Erosion Wattle

Coir fiber wattle is a recognized stormwater BMP and when applied properly is an affordable way to satisfy federal stormwater regulations. The coir fiber wattle is a practical sediment control solution for limited project budgets. It is used for preventative erosion control because of its ability to direct groundwater flow while effectively filtering out sediment. For applications where there may be pollutants other than just sediment in the runoff, you can keep the site compliant by pairing coir wattle with the use of absorbents or other treatments. Coir fiber wattles for sediment control applications typically remain effective for up to 24 months in the field, depending on water flow. Coir is relatively waterproof and is resistant to saltwater damage. Submersion does not cause quick degradation. For a 100% green BMP solution, use biodegradable stakes to anchor the coir wattle.

Advantages to using coir erosion wattle:

• Safe for the environment
• Fast and easy installation
• No removal or disposal costs
• Economical
• Low maintenance
• Reusable
• Flexible
• Easy to move

Note: While coir logs look very similar to coir erosion wattle, they have a very different purpose. Coir logs are much more densely packed and are primarily used for soil stabilization, including along higher flow stream banks or hillsides. With the coir erosion wattle, sediment control and filtration are the goals, and the coir fiber is instead loosely packed to allow water to filter through.

Precise erosion wattle installation methods will vary, depending on the site's environment and how the coir fiber wattle is to be used. The instructions for coir erosion wattles below are general guidelines.

Installation instructions for construction site perimeter control, erosion and sediment control, or for use as a check dam

1. 1) Clear the installation area of any debris, stumps, rocks, or large obstructions. To be effective, coir wattle needs to be installed with constant direct contact with the soil.
2. 2) Dig a shallow trench where the coir wattle needs to be placed.
3. 3) Place the coir fiber wattle in the trench. For a longer filtration application, place coir wattles end-to-end in the trench with no gap between the wattles. The ends should be joined with twine. You can also use mattress coir fiber to fill any space between the wattle segments. Backfill the trench with soil, so that the logs are tightly packed against the slope.
4. 4) Stake the wattles into position to anchor them firmly in place. Anchor according to site requirements.

Stormwater Inlet Catch Basin Filter Installation Instructions

1. 1) Clear the installation area of any debris, sediment, or obstructions. To be effective in filtering stormwater, the coir fiber wattle needs to sit directly on the pavement.
2. 2) Place the wattle in front of the inlet opening, ensuring that the entire opening length is protected by the wattle, and that no water can seep around the edges into the drain. Place the wattle so that there are openings for air access flow to the drain . See below.
3. 3) Secure the coir wattle in place using concrete blocks, sandbags, or a similar weighted instrument at each end. The weight of the coir wattle will keep it in place, without needing any other anchoring.

See our Erosion Control Installation Accessories flyer for more information.

Coir erosion wattle is a BMP that meets federal regulations regarding both stormwater filtration and sediment control. Common applications include:

• Construction Site Perimeter Control - For construction projects where the ground has been disturbed, coir fiber wattles are utilized to prevent sediment from leaving the jobsite area in stormwater flows. Placed strategically at the stormwater flow's exit points, they can be very effective in filtering out the sediment and debris, letting only clean water exit the property.
• Drain Protection - As a stormwater BMP, coir erosion wattle is often placed to catch and filter stormwater before it enters storm sewer drains, catch basins, and curb inlets.
• Erosion and Sediment Control - Placed strategically, coir erosion wattle will slow runoff on slopes and low-flow streambanks, reducing soil erosion and protecting the slope's integrity.
• Check Dam - A common concern with check dams, is that they are often left unattended and forgotten in the field, long after the project's completion. With the coir erosion wattle that is no longer a worry. Coir fiber wattle makes an effective and environmentally-friendly check dam. Fully biodegradable, they can be left in the field. They will compost as they gradually decompose, further enriching the soil on location while providing stormwater control measures that support federal regulations. Over time, vegetation will grow on the wattle, further strengthening its properties in stormwater diversion and filtration.