Tailings Dams

Posted on by admin
tailings dams

How DirtGlue® Can Improve the Integrity and Safety of Tailings Dams
Tailings are the by-products generated during the extraction and processing of minerals, often in slurry form, containing both water and residual materials from the mined ore. Tailings must be safely managed to avoid environmental contamination and ensure long-term stability.

Tailings dams are engineered structures built to contain and store tailings in a responsible manner, typically using local materials. The goal is to create a secure containment which is often referred to as a tailings pond that allows for the fine particles to settle while enabling water to be recycled back into the mining process.

However, maintaining the structural integrity of tailings dams is crucial. A failure in the dam could result in the release of unwanted substances into the surrounding environment, which could have ecological consequences. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that tailings dams are designed and maintained to withstand the pressures of water, slurry, and geological conditions.

The Role of DirtGlue® in Tailings Dam Stability
DirtGlue® is a soil stabilization technology that has been proven to enhance the integrity and safety of tailings dams. By improving the cohesion and strength of the materials used to construct the dam, DirtGlue® helps to reduce the risk of erosion, sediment, seepage, and structural failure.

Tailings dams are often built in one of three common designs: upstream, downstream, or centerline. Each design comes with unique challenges when it comes to long-term stability, and DirtGlue® can be beneficial in all these scenarios.

  1. Upstream Dams: In upstream dams, tailings are used as the primary construction material. DirtGlue® can be applied to the tailings themselves to enhance their stability, preventing erosion and the potential failure of the dam. The treatment increases the strength of the tailings, ensuring that the dam holds its shape even as additional layers are added over time.
  2. Downstream Dams: Downstream dams typically use local soils, aggregates, or concrete to build the structure. DirtGlue® can be applied to these materials to improve their cohesion, making them more resistant to water-induced erosion. This is particularly important in areas with frequent rainfall or fluctuating water levels, where the risk of dam failure due to material washout is high.
  3. Centerline Dams: A hybrid between upstream and downstream designs, centerline dams combine both tailings and local materials. DirtGlue® can be used in the interface areas to stabilize the materials and ensure proper bonding between the two, preventing weaknesses that could compromise the dam’s integrity.

Benefits of Using DirtGlue® for Tailings Dams

Enhanced Erosion Control: DirtGlue® effectively reduces the erosion of tailings and construction materials in the dam, minimizing the risk of washouts, especially in areas exposed to wind, rain, or fluctuating water levels.

Sediment elimination: The reduction in erosion from the use of DirtGlue® polymer eliminates embankment rilling and/or erosion that result in sediment at the bottom of the dam wall.

Increased Structural Stability: By bonding soil particles together, DirtGlue® enhances the strength and load-bearing capacity of the dam, ensuring it can withstand the forces exerted by the slurry and water over time.

Reduced Seepage: DirtGlue® helps to reduce the permeability of the dam, minimizing the potential for water to leak through the structure, which could compromise the safety of the tailings pond and the surrounding environment.

Dust Control: An additional benefit of DirtGlue stabilization on tailings dams is the added dust control during prolonged dry times.

Long-Term Cost Savings: By improving the stability and durability of the dam, DirtGlue® can reduce maintenance costs and the need for frequent repairs, making it a cost-effective solution in the long run.

Case Studies: DirtGlue® in Action
GES has successfully implemented DirtGlue® in multiple tailings dam projects, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving the structural integrity of these critical containment systems. In each case, the application of DirtGlue® helped enhance the cohesion of the dam materials, reduce erosion, and prevent potential breaches, all while ensuring that the surrounding environment remained protected.

Tailings dams play a crucial role in safely managing mining waste, but their stability is vital to prevent environmental disasters. DirtGlue® offers a proven solution for enhancing the strength, cohesion, and long-term durability of tailings dams. Whether used in upstream, downstream, or centerline dam designs, DirtGlue® helps mitigate risks associated with erosion, seepage, and structural failure, making it an invaluable tool in the mining industry.

Capping or Sealing Stockpiles for Dust Control, Sediment Control and Erosion Control in Construction, Mining, and Environmental Remediation

Posted on by admin
DirtGlue

Managing stockpiles is essential in construction, large infrastructure projects, mining, aggregate quarries, and heavy industrial operations. Whether stockpiling sand, stone, ore, coal, mining tailings, or soil, these materials are stored in various stages, from extraction to end-use. Proper stockpile dust control and stockpile capping solutions are essential to ensure regulatory compliance, safety, and minimal environmental impact. Capping with DirtGlue® polymer is much more effective than silt fences and tarps.

Challenges in Stockpile Management
Operators face numerous challenges when managing stockpiles in construction and mining, including:

  • Material Segregation: Different particle sizes can lead to separation within the pile.
  • Safety Concerns: Improperly managed stockpiles can pose significant safety risks to workers.
  • Environmental Compliance: Stockpile dust control is critical to minimize airborne particles, reduce visibility issues, and comply with environmental regulations.

Dust and sediment from stockpiles can create serious environmental and health hazards. Effective dust control is essential to prevent dust pollution, reduce complaints from nearby communities, and maintain clear visibility on site.

Stockpile Dust Control Solutions
Moisture is a natural dust control agent. When the moisture content in stockpiled materials is increased, particles bind together, reducing dust. However, weather conditions like rainfall, drought, and humidity fluctuations can impact this natural dust control method, making it temporary and unreliable.

In addition, excess moisture can alter the storage properties of materials. For instance, dry sand typically has an angle of repose of about 32 degrees, but when wet, it increases to 40 degrees. As the moisture evaporates, shifting can occur, potentially causing structural issues within the stockpile and putting workers at risk.

Traditional Capping Solutions
Covering stockpiles with tarps has been a traditional method for capping and controlling dust. While effective to some extent, tarps can become costly as their size increases. They are also vulnerable to UV degradation and storm damage, often requiring frequent replacement or repair.

Advanced Solution: DirtGlue® for Stockpile Capping, Sediment Control, and Dust Control
For a more reliable and sustainable solution, DirtGlue® polymer emulsion offers superior stockpile capping and dust control, tailored for the unique demands of construction and mining. This water-based, environmentally friendly product binds materials such as soil, coal, sand, stone, and mining tailings to create a durable, long-lasting cap that prevents dust emissions.

Key Benefits of DirtGlue® for Stockpile Dust Control and Capping:

  • Fast and Easy Application: DirtGlue® can be applied using standard hydroseed equipment, covering stockpiles quickly and efficiently.
  • Cost-Effective Alternative: DirtGlue® provides an affordable, long-term dust control solution.
  • Weather-Resistant and Durable: DirtGlue® remains intact through various weather conditions, ensuring continued protection.
  • Seamless and Complete Seal: Provides a complete and uniform seal across the entire stockpile.
  • Environmentally Friendly: The polymer is non-hazardous, VOC-free, and water-based, making it a sustainable choice for stockpile dust control.
  • Keep excess water out: preserve materials that benefit form remaining dry.

DirtGlue works by penetrating and bonding with soil particles to create a hard, dust-free, water-resistant crust, providing durable stockpile dust control and sediment control. The product is designed to withstand the elements and ensures that materials stay contained, meeting both environmental regulations and safety standards.

Why DirtGlue® is Ideal for Construction and Mining
For construction and mining projects, which often involve large stockpiles of dust-prone materials, DirtGlue® offers a solution that not only simplifies operations but also ensures long-term effectiveness. With DirtGlue®, operators can experience fewer maintenance interruptions, safer work environments, and improved environmental outcomes.

DirtGlue® is a trusted Environmental Remediation Product
When windblown contaminant transport is a concern, DirtGlue® provides superfund sites and other remediation locations long-term protection. When using DirtGlue® to cap contaminated sites, environmental remediators can eliminate wind-blown contamination and prevent unnecessary material excavation with a simple and robust application that provides long-term environmental protection.

Choose DirtGlue® for Effective Stockpile Dust Control, Sediment Control, and Capping
With DirtGlue®, stockpile management becomes efficient, sustainable, and hassle-free. It’s the ultimate solution for achieving comprehensive dust control, maintaining compliance, and enhancing site safety. No more dealing with the headache of stockpile dust control, use a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution for dust control and stockpile capping.

DirtGlue® makes stockpile dust control and capping easier!

Effective Dust Control Solutions for Dirt and Gravel Roads

Posted on by admin
Roadbase Stabilization

Road Dust, A Growing Problem on Dirt and Gravel Roads

Driving on unpaved roads can result in visible plumes of dust, not only making your car dirty but also contributing to air pollution. According to the US Forest Service, every vehicle that travels one mile on an unpaved road each day can generate one ton of dust annually. With over 1.35 million miles of unpaved roads in the U.S., about 35% of all roadways, dust control on dirt and gravel roads has become an important environmental and health issue.

For many roads, paving is not an option due to high costs, environmental concerns, or historical preservation. Fortunately, dust control solutions like DustLess® provide an effective, affordable alternative.

How Dust is Created on Dirt and Gravel Roads

While dirt and gravel may seem durable, the impact of vehicle traffic can break down the road surface, generating dust. Here’s how it happens:

  • Vehicle Traffic: Every time a vehicle drives over an unpaved road, the force from the tires compresses the road surface, breaking it apart into small particles.
  • Size of Dust Particles: These particles, often less than 75 microns in size (smaller than the diameter of a human hair), become airborne. The turbulent air created by the vehicle further propels these particles into the air.
  • Heavy Vehicles: Larger vehicles like trucks cause more wear and tear on the surface, generating greater volumes of fugitive dust.
  • Vehicle Speed: Vehicles moving at faster speeds will increase the amount of airborne road dust as compared to slower moving vehicles.

This dust not only reduces visibility and creates nuisance, but it can also negatively impact air quality and local ecosystems.

Why Dust Control for Dirt Roads Is Essential

Dirt and gravel road dust isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a health concern. Here’s why dust control is essential:

  • Air Quality: Dust particles are small enough to be inhaled, leading to respiratory issues for people living nearby.
  • Environmental Impact: Dust can pollute local waterways and affect plant and animal life.
  • Maintenance Costs: Roads without dust control deteriorate faster, leading to increased maintenance costs.

Implementing dust control for unpaved roads is a proactive step to mitigate these issues, while improving road safety and comfort for travelers.

Proven Solution: DustLess® Dust Control for Dirt & Gravel Roads

For those seeking effective dust control solutions, DustLess® is a scientifically formulated product designed to eliminate dust on dirt and gravel roads. Here’s why DustLess® is a leading choice for road dust management:

  • Long-Lasting Effects: DustLess® prevents dust for up to one year per application, depending on traffic levels.
  • Non-Toxic and Non-Corrosive: Safe for the environment, vehicles, and road surfaces.
  • No Evaporation: Unlike other dust control solutions, DustLess® remains effective in all weather conditions and will not evaporate.
  • Cost-Effective: DustLess® offers long-term protection with minimal maintenance, saving money on frequent applications.

DustLess® has been trusted by communities, municipalities, and road maintenance contractors across the country to control dust on dirt and gravel roads, providing cleaner air and smoother roads for all.

Additional Dust Control Tips for Dirt and Gravel Roads
In addition to using products like DustLess®, here are some other strategies for controlling road dust:

  • Road Grading: Regular grading can help maintain road surfaces and reduce dust generation.
  • Proper Road Drainage: Ensuring proper water runoff can prevent road erosion, which contributes to dust creation.

Conclusion: Manage Dust on Your Dirt & Gravel Roads with DustLess®
For roads that are frequently traveled, dust control isn’t just a matter of convenience, it’s a necessity. DustLess® offers an environmentally-friendly, effective, and long-lasting solution for managing dust on dirt and gravel roads. By applying DustLess®, you can reduce the environmental impact, improve air quality, and lower maintenance costs for years to come.

Effective Dust Control for Your Horse Arena

Posted on by admin
Equestrian Dust Control

Indoor horse arenas can quickly become dusty environments due to materials like arena footing, bedding, and feed. Since footing materials often produce respirable dust, and with the riding arena typically being the largest space in any equestrian facility, managing dust is crucial for health and performance.



The dangers of arena dust

Selecting horse arena footing often comes down to availability and performance. However, prioritizing dust control in equestrian arenas is equally essential. Most preferred equine footing materials contain silica, which, while enhancing footing stability, also generates airborne crystalline silica particles. These tiny respirable particles pose serious health risks. Inhaling silica can lead to conditions like silicosis, a severe lung disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to OSHA, the permissible exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica is under 50 μg/m³. A study from an Irish equestrian center revealed levels exceeding this threshold [1], underscoring the importance of proper dust management.

dust control

Alternative Footing Materials

Additionally, common materials like textiles, rubbers, and natural fibers used to adjust footing can become airborne, further contributing to harmful respirable dust.

While high-performance footing is vital for your equine arena, effective horse arena dust control is paramount. Enter ArenaKleen® a proven solution that keeps dust in check. ArenaKleen® is a scientifically formulated arena dust suppressant that prevents footing materials from becoming airborne. Simply apply ArenaKleen® to your arena footing for lasting dust control, eliminating the need for regular watering and arena sprinklers.

Conserving water in your horse arena

If you already have top-quality footing but want to safeguard your riders, staff, and horses from hazardous dust, ArenaKleen® offers superior dust control without the drawbacks of watering and arena sprinklers. Watering may provide short-term relief but is time-consuming, wastes water, and can freeze in cold weather. Plus, it changes the texture of your arena footing. With ArenaKleen®, you get consistent performance and feel, day in and day out, with reliable and efficient dust prevention.

Want safe, dust-free riding spaces? Explore ArenaKleen® for long‑lasting dust control that beats watering and improves air quality.

[1] Bulfin K, Cowie H, Galea KS, Connolly A, Coggins MA. Occupational Exposures in an Equestrian Centre to Respirable Dust and Respirable Crystalline Silica. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16(17):3226. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16173226

Suppressing the Dust Kicked Up By 2020 (and Moving Forward)!

Posted on by admin

From the desk of our founder, Chris Rider:

It’s certainly been a trying year for everyone here domestically, and abroad. For us at Global Environmental Solutions, we’ve long entered a “new year” full of optimism and hope. And that won’t change. A challenge is literally at the root of all of our work.

Upon entering 2020 as a “new year” we had opportunities, plans, and great expectations for GES products and solutions. We approach each year open to new discoveries and opportunities. This year the universe definitely had other plans and different opportunities.
 
As we now enter December 2020 – the final month in this ongoing annual chapter, we hope that we’ve seen the last of what has been an exceptionally tumultuous year – and moment in our collective existence. With the pandemic we saw many small business closings, protests that sometimes led to riots, political tension, etc. In short, it hasn’t been an easy year no matter the vantage point.
 
Domestically and internationally the pandemic squelched or delayed many of our plans. Worldwide distribution became a challenge and our partners across the globe were feeling the weight of this.
 
In every situation there is a downside and a upside. Our upside is, GES soldiered on through the pandemic inflicted year that marked 2020 – a historic part of history that nobody will ever forget. We have added to our USA distributor network and welcomed GrowBIG…ogh as our West Coast distributor. GrowBIG…ogh has really embraced the technology and is running in high gear. We’re excited for the prospects of this relationship and growing others as well.
 
We’re hopeful that 2021 will evolve to the point whereby the pandemic will be a thing of the past or at least be under control, and, together, we’ll all grow in a positive and forwardly progressive way.

We’re up for the challenge. And we’ll continue to soldier on – no matter the hurdles “life” throws at us.

If you’ve got a project you’re in the midst of plotting and need help in managing the physical properties of the terrain of the project, give us a shout. We look forward to hearing from you in the new year and beyond.

Here’s to a happy and healthful new year from our family to yours.

GES: For the Earth, with the Earth in mind.