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To reduce tons of phosphorus and nitrogen headed into Lake Okeechobee in Florida, the El Maximo Ranch Northern Everglades Water Quality Project diverted water for treatment. Part of the project involved constructing 40 earthen weirs to reduce hydraulic stresses from culverts moving the water under unpaved zigzagging roads. Their protection and road stabilization were critical.
The original solution specified an 8-inch concrete blanket, but the project engineer wanted a more sustainable and cost-effective solution.
Part of the new system is engineered with a patented trilobal design that locks seeds and soil in place to promote rapid root development of a living shoreline, a best practice to improve water quality.
Post-inspection after numerous downpours revealed a fully functioning set of weirs, culverts and roadway sections. The water quality benefits were considered a major win in South Florida’s current clean water initiative.
The project was recognized with an Award of Excellence in the Geosynthetics: Water category of the 2024 International Achievement Awards.
Solmax International Inc.; Longueuil, Que., Canada; solmax.com
TEXTILES: PROPEX® Armormax® Engineered Earth Armoring System™ and Mirafi 140N by Solmax International Inc.
