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Slope Stabilization
Ellsworth Creek Project, WA
Thanks to Peterson Pacific, Inc., we were able to take our compost to new hights!
Due to the wet climate that prolipherates the Northwest Coast, it is difficult to regulate
the moisture content of products before they are placed. Despite these conditions, a Peterson Pacific blower truck blew our
compost nearly 300 ft. for this road decommissioning project. A portion of the compost was
also placed by an excavator.
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compost, an alternative to 'hard armor'
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benefits of compost blankets
• cheaper to install and maintain
• provides more porosity for storm water evaporation
• acts as natural water filter
• provides freeway noise absorption
• it is an attractive environment for beneficial organisms and wildlife
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One of the methods commonly used to stabilize hillsides is the use of riprap,
a lining of large stones to form a loose sustaining wall. Although at the onset
this method is quite effective, there are a host of problems associated with maintenance.
One of the obvious complications is soil compaction. The hardening of the natural or engineered
landscape over large areas where riprap is applied generates quite a volume of storm water runoff.
It is costly to heighten the capacity of the catch areas to address this increase effectively.
In residential areas, there are a number of aesthetic complaints over the use of riprap. Once
vegetation starts taking hold, a riprap wall starts to look unsightly with scattered weeds. It
can be extremely difficult to manage with standard equipment. The landscape eventually
turns into a breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes, snakes, spiders, and other undesirables.
There are many benefits to using compost blankets as an alternative. It is estimated that half of the
rainfall that collects on the surface evaporates. By reestablishing a top layer of soil, a medium is
provided that helps restore the ground’s natural porosity over time. Grass and other
indigenous vegetation will also have a chance to develop a healthy root system that can provide adequate
stabilization for difficult slopes.
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