Abstract: A confinement structure comprises one or more open cells (70) for confinement, in use, of particulate fill materials such as soil, sand or aggregate. The cells (70) comprise walls (72) formed of a composite material comprising a polymeric grid layer laminated to a fabric layer. The walls (72) may be formed from a strip of the composite material comprising one or more living hinges. The cells (70) may be provided with skirt portions (74) that extend from at least some of the walls (72).

Abstract: A soil treatment system, including heat treatment apparatus configured to travel in a forward direction along a plot of ground having a soil surface and configured for disturbing the soil surface and treating associated soil with steam as the heat treatment apparatus travels to provide steam treated soil, and a source of steam in flow communication with the heat treatment apparatus for supplying steam to the heat treatment apparatus. The heat treatment apparatus includes a blade configured to contact the soil surface and lift and circulate the soil and return the soil to the ground and a plurality of steam outlets configured to introduce steam to the soil as it is lifted and circulated. The system also includes an insulative sheet material and a cooperating dispenser configured to dispense the sheet material to overlie the treated soil with the sheet material after the passage of the heat treatment apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-erosion system made of geo-synthetic material, preferably of polysteel raw material (polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) mixture) instead of only polypropylene or polyester or nylon, resulting in a compromise between the mechanical properties of polypropylene, the chemical properties of polyethylene, and the good resistance to the environmental agents achieved through the incorporation of molecular chain stabilizers. The fraction of PP should range from 50% to 90% and the fraction of PE from 10% to 50%.

Abstract: Certain pavement systems and methods for paving are suitable for locations containing a generally weak subgrade with a California Bearing Ratio of four (4) or lower. The pavement system includes a first geogrid layer placed directly on the subgrade; a first granular layer upon the first geogrid layer, the first granular layer having a thickness of from 0.5 times to 20 times the aperture distance of the geogrid layer; a first geocell layer upon the first granular layer comprising a geocell and an infill material; and a capping layer over the geocell layer. A second geocell/geogrid layer can be placed beneath the capping layer if desired. An optional surface layer may be applied upon the capping layer if desired. The resulting pavement system provides long-term support for pavements applied over the pavement system.

Abstract: A method for mechanically stabilizing deep sea sediments, marine raw material deposits and/or submarine slope and/or to a control/conditioning method for the hydraulic properties of deep sea sediments. A gas hydrate-forming substance is injected into marine or submarine sediments, and gas hydrate sediment composites are formed.

Abstract: A fence (1) and a method of installing a fence (1) in which the fence (1) has front panels (2), bottom panels (3) and side panels (4), in which the method comprises the burying of the bottom panels (3) such that the bottom panels (3) are located underground and such that part of the front panels (2) and side panels (4) are located underground. The front panels (2) of the installed fence (1) further extend in the same plane and the side panels (4) work as wind bracing.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing migration of buoyant contaminants from subaqueous contaminated sediment while providing for venting of gas that migrates from the contaminated sediment are described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a system for strengthening a sloped structure such as a berm, basin, levee, or embankment. The comprises first and second opposing sides, the second side being adjacent the sloped structure; a bottom side adjoining bottom edges of the first and second sides, thereby forming a cavity within the first, second, and bottom sides; fill material disposed within the cavity; an impermeable membrane encapsulating at least a portion of the fill material; and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed within the fill material.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting against environmental contamination at a drilling site is disclosed. The apparatus is used to form a perimeter around the drilling site, the interior of which is covered by a geomembrane. The portion of the geomembrane found along the perimeter is placed in the groove of the apparatus's base. A key block is then fit into the grove, thereby holding the geomembrane in place by the tension created between the base and the key block. At those perimeter locations that will be traversed by vehicles and equipment, two ramp pieces replace the key block in holding the geomembrane tight against the base.

Abstract: A composition capable of increased impermeability against the passage of ionic liquids therethrough can include a clay mixed with an anionic and cationic polymer. Such compositions can be provided in geosynthetic liners to provide a hydraulic barrier in aggressive leachate environments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a barrier layer including graphene-based planar sheets disposed on a substrate. Exemplary uses include environmental barriers.

Abstract: A system for strengthening a sloped structure comprises first and second opposing sides, a bottom side, fill material, a plurality of facing baskets adjacent the first side, a plurality of reinforcing members disposed within the fill material, and an impermeable membrane. The second side is adapted to be adjacent the sloped structure. The bottom side adjoins bottom edges of the first and second sides, thereby forming a cavity within the first, second, and bottom sides. The fill material is disposed within the cavity. The impermeable membrane encapsulates at least a portion of the fill material and one or more of the reinforcing members. The facing baskets and the reinforcing members are positioned in a plurality of layers, with each layer comprising one facing basket and one corresponding reinforcing member. The impermeable membrane is positioned to span two or more layers of the plurality of layers.

Abstract: A system for reinforcing and facing a wall comprises a plurality of facing baskets and corresponding substantially horizontal reinforcing members, arranged in a plurality of layers. An impermeable membrane is positioned to uninterruptedly span two or more layers. At each of one or more layers, a portion of the impermeable membrane is positioned around the outer end of the corresponding reinforcing member.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention include a method for the treatment of drilling wastes and coal combustion residues, comprising combining at least a first drilling waste with coal combustion residues to form a paste, combining at least a second drilling waste with coal combustion residues to form a compactable fill, and placing the paste and the compactable fill in a landfill. Other embodiments include a method of treating drilling wastes and coal combustion residues, comprising combining at least one drilling waste with a coal combustion residue to form a paste. Further embodiments include containing the paste within at least one geotextile container. Still further embodiments include placing the geotextile container in a landfill.

Abstract: A ground cover for use as a containment barrier including a geomembrane sheet and a geotextile sheet bonded together by an adhesive layer positioned therebetween. The adhesive layer does not fully cure, remains tacky and has an adhesive strength sufficient to maintain a bond between the geomembrane sheet and the geotextile sheet under normal foot traffic and a release point allowing separation of the geomembrane sheet and the geotextile sheet under shear forces generated by heavier traffic.

Abstract: A containment chamber is constructed by excavating a pit at the site of oil-contaminated sand and lining the pit with an impermeable, heat-resistant, flexible plastic liner. An array of spaced apart heating assemblies is positioned to cover the bottom of the chamber. Each heating assembly may include an elongate linear electric resistance heater positioned within a tubular slotted sand screen. The containment chamber is filled with a charge of contaminated sand. Solvent, such as diesel fuel, is pumped into the elongate passageways defined between the heaters and screens. The heaters are actuated to vaporize the solvent, which moves through the screen slots and convectively permeates the charge. The vapor transfers heat to the oily sand and condenses. Condensed solvent and heated oil drain and are recovered from the chamber.

Abstract: A geocomposite with a geonet and a geotextile. The geotextile has a nonwoven fabric layer and a woven fabric layer, with the nonwoven fabric connected by needle-punching to the woven fabric whereby fibers of the nonwoven fabric extend through and beyond the woven fabric, and the woven fabric and fibers of the nonwoven fabric extending through the woven fabric are bonded to one side of the geonet.

Abstract: A distribution assembly and associated system for assembling, shipping, and installing a modular, scalable primary or secondary spill containing lining system is provided. The system includes a method of assembling, shipping and installing a modular, scalable containment lining system for an industrial site including the steps of coupling together a plurality of panels to form a reel of panels, which may include side wall panels and corner panels, rolling the reel of panels about at least one core to form a wound reel of panels, placing at least one wound reel of panels upon a transportation vehicle, transporting the at least one wound reel of panels to an installation site, unloading the at least one wound reel of panels from the transportation vehicle, positioning the at least one wound reel of panels at a desired location at the installation site, and unrolling the at least one wound reel of panels at the desired location at the installation site.

Abstract: Apparatus for covering a large land area with a long length, wide width heavy flexible sheeting comprising: a main framework adapted for mounting onto the end of a crowd of an excavator; a swivel assembly rotatably secured to the main framework; an elongated support member secured to the swivel assembly; a bearing assembly pivotably fixed to one end of the support member; a bushing assembly pivotably mounted to the other end of the support member; an arbor assembly including an elongated mandrel for receiving and supporting a roll of sheeting with one end of the mandrel journalled at one of its ends in the bushing assembly and the opposite end removably arranged in the bearing assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having a surface and an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess. The berm comprises a reinforced portion having opposing inner and outer surfaces and comprising fill material and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein, backfill material having an inner surface adjacent the inner surface of the reinforced portion, and an impermeable membrane encapsulating at least a portion of the backfill material, at least a portion of the fill material, and at least a portion of one or more of the reinforcing members.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting against environmental contamination at a drilling site is disclosed. The apparatus is used to form a perimeter around the drilling site, the interior of which is covered by a geomembrane. The portion of the geomembrane found along the perimeter is placed in the groove of the apparatus's base. A key block is then fit into the grove, thereby holding the geomembrane in place by the tension created between the base and the key block. At those perimeter locations that will be traversed by vehicles and equipment, two ramp pieces replace the key block in holding the geomembrane tight against the base.

Abstract: A berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill comprises a reinforced portion and backfill material. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having a surface and an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess having a collective top surface. The reinforced portion has opposing inner and outer surfaces and comprises structural fill material and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein. The backfill material has an inner surface adjacent the inner surface of the reinforced portion. The backfill material comprises contaminated fill material and is at least partially encapsulated by an impermeable membrane. At least a portion of the berm sits on at least a portion of the edge surface of the landfill. Portions of the berm are substantially parallel to corresponding portions of the outer perimeter.

Abstract: Apparatus for covering a large land area with a long length, wide width heavy flexible sheeting comprising: a main framework adapted for mounting onto the end of a crowd of an excavator; a swivel assembly rotatably secured to the main framework; an elongated support member secured to the swivel assembly; a bearing assembly pivotably fixed to one end of the support member; a bushing assembly pivotably mounted to the other end of the support member; an arbor assembly including an elongated mandrel for receiving and supporting a roll of sheeting with one end of the mandrel journalled at one of its ends in the bushing assembly and the opposite end removably arranged in the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A containment system includes a geomembrane liner positioned over a ground surface. An anchor member is provided beneath the geomembrane liner and includes a fastening plate adapted to be secured to the geomembrane liner. The geomembrane liner is positioned over the ground surface and anchor member and is secured to the fastening plate. Dirt or other covering material may then be provided in the hole and over the geomembrane, or the geomembrane may be left exposed.

Abstract: A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure. A gas collection system is located under the cover system for the collection of gas produced by the waste sites.

Abstract: An erosion barrier wastewater treatment system and in particular a liner for a wastewater treatment lagoon that provides for trapped gas below the barrier to be released through vents within the barrier and in particular to a liner for a wastewater treatment lagoon that may have portions replaced without operation of the wastewater lagoon facility being interrupted.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of secondary containment panels and assembling and installing the panels in a secondary containment system of an above-ground liquid storage tank or other retention facility includes forming a plurality of flexible substrate pieces. A liquid impermeable coating is applied to the upper surface of each piece such that an edge segment of the piece remains uncoated. The coating is applied to the substrate piece in an indoor enclosure. The coated pieces are delivered to the site of the tank and extended across the ground adjacent to the tank. At least a pair of the pieces are juxtaposed relative to one another such that a first one of the pieces overlaps the uncoated segment of the second piece to form a seam. An adhesive substance is then applied to the seam to fasten the first and second pieces together.

Abstract: A berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill comprises fill material and a covering portion. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess. The fill material has a base, an inner sloped surface adjacent a future accumulation of waste, and an outer sloped surface opposite the inner sloped surface. The fill material comprises contaminated fill material fully encapsulated by an impermeable membrane. The covering portion comprises structural fill material and at least partially covers the fill material. At least a portion of the berm sits on at least a portion of the edge surface of the landfill, and portions of the berm are substantially parallel to corresponding portions of the outer perimeter.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing an existing spill containment manhole operably associated with an underground fuel storage tank. The apparatus includes a containment vessel for containing fuel spilled during filling of the underground fuel storage tank. A major portion of the containment vessel is adapted to be inserted into an existing spill containment manhole. The containment vessel includes at least one wall that surrounds an existing pipe section operably associated with the underground fuel storage tank when the containment vessel is installed. The at least one wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. Preferably, the containment vessel includes an upper annular flange that extends over and surrounds a portion of an existing cover rim of an existing spill containment manhole thereby isolating an upper portion of the containment vessel from an upper portion on the existing spill containment manhole when the containment vessel is installed.

Abstract: A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure.

Abstract: A berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill comprises a reinforced portion and backfill material. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having a surface and an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess having a collective top surface. The reinforced portion has opposing inner and outer surfaces and comprises structural fill material and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein. The backfill material has an inner surface adjacent the inner surface of the reinforced portion. The backfill material comprises contaminated fill material and is at least partially encapsulated by an impermeable membrane. At least a portion of the berm sits on at least a portion of the edge surface of the landfill. Portions of the berm are substantially parallel to corresponding portions of the outer perimeter.

Abstract: A system for reinforcing and facing a wall comprises a plurality of facing baskets and corresponding substantially horizontal reinforcing members, arranged in a plurality of layers. An impermeable membrane is positioned to uninterruptedly span two or more layers. At each of one or more layers, different portions of the impermeable membrane are positioned (a) between the substantially horizontal portion of the facing basket and the bottom surface of the corresponding reinforcing member, (b) around the outer end of the corresponding reinforcing member, (c) along the top surface of the substantially horizontal portion of the facing basket, and (d) angled upward toward an adjacent layer.

Abstract: The method of the present invention results in a secondary containment area for above ground storage tanks. The method involves leveling the site, laying a foundation bed, building a retaining barrier around the site, covering the foundation bed and retaining barrier with a liner cloth, and applying a layer of polyurea to the liner cloth and retaining barrier.

Abstract: A sewer comprising a barrier disposed to prevent or reduce the flow of air in the headspace, oppose the escape of gases and/or liquid droplets from within the liquid into the headspace of the sewer, and also oppose the drawing in and entrainment of headspace air and gases into the liquid contained within the sewer. The sewer comprises a conduit and a barrier fixed within the interior of the sewer, which extends longitudinally along the sewer conduit so as to separate the sewer conduit into a liquid conductive channel disposed below the barrier and a gas conductive channel disposed above the barrier. The barrier may move up and down within the sewer responsively with varying water flow within the sewer. The barrier may comprise an elastomeric sheet. The barrier may be tubular at areas of steep plunge.

Abstract: A liner assembly (322) for a sand trap (10) includes a retainer layer (329) that is positioned between a base (18) of the sand trap (10) and a filling material (16) within a cavity (13) of the sand trap (10). The retainer layer (329) is covered by the filling material (16) so that the retainer layer (329) is substantially unexposed. The retainer layer (329) includes a plurality of spaced apart projections (330) that can be formed from plastic, such as synthetic turf material. In certain embodiments, the filling material (16) fills the spaces between the projections (330). The retainer layer (329) can be substantially water impermeable and can cover at least approximately a majority of the surface area of the cavity (13). The retainer layer (329) can be positioned within the cavity at an angle (328) that is at least 10 degrees relative to the horizontal (300).

Abstract: A method of repairing a leaking spill container by lining the existing unit. Additionally the liner can be used to convert a single walled spill container into a double walled spill container.

Abstract: A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure.

Abstract: Reactive gabion/geocomposite articles, and their methods of manufacture, for controlling contaminants in soil, sediment or water that allow the passage of essentially non-contaminated water therethrough. The articles and methods described herein utilize gabions, which are box shaped cages or grids (see FIG. 2) made of either steel wire mesh or plastic. In one embodiment, the reactive geotextile mats are lined on the top major surface with a gabion cage or grid. In other embodiments, the cages or grids surround a geocomposite containing reactive material. The gabion/geocomposite articles can be constructed in-situ (at the site of deployment) or remotely (on land or barge) and set in place. They are typically placed side-by-side and, in a preferred embodiment, are configured to cover a target sediment area, underwater. The gabion/geocomposite articles may be filled with clean sediment, silt, sand and/or concrete block or rock to hold the reactive geocomposite in place and for armoring.

Abstract: The method of the present invention results in a secondary containment area for above ground storage tanks. The method involves leveling the site, laying a foundation bed, building a retaining barrier around the site, covering the foundation bed and retaining barrier with a liner cloth, and applying a layer of polyurea to the liner cloth and retaining barrier.

Abstract: Polyolefin mouldings that have excellent stability on permanent contact with chlorinated water comprise, as stabilizer, at least a compound selected from the group consisting of i) an epoxidized fatty acid having 3 to 22 carbon atoms or an aklyl ester thereof having 1 to 18 carbon atoms; and/or ii) an organotin compound; and/or iii) a compound containing at least one radical of the formula A or B.

Abstract: A heavy roll dispenser is designed to attach to a tractor via a three-point hitch. The base of the dispenser rides above the earth and supports a chassis, which can move left and right via a hydraulic actuator. The chassis has a pair of powered cradle rollers to receive a heavy roll and dispense the heavy roll with the powered cradle rollers. A guide roller is mounted on the chassis behind the cradle rollers. A pair of powered adjustable width pincer arms stabilizes the heavy roll atop the cradle rollers.

Abstract: The invention pertains to means and methods for enabling the further use of previously negative assets, and particularly from those facilities formed from gypsum waste, such as that suitable for forming gypsum stacks. Waste containment or landfill facilities are formed from the conversion of gypsum refuse waste materials derived from gypsum mining and processing, and particularly from such facilities as they are formed in place from such gypsum-based refuse. Such facilities can be utilized, rented or leased as waste containment facilities for the short-term, long-term or permanent storage of non-gypsum waste materials such as solid waste, community refuse materials, biomass, industrial waste, phosphate waste, and for composting or otherwise processing materials such as biomass.

Abstract: The invention pertains to business methods for enabling the creation of positive revenue streams from previously negative assets, and particularly from those facilities formed from gypsum waste, such as gypsum stacks. Waste containment or landfill facilities are formed from the conversion of gypsum refuse waste materials derived from gypsum mining and processing, such as from existing gypsum stacks, or from facilities formed in place from gypsum-based refuse. Such facilities are utilized, rented or leased as waste containment facilities for the short-term, long-term or permanent storage of non-gypsum waste materials such as solid waste, community refuse materials, biomass, industrial waste, phosphate waste, and for composting or otherwise processing materials such as biomass.

Abstract: A heavy roll dispenser is designed to attach to a tractor via a three-point hitch. The base of the dispenser rides above the earth and supports a chassis, which can move left and right via a hydraulic actuator. The chassis has a pair of powered cradle rollers to receive a heavy roll and dispense the heavy roll with the powered cradle rollers. A guide roller is mounted on the chassis behind the cradle rollers. A pair of powered adjustable width pincer arms stabilizes the heavy roll atop the cradle rollers.

Abstract: A heavy roll dispenser is designed to attach to a tractor via a three-point hitch. The base of the dispenser rides above the earth and supports a chassis, which can move left and right via a hydraulic actuator. The chassis has a pair of powered cradle rollers to receive a heavy roll and dispense the heavy roll with the powered cradle rollers. A guide roller is mounted on the chassis behind the cradle rollers. A pair of powered adjustable width pincer arms stabilizes the heavy roll atop the cradle rollers.

Abstract: A combined waterproofing sheet and protection course membrane has a water resistant film and a protective layer. The protective layer protects the film from being punctured and otherwise compromised. An adhesive layer, with a free adhesive side for adhesion to a foundation, is adhered to the film, so that the membrane can be applied to a subterranean foundation in a single step. While the foundation is being back filled, the protective layer keeps the water resistant film intact thereby maintaining the water resistant capabilities of the membrane.

Abstract: A temporary berm or bin system, easily transported, erected without tools, and easily dismantled. A set of panels or planks is joined with sliding clips to form a bin having vertical or near vertical sides. The bin is lined with an impervious sheet of geocloth to form a containment berm for use in controlling the dispersal of hazardous material spilled from storage or work facilities. Spring loaded clamps hold the geocloth securely to the uppermost plank without nailing, sewing, or other labor consuming and/or tear prone methods. The berm is particularly suited to protect oil well drilling sites in environmentally sensitive environments such as arctic tundra. No excavation or other disturbance of the soil is required to erect the protective berm. The berm is secured to the ground by spiking through triangular support gussets. In the arctic, securing may be accomplished by freezing ice or mud as an “ice mortar” over the gusset feet and along the lower edge of the planking.

Abstract: An EKG structure comprising geosynthetic material associated with at least one conducting element wherein the structure comprises at least one core element substantially enclosed by at least one sheath, one or both comprising the geosynthetic material; the use thereof as an electrode, a method for treating substrate with the EKG structure, the treated substance obtained thereby

Abstract: The present invention is method and resulting assembly for applying a flexible liner to the outer surface of a pre-cast concrete walled container to be buried in an earthen excavation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is used for covering the exposed workface of a landfill with a film. The apparatus includes a compactor rotatably mounted on a frame which is hitched to a tractor. A film, spray and ballast deployer is mounted on the end of the frame for spraying the landfill, deploying the film onto the landfill, and deploying the ballast onto the film. The compactor includes a roller which compacts the waste prior to spraying the landfill and deploying the film and serves as a wheel for the frame. Hydraulics are provided to raise and lower the deployer. In operation, the assembly is pulled by the tractor causing the compactor to compact the waste just prior to the deployer laying the film on the workface and the ballast being deposited onto the film. Additionally, the apparatus is capable of casing the overlapping layers of laid film to adhere to the ballast in between thereby forming a seal between the adjoining layers.