Abstract: A method for repairing in-ground tunnel structure involves applying a first curable resin over a cementitious liner which lines the interior wall surfaces of the tunnel, drilling drainage holes in the cementitious liner, and filling the drainage holes with a second curable resin. The resins are allowed to cure and harden. The cured resins seal the wall surfaces and drainage holes to provide a composite tunnel structure having high mechanical strength and resistance to fluid leaks.

Abstract: An improvement in an installation having a continuous water-impervious liner forming a barrier against the entry of water vapor and insects such as termites from the sub-soil into a crawlspace. According to the present invention, the water-impervious liner is provided with one or more access openings to the sub-soil, each covered with a flap, patch or cover which is openable to provide access to the sub-soil, and which is resealable to restore the water-barrier and/or water vapor-barrier properties of the liner in simple fashion as often as necessary.

Abstract: A method for sealing rock or soil comprising inserting a sealing composition obtained by mixing a silica sol and at least one gelling agent, wherein the silica sol has an S-value higher than about 72%, a method for preparing the sealing composition and the composition obtained from the method.

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 present invention relates to a method for sealing rock or soil comprising inserting a sealing composition obtained by mixing a silica sol and at least one gelling agent, wherein the silica sol has an S-value higher than about 72%, a method for preparing the sealing composition and the composition obtained from the method.

Abstract: An underground reservoir for storing water in alluvial deposits utilizes slurry walls keyed to an aquiclude beneath the reservoir to form a substantially impermeable water seal. A variety of water extraction/recharge apparatus provides for rapid and complete filling and draining of the underground reservoir. Such apparatus includes a plurality of wells distributed about the underground reservoir and a series of perforated pipes buried at a predetermined depth within the underground reservoir. A method of mitigating water table fluctuations resulting from the construction of an underground utilizes perforated pipes buried outside of the reservoir to transfer excess water from an uphill land parcel to a downhill land parcel that would otherwise experience a water shortage after construction of the underground reservoir.

Abstract: A submersible canal bypass is used to bypass the flow around a distinct section of an earthen canal for lining. The canal bypass is placed within the canal and uses a plurality of pipelines and a plurality of bulkheads assembled from portable modular sections. The headgates on the portable modular sections are so arranged along the bulkhead to divert the flow of water through bypass pipelines so as to isolate a section of the canal during lining activities and return the flow of water to the lined canal after lining.

Abstract: A polyurethane-forming reaction mixture characterized by its ability to be adjusted with respect to its viscosity in response to changing temperature and humidity conditions is achieved with a mixture that includes a liquid polyisocyanate having an isocyanate group content of at least 10% by weight, an isocyanate-reactive component which includes at least one high molecular weight polyol, a urethane catalyst and from 0.2 to 5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of isocyanate reactive component of a viscosity adjusting component. The viscosity adjusting component is preferably a diamine, a polyamine and/or an amine-terminated polyol. This reaction mixture is particularly useful for producing polyurethane geotextile composite materials useful as liners for ditches and canals.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for constructing an underground curved and narrow multisectional structure, stratum and wall horizontally and vertically extending in a multihole excavation, trench and gallery being formed in the ground that utilizing a movable chassis, a framework arranged thereon and including upper frame, a slip tiltable and a pulling and pushing means that can be coupled between the frame and forming means. A set of elongate forming means is provided downward and upward separately movable relative to the framework. These forming means have a supporting motive means, a means for making alternately holes ahead of the motive means, along the length of a transversal cross-section of the excavation and adjacent closely together in a horizontal advancing direction and serve to alternately form, empty and fill up the holes with materials and to advance the chassis by the pulling means.

Abstract: A method for recombining and then solidifying groups of soil particles by utilizing changes in the status and properties of soil particles which comprises a combination (in an adhering state) between soil particles and groups polymers (humin) in an aqueous solution (solvent). By using specified solvents, the preliminary treatment of separating soil particles and polymers is initiated. Secondarily, each structure of groups of soil particles is observed microscopically as a metal complex, and the combining method is accomplished by utilizing substitution based on various reactions (i.e. SN, SE, and SEAr type reactions) along with electron transfer in a solvent made of specified solutes. The substitution includes the rock forming function through the substitution of the hydrogen atom within the hydroxyl group of clay minerals as molecular components and the dehydration and dissociation function resulted from the binding structure of oxygen molecule O−2 and Al+3 as components of aluminum oxide.

Abstract: Seams are sealed and surface defects are repaired in a polyurethane/geotextile composite applied over concrete, an earthen canal or a ditch with a non-sagging polyurethane composition. This non-sagging polyurethane composition is a reaction product of a polyisocyanate, a high molecular weight polyhydroxyl compound, and a compound containing at least two amino groups. A low molecular weight diol or triol, a catalyst and a filler are optionally included in the polyurethane-forming reaction mixture.

Abstract: An improvement in an installation having a continuous water-impervious liner forming a barrier against the entry of water vapor and insects such as termites from the sub-soil into a crawlspace. According to the present invention, the water-impervious liner is provided with one or more access openings to the sub-soil, each covered with a flap, patch or cover which is openable to provide access to the sub-soil, and which is resealable to restore the water-barrier and/or water vapor-barrier properties of the liner in simple fashion as often as necessary.

Abstract: An irrigation canal includes a plastic liner mechanically connected to the canal by fasteners extending through tabs located between the liner and the canal so the fasteners do not extend through the membrane providing leak protection. Adjacent the side walls of the canal, the tabs have a free end above the fixed end so that the tab is easily accessible during installation. The plastic is reinforced with a fiber mesh and has a tear strength above 100 pounds force. In the case of a concrete lined canal, a pilot hole is drilled in the concrete and a fastener is driven through the tab into the pilot hole. In the case of an earthen canal, anchors are embedded in the earth along the length of the canal and longitudinally extending members are connected between the anchors. The plastic liner is mechanically connected to the longitudinally extending members.

Abstract: A ditch liner system is provided. The ditch liner system includes a plurality of removably engageable corrugated ditch liners. Each of the removably engageable corrugated ditch liners is monolithically formed with a compressibly connectable member at one end, and a coupling channel at the other end. The compressibly connectable member, and the coupling channel, are reciprocally and compressibly connectable. A duct is formed in the compressibly connectable member for insertion of a sealant. A groove is formed in the coupling channel for inserting one or more connectors. An adapter is provided for directing water from the ditch.

Abstract: A foundation protector for a foundation wall prevents moisture being retained in the foundation wall and also provides drainage for surface water so that water does not rest against the surface of the foundation wall. The foundation protector has a smooth exterior surface so that it remains attached to the foundation if earth subsidence occurs. The foundation protector includes a waterproof dimpled sheet with spaced-apart protrusions and an outer waterproof membrane which covers recesses formed by the protrusions and provides a substantially smooth exterior surface.

Abstract: A submersible canal bypass is used to bypass the flow around a distinct section of an earthen canal for lining. The canal bypass is placed within the canal and uses a plurality of pipelines and a plurality of bulkheads assembled from portable modular sections. The headgates on the portable modular sections are so arranged along the bulkhead to divert the flow of water through bypass pipelines so as to isolate a section of the canal during lining activities and return the flow of water to the lined canal after lining.

Abstract: An improved polyurethane/geotextile composite is prepared from a polyurethane forming composition in which a liquefied monomeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) is used as the isocyanate component. Such composites may be used to line canals and/or ditches by applying the geotextile soaked with polyurethane forming composition to the surface to be lined before the polyurethane-forming reaction has been completed and allowing the polyurethane to cure in place. These composites are characterized by improved physical and mechanical properties and the ability to withstand dramatic changes in the temperature of the environment in which they are employed.

Abstract: An enhanced composite liner system to be employed under waste management units and comprised of an upper flexible membrane liner component (2), an intermediate bentonite layer component (3), and a lower compacted soil liner component (1). The bentonite layer component (3) is bonded to the flexible membrane liner component (2). The flexible membrane liner component (2) utilizes overlapping seams (4) sealed by the bentonite layer component (3) to join the sheets or panels of the flexible membrane liner. The overlapping seams (4) are arranged shingle fashion in the downslope direction of the liner surface. The use of the bentonite layer component enhances direct and uniform contact between the flexible membrane liner component (2) and the underlying compacted soil liner component (1).

Abstract: A dam includes a body (11) made of loose material, for example earth and/or rocks (A), and a water barrier (12) axially extending to the dam body (11), including a waterproofing layered membrane (13) and a zone of waterpermeable loose material (B), on at least one side of the membrane (13), which can be injected with a sealing fluid and is designed to avoid puncturing of the membrane (13) and to allow the monitoring of the leakage water due to failures in the waterproofing membrane (13). The water barrier (12) can be provided inside the dam body or close to the upstream face.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sealing rock or soil comprising inserting a sealing composition obtained by mixing a silica sol and at least one gelling agent, wherein the silica sol has an S-value higher than about 72%, a method for preparing the sealing composition and the composition obtained from the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foundation comprising one or more layers or mattresses of tyres such as 12 and 14, and a fill material provided within and/or between tyres of each of the mattresses 12 and 14. The fill material 16 is preferably a relatively coarse aggregate and provides a porous bed having relatively high drainage capacity. The lowermost mattress 14 is typically wrapped in a porous sheet such as a geofabric cloth which is designed to allow the passage of water across the lowermost mattress 14 whilst preventing the ingress of relatively finer material into the fill and which can otherwise lead to degeneration of the foundation. At least some of the tyres typically also have an upper sidewall removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method for introducing a moisture-impermeable layer into the ground, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is placed into the ground in a trench, which trench is supported by one or more casing members and filled with a clay-containing mixture of dry solids, which mixture can form a moisture-resistant gel, comprising powdery or pulverized smectite and/or smectite-containing natural rock and a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: A system for encapsulating a crawlspace against the entry of sub-soil water vapor and also against the entry of external ground water from the crawlspace walls and for completely isolating the building from water vapor from the earth. The present system comprises applying over the floor of the crawlspace, generally a dirt floor but sometimes a poured concrete floor, a continuous durable sealed plastic film barrier layer or laminate, and extending the barrier film vertically-upwardly to cover and seal the interior peripheral walls enclosing the crawlspace to an elevation at least slightly greater than the elevation of the ground in contact with the exterior surfaces of the peripheral walls and preferably to the tops of the peripheral walls. This encapsulates the dirt surface of the entire crawlspace against the penetration of external ground water or floor water and also sub-soil water and water vapor onto the surface of the plastic barrier film and into the crawlspace atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering landfill includes a deployer suspended below the bucket of a loader. A roll of film is disposed on the deployer and uncoiled to deploy a film covering on the landfill surface as the loader driven across the surface. Periodically, the bucket, containing a ballast material, is manipulated, allowing ballast material to be disposed on the film to hold the deployed film in place. In a preferred embodiment, the deployer includes a mandrel mounted between two flanges for supporting a roll of film. The deployer is preferably attached to the bucket by chains or wire rope in such a manner so as to allow full operation of bucket while the deployer is attached. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sprayer to apply a fluid.

Abstract: A submersible canal bypass is used to successively bypass the flow around distinct sections of an earthen canal for lining. The canal bypass is placed within the canal and uses a plurality of pipelines and a plurality of bulkheads assembled from portable modular sections. The headgates on the portable modular sections are so arranged along the bulkhead to divert the flow of water through bypass pipelines so as to isolate a section of the canal during lining activities and return the flow of water to the lined canal after lining.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition and method for forming an inexpensive, semi-permanent cured foamed cementitious cover layer over deicing salt which is stored outdoors in large bulk mounds or piles and a salt pile or mound covered with such a layer.

Abstract: A geosynthetic liner may be formed of sheets of substantially liquid impermeable synthetic material such as high density polyethylene. The adjacent edges of adjacent sheets may be lapped over one another to form a lapped joint. The lapped joint may be covered by a relatively narrow seam cover which seals the region between the two sheets. The cover may be formed of a geomembrane layer over a clay layer. The clay layer may be formed of particles of bentonite which are adhesively secured to the geomembrane layer. Thus, the geomembrane liner seam may be sealed by simply unrolling the cover over the lapped joint and covering the sheets and the cover with a layer of overburden.

Abstract: A method for applying liquid plastic polymers to soil surfaces in order to form a continuous membrane film for soil mulch. The plastic mulch is useful for enhancing crop production, disinfestation of soil by solarization and prevention of soil erosion. Additionally, the invention includes procedures for applying and spraying the liquid plastic polymers to form an effective and economic film.

Abstract: The disposal of rubbish (trash, garbage), and other waste materials, is nowadays effected in a properly-designed tip (dump) so constructed and lined that none of its contents can in any way affect the ambient conditions. The required impervious lining layer comes in rolls, each of which is a long, heavy, sheet of material. The dispenser apparatus can be “rigidly” attached to a tractor's (conventional) three-point mounting. A long beam 34, or framework of beams, having roughly centrally thereof a three-point mounting 39 by which it can be attached behind a tractor 32 clear of the ground, the beam 34 having normally-disposed end plates 35 between which there is borne a support rod 26 carrying a roll 27 of liner material. Preferably the beam 34 is associated with positioning control device 62,63 that can be used to adjust the lateral angle of the lower three-point mounting linkages 61, and so move the roll 27 to either side to modify where the liner is laid.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for monitoring and control of underground contamination, which involve the application of ferrofluids. Two broad uses of ferrofluids are described: (1) to control liquid movement by the application of strong external magnetic fields; and (2) to image liquids by standard geophysical methods.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming an interconnected underground structure which avoids settling of adjacent soil structure. A plurality of underground support columns is initially formed, with the support columns being spaced apart in a predetermined pattern. Interconnecting holes are thereafter formed between the underground support columns, wherein the interconnecting holes are formed by mechanically cutting the soil and simultaneously hydraulically mixing the mechanically cut soil with slurry injected at velocities of 200 feet per second or higher while maintaining a positive hydrostatic head in the hole relative to adjacent soil. As the interconnecting holes are being formed, the diameter of each interconnecting hole is extended by positioning a second high velocity slurry nozzle near the outer diameter of the interconnecting hole which injects high velocity into the adjacent soil to hydraulically cut the adjacent soil and mix it with the slurry.

Abstract: A spill containment system for storage tanks, flow devices, and the like, and a containment system for spilled light non-aqueous phase liquid are provided. The spill containment system comprises a liner for receiving and containing liquid that spills, as well as a withdrawal tube that sealingly extends into the liner at a high point thereof. The containment system comprises a trench, filled for example with low capillarity medium, for at least partially surrounding an area where light non-aqueous phase liquid is stored or may migrate to. A liner is disposed over the top of the trench and along at least a portion of one side thereof. At least one withdrawal tube sealingly extends through the liner at a high point thereof and into the trench.

Abstract: A tough, high-strength geomembrane made from a custom blend of polyethylene copolymers, for protecting waterproofing courses from impact and pressure damage of debris resting against the waterproof course. A slip sheet configuration reduces surfaces stress due to earth movement and subsurface cracking thereby maintaining the protective course intact without any effect on the waterproofing layers. The geomembrane is available as lightweight rolls which can be easily be handled by one man. The film is installed horizontally in continuous sheets with few adhesive joints. Installation begins by applying a thick brush coat of the selected waterproofing membrane material (usually a rubber coat but may be any waterpoofing material). The film is unrolled along the wall, held up into position and secured using plastic self-sealing plugs and/or plastic termination bars. Concrete nails are used to attach the self-sealing plugs or termination bar to the wall.

Abstract: A method for applying liquid plastic polymers to soil surfaces in order to form a continuous membrane film for soil mulch. The plastic mulch is useful for enhancing crop production, disinfestation of soil by solarization and prevention of soil erosion. Additionally, the invention includes procedures for applying and spraying the liquid plastic polymers to form an effective and economic film.

Abstract: A geosynthetic liner may be formed of sheets of substantially liquid impermeable synthetic material such as high density polyethylene. The adjacent edges of adjacent sheets may be lapped over one another to form a lapped joint. The lapped joint may be covered by a relatively narrow seam cover which seals the region between the two sheets. The cover may be formed of a geomembrane layer over a clay layer. The clay layer may be formed of particles of bentonite which are adhesively secured to the geomembrane layer. Thus, the geomembrane liner seam may be sealed by simply unrolling the cover over the lapped joint and covering the sheets and the cover with a layer of overburden.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming a continuous structure includes the steps of preselecting a liquid reactive resin forming material, a particulate solid additive material and a porous blanket, mixing and encapsulating the additive particles with the liquid resin forming material while tumbling the materials along a cylindrical mixing chamber. The leading edge of the structure is grasped with a gripping device along its entire length and advanced over a horizontal supporting surface. Once a desired length has been formed a cutting device cuts the structure and the cut portion is placed into a final configuration while flexible and adhesive.

Abstract: An impoundment leak detection, location, and containment system includes a leak detection and location structure positioned below the impoundment with a system of conduit spanning substantially all of the extent under the impoundment. A mobile sensor system can be maneuvered through the conduit and into the leak detection and location structure to identify and locate leaks in the impoundment above. The system also includes a hydrocarbon sealing compound which has a sealing effect when exposed to fluids containing water and/or hydrocarbon liquids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilized fluid barrier member and to methods of forming the same. The fluid barrier comprises a first outer sheet member having a top surface and a bottom surface, with a stabilizer element overlying at least part of the first sheet member top surface and abutting the top surface along at least a portion thereof. The stabilizer element contains a plurality of interstitial apertures adapted to contain a quantity of a selectively fluid-impervient barrier material and for substantially preventing displacement of the barrier material from the apertures, notwithstanding the angular inclination at which the fluid barrier member is oriented during manufacture, transport, installation and/or use. The barrier material is chosen for its ability to prevent passage of one or more particular fluids, in liquid or gas form, depending upon the application for which the barrier member is intended.

Abstract: A method of lining a side face (11) of a landfill site comprising the steps of erecting a framework (10) including laterally spaced substantially vertically extending members (12) adjacent the surface of the side face (11), covering the framework (10) with a wire mesh (15), filling the space between the mesh (15) and the side face (11) with pieces of substantially inert material (16), laying an impermeable liner (17) over the wire mesh (15) and constructing a retaining wall (20) over the liner (9), wherein the vertically extending members (12) are tubular and have spaced apertures thereto along their lengths.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for securing waste landfills so as to prevent seepage of fluids into natural formations. A coating composition containing rubber crumb is sprayed onto polymeric liners enclosing the waste so as to encapsulate the ends or seams.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparation of chemically-stabilized emulsions of tall oil in water. Temperature and pH are controlled during preparation of the emulsions so as to prevent saponification and neutralization of acids in the tall oil component. The final emulsions have pHs in the range of from about 3.0 to 5.0 and remain phase stable for extended periods of time. Methods are disclosed for using the emulsions for soil treatment to improve soil stabilization and load bearing capacity for roadbed use, for treatment of reclaimed asphalt pavement for reuse as a stabilized base course for roadway construction and for remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil.

Abstract: A system for use in preventing a flow of gas from a gas-containing region (20) to an adjacent region (22) and/or for collecting or dispersing gas at the interface between the regions, comprising a composite barrier (10) installed so as to separate the two regions (20, 22), the barrier (10) comprising a gas-impermeable layer (11) and a gas-permeable membrane (12) interconnected so as to define an interspace (16) between them and arranged with the permeable layer (12) facing the region containing gas (20) to be dispersed or collected. A method is also described comprising the steps of connecting an aperture (36) or aperture of the barrier communicating with the interspace (16) thereof to pumping means (37) which, in operation, act to pump gas into or out from the interspace (16) by creating a pressure differential across the permeable membrane such as to cause gas to flow therethrough across a major proportion of its surface area.

Abstract: The present invention provides sealing methods and compositions for use in subterranean zones penetrated by well bores. The methods of the invention basically include the steps of preparing a sealing composition which includes an aqueous silicate solution, an epoxide containing liquid and a delayed epoxide hardening agent, placing the sealing composition into a subterranean zone and allowing the sealing composition to set into a rigid impermeable sealing mass in the zone.

Abstract: A panel assembly to be used in an RCC dam structure, or the like, includes a precast concrete panel, a geomembrane liner extending over the full face of the panel and a geotextile sheet backing on the liner directly attached to the panel. The liner seals the panel against water leakage in a manner that allows shifting of the dam structure without placing undue stress on the liner or the interconnecting sealing strips. The geotextile sheet is preferably fabricated of a mat of non-woven polyester fibers and the geomembrane liner is preferably polyvinylchloride. The geotextile sheet is attached by hardened concrete slurry integral with the panel. Once the panel assembly is connected to adjacent panel assemblies by the sealing strip to form the dam structure, stress concentrations are relieved in the event that the panels shift for any reason.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ground surface structure for prevention of weed growing. The structure includes a germination-preventing sheet (2) resistant to penetration of buds of a plant and laid over the surface of a selected ground (1). The structure also includes a surface layer (3) formed by accumulating a water-repellent earth material on the germination-preventing sheet (2). The earth material includes material grains formed with silicone coating. Typically, the germination-preventing sheet (2) is made of a nonwoven fabric material and resistant to penetration of buds of a plant. Further, the sheet blocks the passage of light, but exhibits water permeability and air permeability.

Abstract: An apparatus for constructing an underground containment barrier for containing an in-situ portion of earth. The apparatus includes an excavating device for simultaneously (i) excavating earthen material from beside the in-situ portion of earth without removing the in-situ portion and thereby forming an open side trench defined by opposing earthen sidewalls, and (ii) excavating earthen material from beneath the in-situ portion of earth without removing the in-situ portion and thereby forming a generally horizontal underground trench beneath the in-situ portion defined by opposing earthen sidewalls. The apparatus further includes a barrier-forming device attached to the excavating device for simultaneously forming a side barrier within the open trench and a generally horizontal, multi-layer barrier within the generally horizontal trench. The multi-layer barrier includes at least a first layer and a second layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of using environmentally friendly cementitious compositions for terminating water flow in a subterranean formation such as in a fresh water zone or water aquifer. Preferred compositions of the present invention include a hydraulic cementitious material such as Portland cement, a viscosifying agent such as bentonite which increases the viscosity of the composition in the presence of water, and a vegetable oil.

Abstract: A method and composition are shown for capping exposed land areas, such as landfills, toxic waste sites, and mineral waste sites areas. A formulation is prepared by making a hydrated solution of a particular sodium Bentonite clay and mixing the solution with a specific proportion of sand material. The mixture is distributed over a prepared subgrade by means of a slurry pumping technique. A multilayer cap is created by overlaying additional layers having different clay formulations. The clay mixtures are optimized to be effective water and oxygen barriers while eliminating the problem of desiccation cracking. An anisotropic barrier is achieved as a result of interlayer hydraulic conductivity differences. This barrier together with the establishment of a 1-6% slope of the layer interface encourages lateral movement of water while inhibiting its downward penetration. The overall hydraulic conductivity of the composite cap is extremely low.

Abstract: A device for slicing through soil and simultaneously inserting silt fence into the soil. Silt fence is a synthetic material installed in and above the ground to impede silt erosion from areas disturbed by construction. The device comprises a soil disrupter for slicing thinly through the soil 8 inches to 12 inches deep, and an apparatus, operating at the same depth, for converting silt fence, manufactured on a roll, into a vertical position in and above the ground. The apparatus includes a vertical wheel operating between two parallel panels, acting as a moving pivot point where the horizontal silt fence is converted to a vertical position between the panels. The panels hold the soil open while the vertical wheel simultaneously inserts silt fence into the opening. As the machine progresses, soil collapses against the silt fence, thus securing the silt fence in the desired position.

Abstract: A device for collection and containment of spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons absorbs pollutants that come in contact. The absorbed material is solidified-within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. An impermeable layer-of material may be utilized in forming the bottom layer of the outer envelope of the device to retain accumulated hydrocarbons-within the pillow while further allowing the contaminants to disperse throughout the device for absorption and solidification. The impermeable layer prevents spilled or leaked hydrocarbons from contaminating the surface below the device. The consolidated mass is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. A variety of options may be utilized in disposing of the spent device, including recycling the rubber-like mass as a component of tar-like materials, such as asphalt. The solidified hydrocarbons will not leech when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.