The negative impacts to land and water quality from erosion and sediment impacts are far ranging. These include the loss of oxygen, light, and habitat along with the point source introduction of heavy metals, bacteria, and pesticides which can lead to eutrophication, fish kills, and the deterioration of waterways. Anionic polyacrylamide (A-PAM) technologies have evolved to meet these soil and water challenges and achieve compliance on even the most scrutinized projects. These PAMs are environmentally benign and are well suited for construction site applications. Polymer Enhanced Best Management Practices (PEBMPs) can be used to stabilize soil at the source, preventing off-site sediment discharges into our water, natural areas, and stormwater conveyance systems. The most recent formulations of anionic PAMs can protect against erosion by stabilizing soils, reduce sedimentation through agglomeration, and clarify turbidity in construction stormwater through flocculation.  PAM has been in use since the 1940s in various applications. It is currently used in the treatment of drinking water and wastewater as well as an additive in food, beverages, cosmetics, and more. This presentation will compare various PAM blend applications for soil stabilization, dust control, soil thickening and water clarification. Case history examples will highlight the versatility of these PAM polymers across a wide range of environmental conditions. These examples include applications from the drought stricken western US, subfreezing zones in Canada and northern US, and hurricane ravaged coastal highways along the Gulf of Mexico. PAM polymers are extremely adaptable to meeting ESC and stormwater goals on construction projects in these regions by quickly and efficiently stabilizing soil and clarifying turbidity in stormwater. PAMs aid in vegetation establishment by increasing water infiltration and retention in soils; reduce the concentration of metals, turbidity, and solids in receiving waters; and stabilize soils by binding soil particles together. Anionic PAMs have been extensively tested and multiple formulations have been proven safe with a wide margin of safety, which protects aquatic life from unintended harm. Polymer enhanced BMPs can effectively manage erosion, sediment, and stormwater discharges from construction sites to help achieve regulatory compliance.

Workshop Host: Applied Polymer Systems, Inc.