EarthGuard Fiber Matrix (FM) is a patented technology, which combines EarthGuard and fiber to form a fiber reinforced matrix that provides extended erosion control protection in severe situations. This effective and cost-efficient hydraulically applied formulation has set a new standard for sprayed-on erosion control BMP's.
EarthGuard® utilizes an extremely high molecular weight blend of chemistry, which results in its superior charge density and soil stabilizing ability. It is designed to work directly with soil to maintain its stability by both preserving existing soil structure and flocculating fine sediment being dislodged by stormwater or wind. EarthGuard is ideal for site-winterization (seed not required), where bare soil, slopes and stockpiles must be protected during the raining season. In re-vegetation and dormant seeding applications, the superior soil stabilizing ability of EarthGuard holds, seeds, soil, fiber and amendments in place until sufficient long-term growth/erosion control protection has occurred.
EarthGuard Fiber Matrix is available in two forms:
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EarthGuard Liquid: In this manner, EarthGuard is packaged in a 5 gal container and is added to standard hydromulch prior to installation. This
packaging method allows contractors to adjust application rates as needed on a job site and eliminate the need to store several types of mulches.
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EarthGuard Pre-Packaged Bag: In this manner, EarthGuard is packaged in combination with 100% wood fiber mulch.
EarthGuard Erosion Control - Video
EarthGuard FM is highly effective and saves hundreds to thousands of dollars per acre over other effective erosion control practices.
Numerous test results have shown EarthGuard FM to be as effective as Fiber Reinforced Matrix (FRM,) bonded fiber matrix and some erosion blankets. However, typical applied costs for EarthGuard FM can be a fraction of the cost of these comparable BMP's. Not only are material costs lower, but application time is reduced, saving labor costs.
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EarthGuard® FM application rates depend upon field conditions and desired benefits. The following charts can be used as general rate guidelines for seasonal control (loamy soils that are balanced in organic matter and nutrients). Under normal conditions, EarthGuard FM can be expected to provide erosion protection for a minimum of 12 months. For optimal performance, the soil to which the EarthGuard FM slurry shall be applied should be graded to remove any pre-existing rills and shall be compacted to meet project specifications. Track-walking or some other soil imprinting device is recommended to roughen the slope to slow water flows during a storm event. For optimum performance, slope interrupting devices such as fiber rolls are recommended and placed 25' (7.6 m) on-center, perpendicular to the flow of water
NORMAL CONDITIONS
Maximum Rainfall of < 20" (480 mm) before adequate vegetative establishment.
| EarthGuard Liquid | Recommended Application Rates Based on Slope | ||||||
| 6 to 1 | 5 to 1 | 4 to 1 | 3 to 1 | 2 to 1 | 1.5 to 1 | 1 to 1 | |
| EarthGuard Liquid (gals/ac) | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Mulch (lb/ac) | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 | 1800 | 2000 | 2500 | 3000 |
| EarthGuard Pre-Packaged Bag | Recommended Application Rates Based on Slope | ||||
| < 4 to 1 | 3 to 1 | 2 to 1 | 1.5 to 1 | 1 to 1 | |
| (lb/ac) | 1500 | 1800 | 2000 | 2500 | 3000 |
| (kg/ha) | 1680 | 2020 | 2245 | 2810 | 3355 |
SEVERE CONDITIONS
Maximum Rainfall of > 20" (480 mm) before adequate vegetative establishment.
| EarthGuard Liquid | Recommended Application Rates Based on Slope | ||
| < 5 to 1 | 4 to 1 | ≥ 3 to 1 | |
| EarthGuard Liquid (gals/ac) | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Mulch (lb/ac) | 2000 | 2500 | 3000 |
| EarthGuard Pre-Packaged Bag | Recommended Application Rates Based on Slope | ||
| ≤ 5 to 1 | 4 to 1 | ≥ 3 to 1 | |
| (lb/ac) | 2000 | 2500 | 3000 |
| (kg/ha) | 2245 | 2810 | 3355 |
Application and Mixing Guidelines
Correct mixing and proper application are key factors in obtaining satisfactory performance. Hydroseeding vessel shall be filled with water to at least 1/3 capacity (high enough to cover agitators) prior to adding any EarthGuard Fiber Matrix. Continue to fill vessel with water and add the EarthGuard FM while agitators are in motion. Once the accurate amount of EarthGuard FM is loaded, add seed (if specified), compost (if specified), fertilizer (if specified) and pre-emergent (if specified). Continue to mix tank a minimum of 10 minutes prior to application.
If the hydroseeding unit has separate pump and agitator controls, minimize agitator speed once the slurry is completely mixed and before application. This will help increase spraying power and application rate. Caution should be taken to avoid creating puddles or run-off. It is recommended that the slurry be sprayed from multiple directions and angles (when possible) to ensure complete and proper coverage. Treated areas shall not be disturbed after application. Although EarthGuard FM is active immediately after application, it is recommended that all hydraulic applications using fiber have a 24 hour window without rain.
Some situations with sandy-sandy loam soils, very little organic matter in the soil, poorly compacted soil, extreme rainfall events, high wind exposure, etc. may require increasing the amount of EarthGuard FM by 1.25 times the recommended rates. When SWPPPs, BMPs or other plans are being written, contact Terra Novo, Inc. or its local distributor for more specific rate recommendations.
EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Studies
Texas Transportation Institute (TTI)
Erosion Control Testing: 99.8% Effective
The data from these series of tests conducted at Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) support the use of EarthGuard Fiber Matrix to reduce erosion and off-site delivery of sediment from steep slopes. When tested on a 2:1 slope with 5" of precipitation in 90 minutes, EarthGuard reduced soil loss by 99.8% resulting in a C Factor of 0.002 (99.8% effective) with an R Factor of >230. These tests results demonstrate a performance level that outperformed many BMPs including rolled erosion control products (RECP), fiber reinforced matrix and bonded fiber matrices (BFM). EarthGuard Fiber Matrix application rate tested: 3000 lb/ac (3355 kg/ha).
Re-Vegetative Testing: 424% Increase in Vegetative Cover Establishment
When tested for re-vegetative performance based on vegetative cover established over the surface of three plots, EarthGuard Fiber Matrix demonstrated an increase of 424% compared to bare soil plots that were not treated.
Texas Research International (TRI): ASTM 6459 Testing
Erosion Control Testing: 99.8% Effective
The data from these series of tests conducted at TRI utilizing ASTM 6459 (Modified) protocol demonstrated EarthGuard's effectiveness in reducing soil erosion of 99.8% (C Factor = 0.002) with a cumulative R Factor <231 with rainfall intensities of 2 (51), 4 (102), 6 (152) in/hr (mm/hr) applied in 20 minute intervals. EarthGuard Fiber Matrix application rate tested: 3000 lb/ac (3355 kg/ha).
Re-Vegetative Testing: 424% Increase in Vegetative Cover Establishment
When tested for germination establishment following ASTM 7133 protocol, EarthGuard demonstrated an increase of 466% compared to bare soil plots that were not treated.
EarthGuard (Prepackaged and Liquid) Fiber Matrix Specification by Terra Novo
EarthGuard Pad Winterization Specification
EarthGuard Rain Event Action Plan BMP Specification by Terra Novo
EarthGuard® (Liquid) Fiber Matrix Specifications-Slope, Stab, Reveg, Pad Winterization and REAP
SWPPP Insert - EarthGuard (Liquid) Fiber Matrix BMP
EarthGuard In Action: A Rain Event Action Plan BMP
EarthGuard’s chemistry is unlike any other hydraulically applied product in that it is constantly working on a site to stabilize it.
The following video demonstrates EarthGuard in action during a 4” rain event in December 2010 in Orange County California on a typical construction site. To this point, the area treated with EarthGuard had already received 7” of rain since time of application.
EarthGuard (Pre-Packaged) Fiber Matrix Loading Charts
EarthGuard (Pre-Packaged) Fiber Matrix Loading Charts How to Use
EarthGuard (Liquid) Fiber Matrix Loading Charts
EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Agency Reviews
Alaska Department of Transportation:
Meets Specification 619 and 727 Hydraulic Erosion Control Product and Specification
Alberta Ministry of Transportation:
Alberta MOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
British Columbia Ministry of Transportation:
British Columbia MOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA):
EarthGuard Fiber Matrix has been used on many BIA lands for erosion control, reclamation and fire-burn rehabilitation.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM):
EarthGuard Fiber Matrix has been used on many BLM lands for erosion control, reclamation and fire-burn rehabilitation.
California Department of Transportation:
California DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Specifications Met
Colorado Department of Transportation:
Colorado DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA):
Meets Specification 625.08 (b) and 713.05 (g) as a Bonded Fiber Matrix
Idaho Department of Transportation:
Idaho DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Specifications Met
Georgia Department of Transportation:
Georgia DOT EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Approval Letter
Illinois Department of Transportation:
Reviewed as Method 3 and 3a in Section 251.03 (c) and (d) of the Standard Specifications Section 251.03.
Kansas Department of Transportation:
Kansas DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
Louisiana Department of Transportation:
Louisiana DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
Maine Department of Transportation:
Maine DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
Michigan Department of Transportation:
Michigan DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Specifications Met
Mississippi Department of Transportation:
Mississippi DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Specifications Met
National Park Service: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix has been used on National Park Service lands for erosion control, reclamation and fire-burn rehabilitation.
Nebraska Department of Transportation:
Nebraska DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Reviewed
Nevada Department of Transportation:
Nevada DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
New Hampshire Department of Transportation:
New Hampshire DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
New Hampshire DOT: EarthGuard Soil Stabilizer Review
New Mexico Department of Transportation:
New Mexico DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
New York Department of Transportation: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix meets the NY DOT Standard Specifications for Class IV Type A-C Soil Stabilizers.
North Carolina Department of Transportation:
North Carolina DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
Oregon Department of Transportation:
Oregon DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review Slope Type A&B
Oregon DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review Slope Type C&D
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection:
Pennsylvania DEP: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation:
Pennsylvania DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
Pennsylvania DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review Bulletin 15
South Carolina Department of Transportation:
South Carolina DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
South Dakota Department of Transportation:
South Dakota DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
Tennessee Department of Transportation:
Tennessee DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
Texas Department of Transportation:
Texas DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
United States Forest Service:
EarthGuard Fiber Matrix has been used on many US Forest Service lands for erosion control, reclamation and fire-burn rehabilitation.
Utah Department of Transportation:
Utah DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
Vermont Department of Transportation:
Vemont AOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
Virginia Department of Transportation:
Virginia DOT: EarthGuard Fiber Matrix Review
Washington Department of Ecology:
