Judith M. Guido
Chairwoman / Founder,
Guido & Assoc.
Each day, I work with clients on profitably scaling up their companies by developing a unique strategy that focuses on high-payoff activities so they can execute efficiently, develop their workforce and always have enough cash to invest in their growth. I also work with owners and management teams that are looking to sell their companies or acquire a company. I am always focused on ways to create real value.
By “real value,” I mean value that customers are willing to pay for, bankers are willing to lend to, people are drawn to work for, and buyers are willing to pay good money to acquire. And yet, “value” is one of the most misunderstood words in business today. Ask 10 people what it means, and you’ll get 20 different responses. And whether you’re working on profitably scaling your company or preparing to buy a company or sell yours, there are some particularly important and basic activities you can do that will create real value.
In the ever-changing world of business, the concept of value stands as both a guardrail and a cornerstone for success. It goes beyond financial gains incorporating a range of attributes that strengthen a company’s position, sustainability and desirability. To really understand value, we must look at both its tangible and intangible aspects.
Financial value is straightforward. It’s the monetary worth of assets, revenue, profits and EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) that can be quantified and evaluated. This is the value that shareholders often prioritize, as it directly impacts the valuation (worth) of the business. Qualitative value is equally important. It includes reputation, name awareness, brand strength, customer satisfaction, strength of the team and a strong and unified culture. And what really escalates value is the uniqueness of a company’s strategy, business models and processes that propel the business forward.
To clarify what constitutes real value, we should consider the diverse perspectives within the erosion control and environmental sectors and how value can be defined in terms of both environmental contributions and economic viability. It may seem like common sense (there’s nothing common about common sense), but if you want to generate multi-faceted value you should focus on investing in sustainable practices and services that safeguard the environment while delivering high margins. Not all practices and services are created equally when it comes to margins.
It is essential to spend as much time with customers to understand what they value so that you can enhance their experience by making it easy for them to collaborate with you. Then you can deliver the exceptional service and engagement they expect and need. The more time you spend with customers, the easier it will be for you and your team to innovate continuously to stay ahead in the market and meet evolving customer and regulatory demands. This innovation will also help to foster a positive organizational culture that motivates and retains top talent. Maintain transparency and ethical standards to build trust and credibility with all stakeholders.
Ensure you have the talent and skillsets inside and outside of your organization to build relevant and robust fiscal management systems that ensure cash flow, profitability and growth. As such, develop strong networks and relationships with financial partners and stakeholders, as well as the local community. With these partners, develop and implement efficient, high-payoff operational processes that reduce costs and increase productivity. And wherever you can embrace technology and artificial intelligence to streamline operations and offer innovative solutions, do it.
Focus on short- and long-term strategic planning to secure future success and adaptability. These steps not only create financial and qualitative value; they also underscore a realistic definition of value.
That definition will resonate with key stakeholders in the erosion control and environmental industries who are committed to ecological stewardship and sustainable development.
About the Expert • Judith M. Guido is the chairwoman and founder of Guido & Associates, a business management consulting firm in the erosion control and green industry. Guido can be reached at 818.800.0135 or judy@guidoassoc.com.
Rich McLaughlin, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Controlling wind and water erosion can involve temporary measures, establishing permanent vegetation or managing the existing vegetation. A recent study in China tested five options for short-term erosion control on stockpiled soil.1 The erosion control methods included sod or seeded grass in full coverage or only in a strip at the bottom of the slope, as well as artificial turf in complete coverage. Tests were conducted in a flume, measuring 3.00 m by 2.00 m by 0.45 m (length by width by depth; 9.8 feet by 6.6 feet by 1.5 feet), filled with a sandy loam fill soil and tilted to a 30-degree slope. Test conditions included Zoysia sod with full coverage or only the bottom 75 cm (2.5 feet), seedling mondograss (Ophiopogon japonica; 10 cm [4 inch] height) at 100 plants m2 (9 plants feet2) with full coverage or only the bottom 75 cm (2.5 feet), or artificial turf (1.5 cm [0.6 inch] height) with full coverage. Simulated rainfall was applied at a rate of 1.45 mm/min-1 (3.5 inch/hour-1), which represented natural events recorded in the area. Each rain event lasted for 45 minutes after runoff initiation, with samples being taken periodically during the event as well as flow measurements. Compared to bare soil, sodding delayed runoff more than the other covers, but all delayed it substantially. The strips delayed runoff by 35% to 50% of full coverage. Erosion rates were reduced by 88% to 99%, with seedlings the least effective and sod the most. The sod strip was almost as effective as full sodding, and the seedling strip was 83% as effective as full coverage. While all three full coverage treatments significantly reduced total soil loss, the seedling cover was not as effective as sod or artificial turf.
Changes in vegetation in arid and semiarid regions have been documented globally and are attributed to climate change, invasive species and grazing management. These areas can be major sources of sand and dust storms that affect wide areas downwind. The effects of different types of vegetation on wind erosion rates were recently quantified on the Chihuahuan Desert in New Mexico, United States, over five years.2 The four vegetation types included:
historic grasses (black grama)
shrub-invaded (black grama, honey mesquite)
shrubland (honey mesquite, some bunchgrass)
grassy shrubland (honey mesquite and bunchgrass).
Erosion was clearly evident in the latter two states (Figure 1). Plots of 100 by 100 m (328 by 328 feet) were established for each vegetation type, and the vegetation cover was determined annually by line transect. Sediment transport was determined from sediment sampler towers on each plot, capturing sediment at four heights up to 0.85 m (2.8 feet). The historic grassland had vegetative cover of 35% to 80% and bare soil of 18% to 40%, compared to the shrubland having 19% to 25% vegetative cover and up to 66% bare soil. These values appear to be representative of data collected elsewhere in the area. The mass flux of sediment increased tenfold between the historical grass cover and the shrub-invaded and another tenfold in the shrubland, while the shrub-invaded area had wind erosion similar to the historical grass area. The implications for site management (grazing control) are discussed. The authors suggest the need to maintain a minimum of 20% grass cover to minimize risks of wind erosion, further site degradation and sandstorms and dust storms. Relatively small changes in grass cover can result in substantial increases in wind erosion, rapid loss of the remaining grass and changes in the ecological state and function of an area.
Figure 1. Photos of the four vegetation cover types in the Webb et al. (2024) study (clockwise from top left): Native grassland, shrub invaded, grassy shrubland, and shrubland. Photo credit: Justin W. Van Zee.
References
Jian P, Li J, Wang W, et al. 2025. Study on the Effectiveness of Temporary Vegetation Measures on the Regulation of Runoff, Sediment Yield, and Hydraulic Characteristics on the Spoil Heaps. Land 14:951. doi.org/10.3390/land14050951.
Webb NP, Wheeler B, Edwards BL, et al. 2025. Magnitude Shifts in Aeolian Sediment Transport Associated with Degradation and Restoration Thresholds in Drylands. Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences, 130:e2024JG008581. doi.org/10.1029/2024JG008581.
About the Expert
• Rich McLaughlin, Ph.D., received a B.S. in natural resource management at Virginia Tech and studied soils and soil chemistry at Purdue University for his master’s degree and doctoral degree. He has retired after 30 years as a professor and extension specialist in the Crop and Soil Sciences Department at North Carolina State University, specializing in erosion, sediment and turbidity control. He remains involved with the Department as professor emeritus.
Properly designed permanent snow storage reduces the need for costly snow-hauling operations.
Snow storage is a primary Low Salt Design consideration, yet it is an overlooked part of stormwater design. Snow typically melts at a rate and volume less than what is required to design for rainfall and, therefore, is often overlooked, but some experts in the field are starting to awaken to opportunities for improving winter design. When snow storage is properly sized and located, and the meltwater footprint is controlled, safety is increased. Also, the need for salt is reduced. Less salt protects soil, vegetation and water, which is a core goal in erosion and sediment control.
Low Salt Infrastructure Design1 proactively improves winter safety and has great benefits to sustainability. Deicers, especially rock salt and other chloride-based ice melting chemicals, are used to clear ice and make pavement surfaces safer for travel. This strategy may seem efficient, but it is a costly, reactive approach to regain traction versus designing for winter. Salt applications over time lead to erodible soils, vegetation damage and increased infrastructure costs due to frequent repairs and replacements.
A wide range of Low Salt Design approaches can be implemented to help improve the performance of pavements during winter, which reduces the impact on the environment (Figure 1). “Use the Sun” by daylighting pavement areas to reduce winter shading, raise temperatures and remove moisture without maintenance crew intervention. Areas with poor winter performance may benefit from alternative pavements, such as heated or permeable. In regions where snowpack accumulates and wind generates snow drifts, consider the direction of prevailing winter winds and implement wind breaks in their path to intercept and drop the blowing snow. Fences and/or vegetation can be designed to ensure snow deposition occurs safely away from saltable surfaces.
Figure 1. Low Salt Design employs unique aspects of the built environment to reduce winter maintenance burden.
Low Salt Design anticipates the impacts of winter weather and the need for winter maintenance throughout the design phases of a project, beginning early on. If a project is geared toward improved winter performance, much less demand is placed on maintenance teams.
Focus: Snow Storage When snow blankets the landscape, it covers pavement surfaces and creates slick conditions for walking or driving. Maintenance professionals ensure the pavement is cleared by plowing, shoveling, sweeping or snow blowing. Snow piles can take up space for months, which creates headaches and hazards of their own. The placement and footprint of these piles can be designed to optimize many criteria that improve winter safety and drive down environmental side effects. Snow storage is a multifaceted topic that deserves a closer look.
Meltwater Sprawl Snow and ice melting across pavement is bad news! In many areas, thaw-freeze transitions far outnumber the occurrence of snowfall events. Maintenance crews have few tools to remove refrozen meltwater, so salting becomes more common wherever meltwater is allowed to sprawl and refreeze.
Place snow storage downhill from pavements or intercept and manage meltwater sprawl from snow storage located at higher elevations. Piles should drain into but not block stormwater conveyance (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Reducing the sprawl of meltwater from snow storage areas means a less hazardous area and less need for deicing chemicals.
Storage Sizing How much storage space is necessary? Volume and density of snow are important factors. Snow-to-liquid ratios of fresh snowfall vary dramatically, but mechanically compacted snow can be considered as close to 2:1.2 A 6-inch snowfall on a half-acre lot is likely to produce anywhere from 1,400 to 2,200 cubic feet (39.64 to 62.30 m3) of plowed snow, depending on the initial density. Apply this half-acre example to an analysis of the past 10 years of seasonal snowfall accumulation data from NOAA’s National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center:3
On the Front Range of Colorado, USA, Jefferson County averaged about 7.8 feet (2.38 m) of often fluffy snowfall per year, likely creating 22,000 cubic feet (622.97 m3) of plowed snow subject to many freeze/thaw cycles.
Near the Twin Cities in Minnesota, USA, Hennepin County averaged 2.9 feet (0.88m) of snowfall, producing close to 9,700 cubic feet (0.27 m3) of pervasive plowed snow.
Even in the hills above Asheville, North Carolina, USA, portions of Buncombe County logged multiple years with 1.5 feet (0.46 m) of snowfall, demanding room for 3,200 cubic feet (90.61 m3) of snow for at least short time periods.
Debris Recovery Snow removal concentrates sand, grit and other solids throughout winter. Erosion control professionals know that these contaminants can quickly overwhelm otherwise adequate stormwater systems. The excess loading of solids from winter quickly transitions to spring flash flooding. If snow storage isn’t intentional, sweeping becomes much harder. Debris recovery is less effective, and greater pressure will be placed on maintaining catch basins and ponds.
Well-designed snow storage provides an opportunity to recover winter debris with greater efficiency once the pile has melted.
Maintenance Equipment Accessibility and Ease of Snow Removal If obstructions (signposts, railing footings, hydrants, parking lot islands and acute curb angles) make it difficult to plow, snow will be left in place or removed by hand. Snow on pavement may be a liability concern. Hand shoveling means more time spent at a single site, higher costs to maintenance operations and reduced overall effectiveness of snow removal efforts.
Hard-to-plow areas are much more likely to be treated with salt at higher rates to chemically remove residual snow. This manner of spot treating means high concentrations of salt, which corrode metal impediments. Toxicity to vegetation may become clear after only one or two seasons, and damage caused to brickwork or concrete won’t take much longer.
Snow storage should be designed with the route of the plow in mind, with easy forward pushes and reduction of backup maneuvers.
The snow storage area should be obstacle-free, with no woody vegetation or permanent structures like fixed outdoor seating.
Focus: Snow Storage Research Needs This article shows that siting snow storage areas should follow somewhat simple logic. Issues arise when trying to answer the question: How big will my snow storage area need to be? Volumes discussed earlier don’t directly translate to a footprint. Failing to provide adequate snow storage creates a need for the snow to be hauled off-site (Figure 3). Snow science has historically focused on natural areas where snow is a water resource. Studies of snow in developed areas are far more limited. As a result, determining how much space should be dedicated to snow storage remains poorly understood.
Research is needed to evaluate influential relationships, including the ratio of contributing plowshed area to snow storage footprint. Annual or event-based snowfall amounts and frequency, and the rates of localized snow melting, are expected to influence the size of snow storage. The weight of these factors is yet unquantified, but this knowledge will be essential for designing cold-season stormwater practices on par with their warm-season counterparts.
Conclusion Low Salt Design offers several approaches that improve winter safety and sustainability. Snow storage is one of many Low Salt Design considerations. Snow storage is complicated, and further research is needed, but it should become a cold climate design priority. Each region’s winter is unique, and understanding the problems faced locally will provide a safer and more sustainable future. To improve four-season sustainability, give winter a seat at the design table.
About the Experts • Connie Fortin, Bolton & Menk’s low salt strategist, invented Low Salt Design to increase winter safety and drive down salt need. Forton has a Master of Science, and her expertise lies in chloride source reduction strategies, practical problem-solving and “simplifying science.” • Doug Klimbal, a water resources scientist at Bolton & Menk, has knowledge that spans fields of resources and natural sciences, including environmental chemistry, hydrology and geology. He holds a Master of Science in water resources science from the University of Minnesota.
References 1. Bolton & Menk. 2024. Low Salt Design Guide. bolton-menk.com/real-solutions/low-salt-solutions. 2. Ho CLI, Valeo C. Observations of urban snow properties in Calgary, Canada. Hydrological Processes 19, 459-473. 2005. 3. National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (2025). National Gridded Snowfall Analysis for Season Accumulation 2015 through 2025. NOAA. nohrsc.noaa.gov/snowfall.
Duwamish River People’s Park site habitat in 2024.
It’s been three years since the Port of Seattle, Washington, USA, opened the Duwamish (doo-WAH-mish) River People’s Park and Shoreline Habitat (DRPP), a 14-acre public space and habitat site with over 3,000 linear feet (914 m) of shoreline habitat. This site is home to the largest habitat restoration project on Seattle’s only river and is an example of how the Port advances trade, travel, commerce and job creation in an equitable, accountable and environmentally responsible manner.
The DRPP, once home to industrial manufacturing companies, took over two decades of planning, permitting and cleanup work, over $40 million USD and more than 10 partners before it became what it is today: a healthy fish habitat, community hub and, most recently, a revenue source for the Port’s mitigation banking program (Figure 1).
Assessing Habitat Restoration Efforts To evaluate the effectiveness of its habitat restoration, the Port collected baseline data in 2022 and initiated a 10-year monitoring program. (For more information, go to bit.ly/4lkMTHv.) In 2023, the first year of this monitoring, Port environmental staff and fish biologists conducted fish sampling (Figure 2). They identified 216 juvenile Chinook salmon and 2,352 chum salmon. They also documented significant healthy marsh and riparian vegetation.
To sample fish, the Port’s monitoring team deploys a net at the mouth of the marsh basin during high tide. They capture any fish as they follow the falling tide out of the marsh basin. The net funnels the fish into a chamber, where they are collected, identified by species, measured and released.
Juvenile salmon migrate down the Duwamish River and use this area during high tides to rest and eat as they slowly transition from freshwater to saltwater. Efforts from the Port’s environmental staff and other local organizations have made it possible to measure and count these fish through the use of an innovative passive integrated transponder (PIT) array to gather more information on their movement. After its installment in 2024, the Port identified 43 individual PIT-tagged salmon between 19 April 2024 and its final detection on 2 July 2024. 2023 and 2024 marked the first two of 10 years of monitoring the Port will conduct to ensure the habitat remains healthy.
Figure 2: Port environmental staff and fish biologists conducted fish sampling at Duwamish River People’s Park in 2023.
Strengthening Community Ties Community input was crucial in shaping the park’s design and amenities. It ensured the park serves as a valuable resource for residents. Even the park’s name was selected through a community-driven renaming process that resulted in four Port parks receiving indigenous names.
Since its opening, the Port has hosted or participated in over 100 educational events, volunteer restoration activities and cultural celebrations at the site (Figure 3). They foster a sense of ownership and connection to the restored habitat and access to the river. Ongoing efforts include partnerships with local organizations to provide environmental education and stewardship to underserved communities. These efforts are designed to ensure the DRPP serves as an ecological and social asset.
Generating Revenue to Expand Restorations In 2016, the Port of Seattle launched a multi-site mitigation bank program to restore critical shoreline and wetland habitat along the Duwamish River, a key area for salmon recovery. This self-sustaining model enables the Port to restore habitat to generate credits that can then be used by the Port for its own mitigation needs or sold to others. The goal is to reinvest the revenue in additional restoration projects.
In 2024, the Port negotiated a $48 million agreement for the transaction of 500 credits that were generated by the DRPP. The Port’s mitigation banking program is a strategic approach to balancing development with environmental stewardship, particularly in the Duwamish River ecosystem, where habitat is scarce. The Port plans to expand the mitigation banking program to include other locations, which will further support habitat restoration initiatives and economic development.
Looking ahead, the DRPP serves as a blueprint for future restoration projects by demonstrating the power of collaborative partnerships and innovative funding mechanisms. By transforming a historically industrial site into a thriving ecosystem and a community asset, the Port demonstrates a model for sustainable development that prioritizes ecological health, social equity and economic vitality. These efforts ensure the Duwamish River’s legacy is one of revitalization and shared prosperity for generations to come.
Figure 3: Tour of Duwamish River People’s Park conducted in 2024.
About the Expert
Kathleen Hurley is a Senior Environmental Program Manager in the Maritime Environment and Sustainability department at the Port of Seattle. She manages fish and wildlife habitat sites and works with a team developing the port’s first Ocean Acidification Action Plan.
Mallory Hauser is the Sustainability Communications Manager for the Port of Seattle’s Maritime department and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. She develops campaigns and content to share environmental conditions, metrics and successes to local, national and global audiences.
Overview of field plots after seeding and adding straw.
Acid mine drainage (AMD) occurs when sulfide materials are exposed to oxygen and water, which causes acidic runoff.1 AMD can occur naturally but is mainly produced by mining activities, affecting vegetation, wildlife and water sources if untreated.2 Active treatment involves increasing the pH, which results in a metal hydroxide sludge. Disposal of AMD sludge presents management and environmental concerns due to the large area needed to store the waste, sludge properties (high water content and metal concentrations), and continuous sludge production even after mining activities end. This research evaluated the potential for land application as part of the reclamation process by evaluating the use of AMD sludge as a soil amendment to support vegetation. This paper describes the results of a field test following one growing season.
The study site was in Monongalia County, West Virginia, United States, at an elevation of 600 m (1,970 feet). Soil composition consisted of large rocks and sandy soil. During the time of this field test (1 May 2023 to 31 October 2023), average daily precipitation ranged from 0.5 to 30 cm (0.20 to 12 inches), and average daily temperature ranged from 10 to 32 degrees Celsius (50 to 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit).3 Fifteen study plots, divided into three repetitions of five treatments, were established (Figure 1):
25% AMD sludge/75% topsoil (25AMD)
50% AMD sludge/50% topsoil (50AMD)
75% AMD sludge/25% topsoil (75AMD)
100% AMD sludge (100AMD)
100% topsoil (TS, acting as a control).
Figure 1. Distribution of treatments.
Each plot, 1.52 m x 1.52 m (5 feet by 5 feet), was created by mixing AMD sludge, sourced directly from a geobag, with allpurpose topsoil in specified volumetric proportions. Following mixing, 0.575 pounds (260 g) of 10/10/10 N, P, K fertilizer and 0.034 pounds (15.4 g) of a seed mixture, including orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata, 48%), medium red clover (Trifolium pratense, 20%), climax timothy (Phleum pratense,12%), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne, 8%), Kentucky bluegrass 85/80 (Poa pratensis, 8% and ladino clover (Trifolium repens, 4%), were applied.4 Straw was added after seeding (Figure 2). A soil analysis of each treatment is shown in Figure 3.
The AMD sludge originated from a treatment plant in Preston County, West Virginia. The treated sludge was pumped into a geobag and transported to the study site for final disposal. The AMD sludge was removed directly from the geobags.4
Two AMD sludge samples were characterized for metal concentrations (methods: EPA 6010D, EPA 7471B, SM 2540G-2015). The second sludge sample was collected after the first sample and resulted in a comparatively high concentration of lead (Figure 4). While there was variability between samples, arsenic, barium, chromium, lead, mercury and silver met basic requirements for land application according to the Rule of 20.5 The Rule of 20 is a guideline that is used to evaluate waste byproducts for land application based on their metal concentrations.5 Selenium concentrations for the sampled sludge were below detection limits; therefore, these concentration levels may require further evaluation.
Ground cover was measured within each subplot using a 1 m2 (10.76 feet2) portable point frame and followed procedures by Coulloudon et al.6 and Elzinga et al.7 Measurements evaluated coverage by area of grass, straw and bare soil.
Figure 2. Overview of field plots after seeding and adding straw.
Soil moisture, electrical conductivity and soil temperature were measured with a soil at five randomly selected locations within each plot. At the end of the growing season, above-ground biomass and soil samples were collected by randomly placing a 0.09 m2 (1 foot²) PVC frame on each plot. The above-ground biomass in the enclosed area was trimmed, bagged and weighed. A soil sample, about 0.47 L (2 cups), was collected after removing roots and biomass. Soil samples were analyzed for nitrate, phosphorus, potassium, pH, calcium, magnesium, conductivity, sodium, sulfur, boron, iron, manganese, zinc and copper. Mean ground cover in TS, 25AMD, 50AMD and 75AMD treatments increased from 30% to 60% at the start of the study to 60% to 80% by the end of the monitoring period (Figure 5, Figure 6). The National Pollutant Discharge System requires 70% ground cover for permit release.8 The study plots reached 70% cover after 13 weeks from planting. In contrast, the mean ground cover for the three AMD-only treatments remained below 40% throughout the study and was lower than the other treatments. Ground cover in the 75AMD treatment was consistently lower than in 25AMD and 50AMD. The TS treatment had the highest ground cover overall, with no significant differences compared to 25AMD and 50AMD. Figure 7 summarizes the results for mean soil moisture, electrical conductivity, temperature and biomass for each treatment.
The 100% top-soil plots had the highest constituent concentrations at the end of the study (Figure 7).
Figure 3. Soil analysis results.
Conclusion This research aimed to assess the use of AMD sludge as a soil amendment to promote vegetation growth. Key findings include:
Figure 4. AMD sludge characterization results; italicized and bolded values are measured concentrations, and all other values are reported as half of the detection limit.Figure 6. Overview of the field plots at the end of the monitoring period.
The average ground cover for 100AMD was significantly lower compared to other treatments; therefore, this treatment is not suitable for vegetation establishment. Soil moisture was significantly higher for 100AMD compared to other treatments, likely due to the 95% water content of the AMD sludge. Additional soil moisture within plots would support vegetation establishment, especially in the drier months. Future testing should consider drying the sludge before application for comparison.
Electrical conductivity was the highest in 100AMD treatment; however, the differences were not substantial.
Figure 7. Results for soil moisture, conductivity, temperature and biomass.
AMD sludge has a high concentration of metals; however, the highest concentrations of iron, copper, manganese and zinc were shown in the topsoil (control) treatments. These findings support the potential use of AMD sludge in reclaiming abandoned mine lands for vegetation restoration. Further research could explore future applications such as blending strategies, sludge site analysis and further treatment before application.
Acknowledgments This study was supported by Grant/Cooperative Agreement Number S21AC10054 from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of OSMRE. This work is with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Special Reclamation.
About the Experts • Grace Kerr is a graduate research assistant at Auburn University. • Leslie Hopkinson, Ph.D., is an associate professor at West Virginia University.
References 1. Akcil A, Koldas S. 2006. Acid Mine Drainage (AMD): Causes, Treatment and Case Studies. Journal of Cleaner Production, 14:1139-1145. 2. Ackman TE. 1982. Sludge Disposal from Acid Mine Drainage Treatment. Report of Investigations. PB-82-257148. Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh Research Center. 3. National Centers for Environmental Information. ncei.noaa.gov. 4. Watters B. 2023. Exploring the Usage of Acid Mine Drainage Sludge as a Soil Amendment for Reclaimed Mine Lands. Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 11713, West Virginia University. 5. Davis S. 2001. Regulated Metals: The Rule of 20. Pollution Prevention Institute, Kansas Small Business Environmental Assistance Program. 6. Coulloudon B, Eshelman K, Gianola J, et al. Sampling Vegetation Attributes. 1999. BLM Technical Reference. 7. Elzinga CL, Salzer DW, Willoughby JW, et al. 1998. Measuring & Monitoring Plant Populations. BLM Technical Reference. 8. West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. 2016. Erosion and Sediment Control Best Management Practice Manual. Division of Water and Waste Management.
Wally Butman
2025 IECA Lifetime
Achievement Award Winner
Wally Butman has a long history of being a successful coach in his work and his personal life.
Butman has worked for decades in the hydraulic erosion control industry, both in machines and materials. However, he spent the first six years of his professional career as a teacher/coach. During the summers, Butman worked with Parksite, a regional distributor of building materials. When they offered him a sales job, his first reaction was “I’d be really afraid to make the career change.” Butman initially took a leave of absence from education before seeing that the new career was a good choice for him.
From there, he moved to Conwed Fibers, a wood-fiber hydraulic mulch manufacturer, and eventually became a national sales manager. Next, Butman went to Finn Corp., which manufactures hydroseeders and mulch-blowing equipment, as executive vice president. He also served on the board of the International Association of HydroSeeding Professionals.
After 10-plus years at Finn, Butman went to work for Profile Products, which manufactures hydraulic mulches made partially from recycled materials. Profile Products has distribution outlets and major project work on six continents. Butman stayed there for more than 20 years and recently retired as vice president of international sales.
It was during his time at Profile Products that he returned to coaching and did it at his alma mater: Harper College. Butman had played basketball there, and it was his passion. As a coach, he had the opportunity to mentor underprivileged young men and discuss their next steps in life. Many of them wanted to play for Division 1 schools but lacked the capacity. Butman encouraged them to focus on school just in case those dreams didn’t materialize. “It was very fulfilling,” he said.
Butman carried that mentoring mindset into his professional life. He loved giving guidance to young professionals and being a strong advocate for them as they moved along in their careers. Butman advised members of the sales staff to go beyond offering just a product and a price. He told them to show empathy for the customer and explain how they could benefit them. For example, Butman encouraged sales staff to take projects to customers that increased their bottom line or showed them a better way to use equipment and materials and be successful. “It’s the difference between someone who has a product to sell and someone who brings value,” he said, “and it leads to long-term relationships.”
Butman encouraged young people to work hard on those business relationships, as well as personal ones, and to follow their dreams. “Those people who help others succeed end up being successful themselves,” he said. Butman took that same helping mindset to his involvement at the International Erosion Control Association (IECA). Samantha A. Roe, IOM, IECA chief executive officer, said that while Butman was promoting his company, he was also elevating the importance of the erosion control industry globally. “As an industry, we need to place more focus on this,” she said.
Butman believes it’s important to educate and help the industry, especially those who are starting their efforts. “Sediment control is so important to our world,” he said.
While Butman was developing international markets and conducting sales worldwide, he also promoted IECA. “It’s always been a passion of mine to support the organization,” he said. Roe traveled to China with Butman. “I learned how deep his knowledge and commitment were to the industry and the impact he has had internationally,” she said. Butman worked tirelessly to share information on erosion and sediment control, and he developed key contacts in over 80 countries.
His work led to the establishment of IECA chapters internationally. “Education about erosion and sediment control makes the world a better place,” he said. His former co-workers agree and praise him for making the world a greener and healthier environment.
Butman’s efforts have played a key role internationally and led to his receiving the 2025 IECA Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2022 IECA Sustained Contributor Award. His son Adam praised his ability to intersect business leadership with passion and impact. Adam said his father devoted “35-plus years of service to an industry that is transforming, shaping and preserving our environment through innovation in horticulture, erosion control and sports turf management. His career efforts have helped shape agriscience on a global scale, preserving and maintaining millions of acres of land.”
Figure 1. Applying a topsoil alternative product on California wildfire projects.Figure 2. In-field training on hydraulic erosion control.
Such comments bring the elder Butman to tears. He is proud of his two sons, Jake and Adam, and daughter, Brittney, as well as his wife, Eileen, of 46 years, who kept the household running when Butman’s job demanded heavy travel.
Now that Butman has retired, he is looking forward to some consulting opportunities along with some Board activities. But more importantly, he will be spending more time with his family, including his six grandkids, and improving his golf game. “Now that I have more time to play, I have no excuses,” he said.
Figure 3. Butman found presenting individual awards to be very rewarding.Figure 4. Butman examines erosion control techniques near Beijing with China representative Jia Hu.
About the Expert • Joy Dickinson is the editor of Environmental Connection.
Figure 1. Soil stabilization, Prince Edward Island (PEI) (2022). Photo credit: Helping Nature Heal.
Sustainability Through Innovation
This article is part of Environmental Connection’s mission to help grow the industry by promoting innovative research, products and technology that meet industry needs through more sustainable approaches. Articles in future issues will continue to provide multiple perspectives to promote ongoing efforts to protect natural resources.
The Atlantic shores on the Eastern side of North America face particular challenges due to climate change and sea-level rise. Canada is expected to warm at nearly twice the global rate, and significant storm events are happening with greater frequency and intensity. Due to land subsidence, or the sinking of the coastline due to the last glaciation, the relative sea-level change is expected to be higher than the global average in the Atlantic region, with a rise of 60 to 100 cm (24 to 40 inches) predicted.
The shorelines are particularly vulnerable to erosion. Thousands of public and private properties are already being affected along Atlantic coastal communities. Erosion rates for coastal bluffs in Nova Scotia are as high as 10 m (11 yards) per year for newly exposed headlands.1 Sea-level rise and increasing storm intensity are accelerating coastal erosion.
Coastlines are dynamic, living ecosystems that transform naturally through erosion, sediment transport and deposition. While many landowners build hard armour walls to protect individual properties from erosion, this grey infrastructure comes with high costs, ecosystem damage, biodiversity loss and limited efficacy.
Helping Nature Heal (HNH) is an ecological restoration company based in Nova Scotia, Canada. They work with nature to restore living shorelines (Figure 1). HNH was driven by the challenge of effectively addressing coastal erosion using a sustainable green infrastructure alternative to hard armour, which presents secondary effects.
This challenge has led to the development of Living Shorelines, which is a three-part method for coastal protection that has resulted in up to 98% sediment capture. Living Shorelines is a soft engineering approach to mitigate the effects of erosion on waterfront property without endangering the coastal ecosystem (Figure 2). It includes:
Application of condition-specific native plant companion groupings.
Low-tech green techniques for planting on steep and eroding slopes.
A plant nutrition product, Abundance root booster, that stimulates root growth. This 100% natural organic soil booster fosters healthier root systems, showcased through increased root diameter and length, reduces the rate of erosion to 1% to 2% of previous sediment runoff and enhances the resilience of coastal areas.
HNH designs condition-specific native plant groupings for each job, with the goal of optimizing healthy, rapid and dense root development. Factors are considered such as soil composition, incoming energy (solar, wind, water, etc.) and plant species characteristics. Each design specifies the plant species, groupings and density that will be most resilient to change, even when challenged by climate issues.
Over hundreds of projects, a series of low-tech, low-cost green techniques were developed and refined for planting on steep and eroding slopes, such as those in Prince Edward Island (Figures 1 and 3). Erosion chevrons, wattle fencing and veggie groynes are a few of the methods used to successfully establish plantings in very challenging terrain conditions. These methods add no inorganic materials to the site, which prevents pollution and allows the site to re-naturalize with minimal further intervention (Figure 3).
Abundance is an all-natural concentrate root booster that helps plants establish new roots, reduces transplant shock and plant loss, permanently improves nutrient and water uptake, and permanently improves disease resistance. It is applied in all Living Shorelines and other restoration projects and is also provided as a standalone product.
Abundance is enriched with essential nutrients and minerals from land and sea. This award-winning soil booster ensures that plants thrive naturally. It won the Kelp Fest 2024 Product Award from the Ecology Action Centre.
The formulation includes kelp iodine concentrate (typically 50 ppm/L or 50 mg/L) with over 70 minerals, vitamins, trace elements, amino acids and citric acid. The produce is specifically formulated with mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial bacteria, with total nitrogen 11%, available phosphate 0.5% and soluble potash 7%. It is 100% biodegradable.
Figure 2. Shoreline stabilization (2023). Photo credit: Helping Nature Heal.Figure 3. Living shoreline construction, Prince Edward Island (PEI) (2022). Photo credit: Helping Nature Heal.
The formula has been developed through rigorous scientific research and extensive testing. The research and innovation sector of Lambton College, Ontario, Canada, conducted a study on the tensile strength of HNH plant recipes combined with Abundance. The study concluded that “overall better results were obtained” from the use of Abundance. In particular, it was found that by month three, yellow willow plants treated with Abundance and an additional biomass layer experienced overall growth by 384.4%, compared to plants with no treatment experiencing only 16.7% growth. This significant increase underscores the impact of Abundance in promoting plant growth and stability, which is crucial for erosion control projects.
In addition to tensile strength studies, rigorous rainfall tests were conducted to further validate the effectiveness in erosion control. Three rainfall tests were conducted, with each lasting 15 minutes and conducted biweekly. The rainfall intensity was set at 100 mm/h (4 inches/hour), based on rainfall intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curve data specific to the Sarnia, Ontario region in which the tests were conducted. The tests were performed on a slope set at 45 degrees to simulate challenging real-world conditions. Water runoff was measured, and soil runoff was collected, dried and weighed. These tests demonstrated that Abundance significantly reduced soil erosion and water runoff to 1% to 2% of the runoff measured without the use of bio-stimulant.
Reference
Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada — Atlantic. 2007. Understanding Nova Scotia’s Coastlines, p. 2.
About the Expert
Emillie Rose is the project manager at Helping Nature Heal in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada. She has an advanced diploma in fish and wildlife technology and is certified at Level 2 by Green Shores.
Figure 1 - Top image: 8 June 2018 burned riparian and hillslope. Middle image: 29 June 2018 burned riparian and hillslope with giant reed and palm regrowth in the riparian, Bottom image: 26 April 2019 non-native vegetation dominates post-fire site.
The escalating severity of wildfire seasons in California highlights the urgent need for effective land and water resource management. Fires in urban riverine systems can threaten lives and infrastructure while severely impacting stream health and stability; specifically, post-fire flooding and sediment transport can degrade essential drinking and recreational water sources. 1,2 While immediate post-fire impacts on surface hydrology such as sedimentation and flooding are well-documented, studies in semi-arid urban systems, where human activities significantly alter natural fire and hydrological regimes, remain limited. In addition to geomorphic changes that affect erosion control, water quality and sediment dynamics, urban fires can create additional strain on limited firefighting resources. This issue is exemplified by the 2018 California wildfire season, which required the simultaneous efforts of nearly 10,000 firefighters and the significant utilization of out-of-state resources.3
To effectively address post-fire geomorphic changes in urban streams, practical research-based insights into fire and vegetation management strategies are needed to support the development of resilient urban water systems. In 2024, the number of fires was within the five-year average, but the number of acres burned was over five times the average due to increases in flammable vegetation that spread fire. 4,5 In semi-arid urban stream systems in southern California, elevated year-round water levels contribute to increased nutrient loads and more frequent flash floods. These conditions encourage the infestation of flammable invasive vegetation, which alters erosion patterns and streambank stability. 6,7
The role of fire in riparian and wetland systems is not well understood, which may be due to the presumption that these habitats serve as barriers to fire due to high moisture content of soil and vegetation. However, flammable and invasive vegetation are making urban riparian systems prone to fire.8 For example, Arundo donax (giant reed) and Washingtonia spp. (desert fan palms) significantly increase fire fuel loads in urban riparian zones.9 Washingtonia filifera is native to isolated springs in the Sonoran Desert bioregion, while Washingtonia robusta is native to Baja California. Both species have spread from ornamental plantings and are known to influence fire regimes and become fire hazards as their populations increase. Giant reed is a large, bamboo-like grass from southern Eurasia that alters the diversity and function of riparian corridors throughout coastal California. Giant reed has fueled fires around urban areas and facilitated fire spread to natural areas; it inhibits post-fire recovery and can rapidly resprout from rhizomes. The rapid post-fire growth of giant reed contributes to an invasive grass-fire feedback cycle and further alters stream geomorphology.10,11 This cycle contributes to the increasing frequency of small urban fires (under 1,236 acres or 5 km2) in southern California4 and is exacerbated by human activity (i.e., power lines and recreational areas) near stream corridors.12 Dense vegetation, such as giant reed stands, also provides shelter for unhoused individuals, which has been associated with an increase in fire incidents. For example, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that fires related to unhoused individuals nearly tripled in three years and accounted for 54% of their total fire responses.13
Historically, giant reed was introduced for erosion control along streambanks and ditches to increase stability.14 Almost 9,000 acres (36.42 km2) from Monterey to Mexico are infested with giant reed in southern California.15 The invasive species contributes to long-term trends of channel narrowing, channel bed aggradation and floodplain accretion.16,17,18 While removal of giant reed is recommended for riparian health, anticipating acute geomorphic changes from restoration is crucial for effective stream management in urban environments.
Pre- and Post-Fire Channel and Floodplain Dynamics
Alvarado Creek is an urban and perennial stream in San Diego, California, USA. The climatology is semi-arid and Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cool, mild winters. There is substantial non-native vegetation in the riparian zones, which is representative of many urban riparian areas in the San Diego River watershed and many urban and coastal watersheds in southern California. A reach of Alvarado Creek was burned by a brush fire (Del Cerro Fire) on 3 June 2018 due to human ignition. Fueled by overgrown and invasive and flammable vegetation (giant reeds and palms), the fire burned 37 acres (0.15 km2). Rapid regrowth of giant reed was observed one week after the fire and dominated the landscape in subsequent years. Removal of burned and non-native vegetation occurred in fall 2020, which provided an opportunity to evaluate pre- and post-fire restoration. Additional herbicide treatment was applied to eradicate remaining giant reed roots and regrowth in fall 2021.
The giant reed significantly altered urban stream geomorphology both pre- and post-fire in Alvarado Creek. Before the fire, dense giant reed stands trapped sediment, forming berms and secondary channels, with accumulation rates comparable to those observed in much larger river systems.17 Although rapid regrowth of giant reed initially provided stability to upper streambanks after the Del Cerro Fire, the absence of native vegetation cover ultimately resulted in intensified bank undercutting, channel incision and significant floodplain erosion (Figure 1).
Channel and Flood Dynamics after Vegetation Management
Following the removal of giant reed, herbicide treatment resulted in further bank undercutting, collapse and overall channel widening. These observations demonstrate the substantial geomorphic disruption caused by the removal of giant reeds in smaller, urbanized streams, with retreat bank rates comparable to those in significantly larger systems.19 This disruption highlights the dual role of giant reeds in stabilizing and destabilizing streambanks. The rapid geomorphic changes triggered by the presence of giant reed, coupled with the lack of native vegetation and its abrupt removal, underscore the need for integrated erosion control strategies that account for the complex interplay between invasive vegetation species and stream dynamics (Figure 2).
The abrupt eradication of giant reed, particularly in post-fire urban waterways, triggers complex hydraulic, geomorphic and sedimentation responses that are understudied. However, as the Alvarado Creek recovers and native vegetation regrows, the geomorphic state has started to stabilize and gradually approach similar conditions to a nearby unburned, native vegetated site. Successful removal of the giant reed and subsequent native vegetation restoration may ultimately restore the natural geomorphic processes of the stream. Manual weeding and application of herbicide treatment can be used to control non-native vegetation and allow time for native vegetation to return. Also, a plant palette that reflects the local and native populations can be used to restore the native riparian conditions. In Alvarado Creek, seeds and cuttings were collected locally to ensure the genetic makeup and diversity were reflective of the native plant populations. This consisted of native willows, cottonwood and a variety of shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. We encourage future research to prioritize high-resolution modeling and at-risk area identification to develop optimized management strategies, which will benefit the long-term health and resilience of urban riparian ecosystems.
About the Experts
• Alicia M. Kinoshita, Ph.D., is an associate professor of civil engineering and director of undergraduate research at San Diego State University. She is an expert in short- and long-term watershed and hydrologic impacts of wildfire using remote sensing and field methods.
• Danielle S. Hunt graduated from San Diego State University with a Master of Science in civil engineering and a specialty in water resources. She is a design engineer at Stevens Cresto Engineers.
Acknowledgments
The material is based upon work supported by the Joint Fire Science Graduate Research Innovation (GRIN) Award No. 31-1-01-35, San Diego River Conservancy under Grants SDRG-P1-18-1, SDRG-P1-18-15, SDRG-P68-21-03 and SDRG-B22-05 and National Science Foundation CAREER Program under Grant No. 1848577.
References
White MD, Greer KA. 2006. The Effect of Watershed Urbanization on the Stream Hydrology and Riparian Vegetation of Los Peñasquitos Creek, California. Landscape and Urban Planning, 74:125-138.
Stein ED, Brown JS, Hogue TS, et. al. 2012. Stormwater Contaminant Loading Following Southern California Wildfires. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 31:2625-2638.
D’Antonio CM. 2000. Fire, Plant Invasions, and Global Changes. In: Mooney HA, Hobbs RJ (eds). Invasive Species in a Changing World. Island Press, Washington, DC, pp. 65-93.
Coffman GC. 2007. Factors Influencing Invasion of Giant Reed (Arundo Donax) in Riparian Ecosystems of Mediterranean-type Climate Regions. Doctoral dissertation, University of California, Los Angeles, CA.
Drill S. 2018. Sustainable and Fire-Safe Landscapes: Achieving Wildfire Resistance and Environmental Health in the Wildland-Urban Interface. Fremontia, 38:37-41.
Coffman GC, Ambrose RF, Rundel PW. 2010. Wildfire Promotes Dominance of Invasive Giant Reed (Arundo Donax) in Riparian Ecosystems. Biological Invasions, 12:2723-2734.
Stover JE, Keller EA, Dudley TL, et. al. 2018. Fluvial Geomorphology, Root Distribution, and Tensile Strength of the Invasive Giant Reed, Arundo Donax and Its Role on Stream Bank Stability in the Santa Clara River, Southern California. Geosciences, 8:304.
Mathews LEH, Kinoshita AM. 2020. Vegetation and Fluvial Geomorphology Dynamics After an Urban Fire. Geosciences, 10:317, doi:10.3390/geosciences10080317.
Syphard AD, Keeley JE. 2015. Location, Timing and Extent of Wildfire Vary by Cause of Ignition. International Journal of Wildland Fire, doi: 10.1071/WF14024.
Bell G. 1998. Ecology and Management of Arundo Donax and Approaches to Riparian Habitat Restoration in Southern California. In: Brock JH, Wade W, Pysek P, et. al. (eds.). Plant Invasions. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Giessow J, Casanova J, Leclerc R, et. al. 2011. Arundo Donax (Giant Reed): Distribution and Impact Report. State Water Resources Control Board Invasive Plant Council: California, pp.1-240.
Allred TM, Schmidt JC. 1999. Channel Narrowing by Vertical Accretion Along the Green River Near Green River, Utah. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 111(12):1757-1772.
Friedman JM, Vincent KR, Shafroth PB. 2005. Dating Floodplain Sediment Using Tree-ring Response to Burial. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 30:1077-1091.
Dean DJ, Schmidt JC. 2011.The Role of Feedback Mechanisms in Historic Channel Changes of the Lower Rio Grande in the Big Bend Region. Geomorphology, 126:333-349.
Pollen-Bankhead N, Simon A, Jaeger K, et. al. 2008. Destabilization of Streambanks by Removal of Invasive Species in Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona. Geomorphology, 103:363-374.
Figure 2. Conceptualization of fire and invasive plant disturbances.
The Mount Messenger Alliance is delivering an essential infrastructure link in New Zealand: Te Ara o Te Ata, the Mount Messenger Bypass. The Mount Messenger section of State Highway 3 network is critical in connecting the remote Taranaki region with economic ties, tourism linkages and essential services to the northern Waikato Region. The existing section of State Highway 3 is narrow, steep and increasingly unable to safely support the vehicles and large freight trucks using it daily.
To improve resilience, reliability, safety and driving experience, a new bypass was proposed. Construction commenced in 2022. By bringing together expertise from contractors, consultants and iwi (local indigenous people), the Mount Messenger Alliance is setting a benchmark in environmental practice and actively upholding the concept of kaitiakitanga, which is guardianship and protection of the environment.
The ethos for environmental management on the project is “Ka ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata,” which means “if the water is healthy, the land will be nourished, and the people will thrive.” A holistic cultural lens is cast over all aspects of project work, from planning and design to construction and long-term maintenance. Cultural considerations are not limited to management; the name “Te Ara o Te Ata” was gifted to the project by iwi. The name translates to “the path of Te Ata,” who is the taniwha (entity or spirit) guarding the Parininihi lands where the project is located.
The deliverables of the project are not unique: 3.7 miles (6 km) of two-lane highway, two bridges, one tunnel and stream diversions; however, the environment in which the authors are working poses exceptional challenges for design and construction. The project is within a landscape of ecological and cultural significance. The area is characterised by mature podocarp forest and is home to many rare and threatened native species, including western brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli). Toward the southern extent of the alignment is the regionally significant Mimi Wetland (Figure 1). Within this wetland are examples of the critically endangered swamp maire (Syzygium maire) and swamp forest ecosystems that include kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydiodes) and pukatea (Laurelia novae-zelandiae).
The project alignment has space and access constraints, steep slip-prone slopes typically greater than 20% and highly mobile silt-based substrates. The alignment intersects the Mangapepeke Stream and Mimi River catchments, which are flashy and soft-bottomed (mud and loose sediment) with high levels of natural erosion.
The rough terrain, limited space and access to the site have driven some innovative solutions, such as the construction of a 0.7 mile (1.1 km) long cableway (Figure 2). This is the first of its kind to be used in New Zealand for the construction of a highway. The cableway provides access to the remote northern section of the project, which is otherwise only accessible by foot. With a load capacity of 44,092 pounds (20 tonnes), the cableway brings materials and machinery into the work area. Large machines must be transported in sections and built on-site. A custom eight-person gondola carries trained personnel on a 10-minute trip into the gully (Figure 3). When the gondola is not available, the alternative access route is scaffold staircases, with over 700 stairs and 656 feet (200 meters) of elevation gain (Figure 4).
defaultFigure 3. The custom eight-person gondola used to transport staff into the northern zone.
Access and space restraints have meant earthworks must begin before the installation of typical erosion and sediment controls (ESCs). In large parts of the site, these restraints have been a common problem. This situation has meant our team has developed innovative staging and designs to ensure construction could progress without adverse environmental effects.
The largest fill site on the project is known as Fill 12 and requires the filling of three main gullies to a depth of 131.2 feet (40 m), with approximately 78,4770 yard3 (600,000 m3) of material. To start this fill, a 0.43-mile (700-m) section of stream had to be diverted through 55-inch (1,400 mm) pipes. This work was completed under an online methodology that had to accommodate a one-in-100-year rainfall event (5.9 inches [151 mm] per 10 minutes).
Once a small portion of the stream diversion was completed, the fill height was increased sufficiently to allow a small sediment pond to be installed. This process repeated several times over the construction season with an additional two large sediment ponds constructed completely in fill to accommodate the dirty water catchment of the site. The period between having the ponds constructed meant all un-stabilised catchment had to be completed under a “cut-and-cover” methodology, meaning large areas of the site were covered with polythene and geotextile to eliminate sediment run-off. Since beginning these stream diversion works in 2023, we have managed to fill the area to a sufficient height to allow for a large sediment retention pond with a capacity of 12 acres (5 ha) of catchment, to be constructed at the most downstream extent of the site (Figure 5).
Figure 4. The scaffold staircase features 700 stairs and is used daily for worker access to the site.Figure 5. Temporary sediment retention pond constructed in Fill 12 with a catchment capacity of 5 ha (12.3 acres).Figure 6. The temporary outlet system of the sediment pond during construction.Figure 7. The temporary sediment pond in operation with a dispersal outlet system.
Site access and other limitations have led to the development of unconventional ESCs, which require third-party technical review before installation. One example of this unconventional ESC is a sediment pond outlet structure that sought to disperse discharge flows to prevent erosion on a 30-degree slope (Figure 6). Using a concrete manhole riser and six perforated outlet pipes, the authors were successfully able to prevent scour and erosion. The device performs as well as those with traditional outlet structures in terms of meeting discharge requirements (Figure 7). This innovative approach received the Excellence in Innovation award from the International Erosion Control Association (Australasia).
Given the ecological and cultural significance of the landscape, effective ESCs are essential. A comprehensive monitoring programme informs the construction team about the effectiveness of controls on-site. This includes baseline monitoring of water quality, ecological markers, routine monitoring of devices and controls, rainfall-based water quality, ecological monitoring, continuous in-stream nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU) monitoring and in-stream static sampling. Telemetered in-stream NTU monitors at six locations across the alignment provide real-time insight into stream conditions (Figure 8).
The Project Regulator (Taranaki Regional Council) receives automatic notifications when downstream NTU exceeds an agreed “trigger level.” This encourages open communication between the Alliance and Regulator regarding on-site activities. Additionally, we have been able to use the NTU monitors to develop a “risk-based” approach when completing in-stream works. Escalating NTU trigger alerts are sent to key staff members, and construction work will cease before the downstream agreed trigger level is reached, which eliminates sediment deposition and downstream ecological impacts.
To encourage transparency and accountability regarding water quality monitoring, upstream and downstream NTU data are made publicly available each week. Additionally, after a rain event (0.98 inches [25 mm]/24 hours or 0.59 inches [15 mm]/60 minutes), a rainfall trigger inspection report is sent to the Regulator. These reports are also made publicly available and include inlet and outlet NTU, clarity and pH results from each sediment treatment pond on site. In-stream static sampler NTU, total suspended solids and pH, and sediment deposition results in the Mimi Wetland are also made available.
Figure 8. An example of an in-stream NTU monitor.
The ESC requirements of the project are managed on-site by the ESC team lead with two senior ESC advisors. This core team works closely with two ESC supervisors and a team of skilled labourers split across the active construction zones. The ESC team collaborates closely with the ecology and engineering teams to develop construction methodologies that meet the requirements of all disciplines. The process to develop effective ESCs on-site is thoroughly planned, reviewed and implemented. A “feedback loop” process is used to allow learnings to be incorporated back into management plans to ensure continuous improvement.
Te Ara o Te Ata is using a holistic approach to environmental management. While working in a challenging environment, the Alliance has used an adaptive strategy for erosion and sediment controls. Te Ara o Te Ata will have quantifiable benefits that stretch beyond the delivery of a road. These gains include innovation and knowledge-sharing with the industry (Figure 9), social and cultural benefits, and positive ecological outcomes that will leave a lasting legacy on the Taranaki region.
About the Experts • Megan Dredge, CEnvP, is the ESC Team Lead for the Mount Messenger Bypass and is director of MPD Environmental Limited, a consulting firm in New Zealand. She has over 10 years of experience working in the ESC industry on large infrastructure projects.
• Jessica Griffiths, PGDip (Environmental Science), is a senior environmental advisor with HEB Construction, based at Te Ara o Te Ata. She is a certified environmental professional with seven years of experience across civil construction, tunnelling and mining.
• James. B Skurupey, MSc (ENVR), CEnvP, has 17 years of experience in the environmental industry, including roles as consent officer, resource management officer, environmental advisor and manager, as well as a stormwater engineer. Skurupey’s experience is across New Zealand’s local government, civil construction and mining industries.
Figure 9. IECA 2024 site field trip with industry experts in Fill 12.
Hydroseeding while Maya train transit is on top of the fill slope.
Hydroseeding was carried out in specific sections of the new “Tren Maya” railway that traverses the Yucatán peninsula in Mexico (Figure 1). The hydroseeding successfully revegetated embankment slopes to form a vegetative cover that mitigates raindrop impact and prevents erosion processes.
The railway extends for 932 miles (1,500 km) along the Yucatán Peninsula and was divided into seven sections (Figure 2). This train crosses five southeastern Mexican states of Campeche, Yucatán, Quintana Roo, Tabasco and Chiapas. The hydroseeding was conducted between December 2023 and January 2025.
The main challenges for revegetation were the type of soil, which consists of crushed limestone rock, the absence of topsoil in most of the areas and high temperatures, especially from March to June (Figure 1). A mixture of tropical grass seeds was used, specifically annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and braquiaria (Brachiaria brizantha), which were sourced from certified suppliers.
Calcareous soils with high gravel content present challenges for successful revegetation. They are structurally loose and have low-moisture retention capacity, high porosity and irregular surfaces that reduce the adhesion of applied materials. A technically efficient solution is combined paper mulch and wood fiber. Cellulose, with its fine texture, ensures more uniform coverage across the soil surface and provides high water retention. Its carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio, closest to natural source, allows good microbial activity that supports seed germination. Wood fiber contributes to the longevity of the interlocking structure that anchors effectively between coarse particles, with the amount of tackifier enhancing slope stability and erosion protection. This combination offsets the physical limitations of the substrate by integrating the absorbent properties of cellulose with the structural three-dimensional wood fiber. The blend improves the efficiency of fertilizer and mycorrhizal incorporation and enhances hydraulic performance during application. To determine the most appropriate products, the technical specifications of the main commercial brands available in the market and the Biobased certificate were reviewed to comply with the project requirements. It was concluded that the products that best met the technical requirements were High Density HMI for the cellulose component and Rainier Premium and Fiber Plus for the wood fiber component.
For the construction phase of the railway, the Mexican government divided the project into seven sections, which were awarded to major local and international construction companies. These companies contracted with Mexican contractors specialized in hydroseeding.
Two Mexican companies were responsible for the hydroseeding application across multiple sections of the railway. This article focuses on the work performed by one of these companies, Corporativo Mayra, which was involved in the final phase of the Tren Maya’s construction. This company was responsible for hydroseeding four sections covering 313 miles (505 km), with a total area of approximately 300 acres (125 ha).
Figure 2. The seven sections of the Maya train.
The project area is characterized by a tropical climate throughout the year, with high temperatures and a pronounced rainy season lasting half the year. The following sections provide data on average rainfall and temperature for Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatán, where most of the railway is located.
There is a substantial difference between the dry season (December to May) and the rainy season, which begins in mid-June and extends until November (Figure 3).
Temperature variations throughout the year are relatively small. The annual average temperature ranges for the three states go from 75.38 F to 90.26 F (24.1 C to 32.3 C) (Figure 4).
Many different hydroseeders were used to meet needs of the project.
The amount of hydroseeding materials per acre applied to embankment slopes is detailed in Figure 5.
The terrain configuration along the railway varies, with embankments featuring 45-degree slopes of varying lengths and heights (Figure 6). Additionally, there are a few sections with 90-degree rocky slopes covered with three-dimensional mesh to be revegetated (Figure 7). Certain underpasses feature structures resembling gabion walls, locally known as “Tai walls,” which also required hydroseeding.
During the hydroseeding application, logistical challenges arose, primarily regarding water availability, which was managed by the construction companies involved in the project. The hydroseeding sections lacked nearby surface water sources, such as rivers, small creeks or lakes, and water access points were limited and often distant. Moreover, water tankers were also in demand for construction activities at the same time. To address this issue, coordination was established with contractors to ensure the necessary daily water supply and, in some cases, implement a night shift to apply hydroseeding (Figure 8).
The selected grass seeds were tropical, noninvasive, non-aggressive, certified and commercially available. Annual ryegrass exhibits rapid germination of six to nine days and provides quick surface coverage due to its fast growth. Braquiaria, on the other hand, germinates within 10 to 12 days and grows more slowly until it develops additional leaves. Once annual ryegrass completes its life cycle in 10 to 12 months, it decomposes, enriching the soil with organic matter.
Monitoring visits were conducted to assess germination rates. Initial evaluations indicated lower-than-expected germination due to high temperatures causing excessive evapotranspiration, leading to rapid soil drying. Post-seeding irrigation was managed by the construction contractors. During evaluations, findings were shared with them to improve irrigation practices. The absence of significant rainfall in the early months further complicated the situation and prompted recommendations for early morning or evening watering to retain soil moisture longer. In some cases, nighttime hydroseeding was carried out using equipment mounted on a railway platform.
Frequent rainfall from mid-June through late September significantly improved germination rates, both in previously seeded areas with lower initial germination and in newly hydroseeded zones. In areas with low germination, agreements were made with clients to reapply hydroseeding to ensure uniform vegetation coverage.
When the rainy season began, the tackifier in the hydroseeding mix was increased to enhance soil adhesion. This approach successfully prevented runoff losses on embankments. In the Tulum section, coconut fiber blankets were installed after hydroseeding (Figure 9), while in the Playa del Carmen section, hydroseeding was applied over pre-installed coconut fiber mats.
In rocky areas and Tai walls, a two-layer application was implemented: • The first layer consisted primarily of organic matter and tackifier. •This was followed by a second layer containing mulch, seeds, fertilizer, tackifier and polymer gel.
Germination and grass growth on embankment slopes, which constitute 95% of the hydroseeded areas, were successful, given the challenging soil conditions. Additionally, the organic matter and fertilizers improved soil quality, which promoted the emergence of native plant species. Figure 10 shows a before-and-after comparison.
Steeper cut slopes with three-dimensional mesh showed lower germination due to their vertical nature and lack of permeable soil structure, which increased evapotranspiration and required more frequent irrigation. On Tai walls, germination and growth were more successful, particularly during the rainy season, although growth declined as rainfall decreased.
Figure 3. Average rainfall registered in 2024 for Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatán states. Graphic credit: Servicio Meteorológico Nacional Mexico, 2024.
Figure 4. Average temperature in 2024 for Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatan states. Source: Servicio Meteorológico Nacional Mexico, 2024.
Throughout 2025, ongoing monitoring of hydroseeded areas will be conducted to analyze vegetation succession dynamics, as native species are expected to gradually replace the planted grasses. This information will be presented in a future article.
Figure 5. Amount of materials used in the hydroseeding mix per acre.
Conclusion The hydroseeding application along the Maya Train corridor stands as a milestone in large-scale revegetation work, for Latin America especially, in geographic scope and technical execution. Carried out across approximately 300 acres (more than 125 hectares) under extremely challenging conditions — poor, rocky soils with little to no topsoil, high temperatures, a specific rainfall window and limited surface water access — this project demanded adaptive strategies and operational innovation. From selecting fast-germinating, non-invasive tropical grasses to coordinating irrigation logistics and adjusting application techniques based on slope type and seasonality, the work combined biological precision with logistical agility. The successful establishment of vegetation in such an environment not only achieved the project’s erosion control goals but also created a replicable framework for similar efforts across the region. As a reference case, it offers valuable insights for future infrastructure projects facing analogous constraints in tropical climates, degraded soils and remote locations throughout Latin America.
Figure 6. Typical fill slope along the railway.Figure 7. Cut slopes in a rocky area.Figure 8. Hydroseeder mounted on a railway platform.Figure 9. Coconut fiber blanket being installed after hydroseeding was applied.
Figure 10. Pre- and post-application comparison.
About the Experts • Moisés A. Cavero is the director for Latin America at Hamilton Manufacturing Inc. (HMI). He has more than 30 years of experience in erosion control and revegetation. He has worked on projects in Ecuador, Bolivia, Mexico, Panama and Peru.
• Miguel Tapia-Mendoza is CEO of Corporativo Mayra in Mexico. He has extensive experience with comprehensive solutions for environmental care, environmental consulting, erosion control, hydroseeding, reforestation, landscaping and nurseries.
• Víctor Lazcano Cornejo is a civil engineer and serves as operations manager of Corporativo Mayra. He has 25 years of experience in industrial gardening, landscaping, irrigation systems and manual and hydroseeding revegetation.
• Juan M. Vázquez Donnadieu is the founder of Preslam Concrete, Dovac and Vadone Construction. He is an architect and businessman. He joined Corporativo Mayra in 2023 as the administration director. He participated in the Maya train project, reforestation projects and the Pachuca-Huasca highway remodeling.
• Carlos F. Garcia is a forestry engineer specializing in environmental management in mining, energy, and oil and gas projects. Garcia has more than 30 years of experience working in bioremediation of disturbed areas. He is a pioneer in hydroseeding in Peru.
