSEAL™ utilizes a solid aggregate (limestone) core to deliver Wyoming-derived bentonite clay through a water column to any area where a leak is suspected. Due to the extreme low permeability, considerable weight, and robust swelling characteristics of this novel composite particle, each individual "pebble-like" unit swells into adjacent particles to produce a uniform and durable layer – stopping the leak at its source.

Applications through standing water (i.e. treatment without drawdown) provided the impetus for the creation of PONDSEAL - and more broadly, AquaBlok. While this continues to be a common way in which the material is used, the technology provides tremendous versatility beyond these applications.

Uses:

• Effective for leak prevention and repair - both during and after initial construction
• Appropriate before inundation and through standing water - often eliminating the need to drain the basin
• Blanket over permeable soils or other suspected problem areas
• Easily backfill around pipes and control structures as a durable anti-seep plug - without the need for compaction
• Create a cut-trench or vertical barrier wall to reinforce compromised dams, levees, or earthen berms
• Use in ponds, lakes, reservoirs, canals, or anywhere that leaks can be problematic

Other Notables:

• A labor saver - saves time, effort, and money because there is no need for compaction in lifts or layers; no need to be tilled or mixed with parent soil
• Structurally stable - due to internal matrix of individual stones
• Erosion-resistant - can also be surface dressed with sand, soil, or stone for additional protection
• Eco-friendly - will not adversely alter water chemistry (or hurt fish)
• Available in two packaging options - 50-lb. bags and 2,400-lb. bulk totes

Think of PONDSEAL as Nature's Duct Tape™ - all earthen and highly versatile. It's just a good material to have in the toolbox!

** Header image courtesy of Gray Construction - Columbia, TN