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2 prominent brands in the Erosion Control Industry under one company.
[Belleville, PA]: MKB Company, LLC, a pioneer in stormwater innovation, announced today it has acquired Filtrexx International, a national leader in sustainable sediment and erosion control solutions, from Mativ Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: MATV), a leading global manufacturer of specialty materials. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The acquisition comes as environmental regulations established to protect and preserve the environment and waterways are becoming increasingly more stringent. For years, MKB and Filtrexx have worked separately to create products and services, as well as educate the industry on the most effective and durable stormwater BMPs in the market. The unification of the two organizations will combine both company’s product lines to bring the best erosion and stormwater control product offerings to the industry nationwide. Expanded resources, readily available products, extended reach, expanded manufacturing locations, and combined service are just a few benefits MKB and Filtrexx customers can expect with the acquisition.
“The combination of these two organizations and their product lines will bring the best erosion and stormwater control product offering to the industry nationwide. We are excited by the possibilities!” says Rick Costello, Vice President of Strategy at MKB Company.
Julie Schertell, CEO of Mativ, commented “Filtrexx has bright prospects and we are excited for the organization’s future under an owner with greater strategic alignment. For Mativ, this transaction represents a small step toward portfolio alignment and increased optionality as a result of our recent merger and as we sharpen the focus on our core end-markets and product lines.”
“MKB is pleased to welcome the Filtrexx employees into the MKB family,” said Rob Misso, President of MKB. “We have a shared commitment to providing exceptional service, quality products, and innovated products. We are very excited about the future of the combined organization”.
About MKB Company
MKB Company is a leading provider of products and services in the environmental control market. Their products are used in perimeter control, sediment management, erosion control, and pollution control markets. As an industry leader committed to excellence in customer satisfaction, they continue to manufacture innovative products and solutions that allow contractors and distributors to serve customers looking for better environmental outcomes.
About Filtrexx
Filtrexx International is a leader in Sustainable BMPs for use in erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, pollutant removal, and low-impact development to protect our soil, water, and environment. Filtrexx has an extensive network of partners, distributors, and installation services to serve customers across the globe.
About Mativ
Mativ Holdings, Inc. is a global leader in specialty materials headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. The company offers a wide range of critical components and engineered solutions to solve our customers’ most complex challenges. With over 7,500 employees worldwide, we manufacture on four continents and generate sales in more than 100 countries. The company’s two operating segments, Advanced Technical Materials and Fiber-Based Solutions, target premium applications across diversified and growing end-markets, from filtration to healthcare to sustainable packaging. Our broad portfolio of technologies combines polymers, fibers, and resins to optimize the performance of our customers’ products across multiple stages of the value chain. Our leading positions are a testament to our best-in-class global manufacturing, supply chain, and materials science capabilities. We drive innovation and enhance performance, finding potential in the impossible.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words like “may,” “will,” “likely,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “future,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “goal,” “seek,” “estimate,” “project,” “continue,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of the business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual results and financial conditions may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties which forward-looking statements are subject to include but are not limited to: market changes; raw material shortages; business strategies, cost management strategies; force majeure events; product failure; product design defects; manufacturing defects; and products liability litigation.
The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this release, and except as otherwise required by federal securities law, Mativ Holdings, Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
MKB Media Contact
Rick Costello
MKB Company, LLC
rickc@kurtz-bros.com
Mativ Investors Contact
Mark Chekanow, CFA
Director, Investor Relations
(770) 569-4229
investors@mativ.com
Mativ Media Contacts
Missy Elam
Director, Communications
(678) 518-3263
media@mativ.com
For over 20 years, compost filter sock has been known as a more sustainable BMP for sediment control in comparison to alternatives like silt fence and straw wattle.
This is largely due to the product materials – about 95% of the product weight of a compost filter sock is comprised of natural compost filter media, with the other 5% is comprised of the outer mesh material. Traditionally this outer mesh material is made of polypropylene or polyethylene, due to their UV resistant and tensile strength properties.
However, as sustainability initiatives become a higher priority for many federal and state regulatory agencies, there has been an increase in demand for natural and 100% biodegradable BMPs in the past decade. Some agencies give preference to biodegradable products, or even plan on eliminating plastics from approved product lists.
Why natural and biodegradable BMPs?
There are a number of environmental benefits to using biodegradable materials in erosion and sediment control BMPs, including:
- Increased use of natural, renewable resources
- Less reliance on non-renewable, petroleum-based products
- Reduced microplastics and materials in landfills
- More compatibility with the permanent natural landscape
Additionally, there are typically lower labor costs to remove and dispose of biodegradable products at the end of a project. For example, if a project plan allows, a 100% biodegradable compost filter sock can be left in place to entirely biodegrade.
Most natural products that have been on the market include burlap, coir, and jute, however these materials are typically imported, meaning sustainability benefits are greatly decreased due to high transportation emissions. Additionally, there may be complications with quality control and supply chain, and these products do not qualify for jobs requiring products Made in USA criteria.
Finding the best biodegradable material for the job
Filtrexx International first introduced a cotton fiber mesh material for compost filter socks in 2012. While the cotton performed as needed, in recent years there has been a demand for materials that more closely match the longevity properties of traditional plastic materials. This led to the research and testing of several natural materials including the previously used cotton fiber, wood fiber, flax fiber, and PLA. Testing was conducted at three field research stations to represent a range of environmental conditions including moisture, UV, and temperature. Research concluded that the wood fiber material had longer longevity and tensile strength properties compared to the cotton fiber, meeting performance requirements for a more durable biodegradable mesh material. The wood fiber also met industry needs for being biodegradable, natural, renewable, and sustainable. In 2020, Filtrexx introduced the wood fiber mesh material to the market under the product name ‘SiltSoxx Natural PLUS+’ as an additional option to the cotton fiber mesh material, ‘SiltSoxx Natural Original’.
The future of biodegradable BMPs
SiltSoxx Natural PLUS+ can be used in most sediment control applications including perimeter control, inlet protection, slope interruption, and low flow ditches and channels.
Biodegradable BMPs also make sense for use on clean energy construction sites like solar and wind for increased sustainability practices.
Sustainability is no longer a trend but a way of life. Filtrexx continues to seek creative ways to become more sustainable in the materials we use, the products we produce, and the BMP practices we promote. As we learn more about sustainability trends and industry needs, Filtrexx will continue to focus on researching biodegradable materials to protect our natural resources.
References: Filtrexx TechLink #3339. Full research data is available in the Filtrexx Research Library.
Earlier this month, around 85 contractors, regulators, SWPPP consultants, manufacturers, and Shasta College students gathered for the annual Erosion Control BMP Summit.
Held at Shasta College in Redding, CA, this 2-day event combined classroom sessions with hands-on demonstrations for a one-of-a-kind, immersive learning event.
Organized by John McCullah of DirtTime TV, the mantra of this event is “making your BMPs work will allow your SWPPP to work”. Sessions focused on utilizing a BMP ‘toolbox’ in order to effectively select, install, and inspect BMPs.
The event was structured with classroom training in the morning session, followed by field demonstrations in the afternoon.
Colin Ewart of Filtrexx and John McCullah of DirtTime TV demonstrate compost filter socks.
Matt Kearns of Grassroots Environmental demonstrates hydroseeding with Apex equipment.
- Straw mulch
- Hydroseeding & Hydromulching
- Erosion Control Blankets
- Compost Blankets
- Compost Filter Sock
- Wattles & Fiber Rolls
- Turf reinforcement mats
Special topics of wildfire remediation and streambank restoration were also discussed.
Thank you to all the sponsors and exhibitors that made the event possible. Special thanks to Filtrexx partners Earthsavers Erosion Control Products for helping coordinate logistics of our demo materials, and to Cory Yamaguchi of Finn Corporation for coordinating the equipment for the event.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s Erosion Control BMP Summit – we’d love to see you there!
At Filtrexx, we’re always finding new ways to be Green in Every Way™ – and helping to remove stormwater pollutants from our country’s waterways is just one of them.
Stormwater runoff from industrial sites is a major cause of water pollution, but our stormwater filtration products help to prevent pollutants from your site from entering the ecosystem. This is essential – not only for protecting the environment but also for ensuring compliance with a growing range of regulations and requirements.
Enter EnviroSoxx
EnviroSoxx is a stormwater treatment device and a unique product within the industry. Thanks to its specialized blend of compost and natural additives to filter stormwater runoff, it removes a wide range of pollutants that includes hydrocarbons, nutrients, heavy metals, bacteria, and sediment. EnviroSoxx can be used in various applications across your site, from perimeter protection and check dams to pollutant wraps, and inlet protection.
With the constant evolution of stormwater regulations, EnviroSoxx is an essential ally when it comes to treating stormwater on your site. We’ve been continuously improving our EnviroSoxx offering for over 10 years, but here at Filtrexx, we believe that when it comes to protecting the environment, we can always do better!
Introducing our new and improved formula
Following a year of intensive research led by Dr. Britt Faucette, Filtrexx’s Director of Research and Technical Services, Filtrexx is happy to announce that we’ve drastically improved the formulation of our EnviroSoxx Industrial Blend compost filter sock – making it a better choice than ever.
1) Target more pollutants
The new blend has been designed to tackle even more harmful particles:
- Now filters 10 heavy metals, including aluminum, arsenic, iron, and selenium
- Removes ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N) AND total nitrogen (TN)
- Helps neutralize the pH of stormwater runoff
But that’s not all: in our research, we tested EnviroSoxx across multiple storm events. The results show that the new Industrial Blend retains its effectiveness for an average of up to 10 storm events without any drop-off in performance – so you can rely on our cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution time after time!
Our study also measured the impact of combining multiple EnviroSoxx filter socks. The results show that by placing three socks in series, you can on average double your pollutant removal rate compared to using one filter sock alone.
Want to know more?
Are you ready to better protect the environment and improve your stormwater compliance? With its enhanced filtration capabilities, Filtrexx’s EnviroSoxx Industrial Blend is a must for manufacturing, composting, waste management, and mining sites, alongside many others. Plus, we have a wide range of other products tailored to meet the specific requirements of your industrial operations, so don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule a site visit to discuss the best product for your needs.
For more information and testing data, see Research Reference TechLinks #3343 and #3344.
Our partners and customers know Filtrexx stands for sustainability, trust, and savings. Now, we’ve been granted a new trademark to help us tell our story and show the world that we’re Green in Every Way!
Beating the odds
The signature shade of green we use in Filtrexx products and branding has been associated with us for more than 10 years. It’s famously difficult for brands to win a trademark on a color, but in 2021, Filtrexx joined the likes of Tiffany (blue) and Post-It (yellow) in successfully being awarded this important protection.
“This trademark is a powerful tool for our company to distinguish our products from those of our competitors,” confirms Kip Vangsgard, Filtrexx Director of Product Management and Marketing. “It means our customers can be confident of a high-quality Filtrexx solution when they see our green at a distributor or installed on site.”
Green is more than a color
But that’s not all: the IP team has also applied for a second trademark, for the phrase ‘Green in Every Way’ – designed to tie together the key values that underlie our solutions.
“Green is much more than just a color,” Kip says. “It represents us as a sustainable company, a trusted partner, and a provider of cost-effective solutions. That’s what Green in Every Way is all about.”
Sustainability
First, the idea of being ‘green’ has long been linked to the idea of environmental sustainability, and Filtrexx aims high when it comes to sustainable product design and sourcing. To filter and clean stormwater, we use an engineered blend of composted organic materials, diverting them away from landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, we’re always working on new innovations to incorporate natural, biodegradable materials like cotton and wood fibers into Filtrexx products.
Trust
But green also represents trust: a green light from a traffic signal means you can move ahead with confidence. We’ve been a reliable partner in environmental protection for more than 20 years. With certified, third-party tested products, Filtrexx is trusted by regulators, government agencies, and our many happy customers!
Savings
Finally, green means savings, particularly in the USA, where money is strongly associated with this color. Filtrexx products save you more ‘green’ because they’re designed for optimal lifetime performance, with lower labor costs for installation, maintenance, and removal. It’s a total-cost-of-ownership approach that means the savings quickly add up.
Learn more
Check out our new video or head to our dedicated Green in Every Way webpage for more information! If you’re interested in our sustainable solutions, or simply have a question, contact us – we’ll be happy to discuss ways in which we can support you and your green ambitions.
“Compost Around the World” Webinar
Looking for more education? Log on to John’s free recorded webinar session “Compost Around the World”. This one-hour webinar covers compost applications as a preeminent erosion control soil cover, compost berms, and compost filter socks through a series of project studies. Receive a certificate of attendance after completion.
As an Academic, CPESC (for over 30 years), QSD, QSD-ToR and a CA Contractor, John has been developing and implementing BMPs for years. As a “stand-in Journeyman”, John is hoping his “How to” video series and experience will help train and give hands-on experience, like the apprentice experience typical to other “trade crafts”.
Over the past several years, the State of California has passed two legislative bills related to the diversion of organic waste from landfills, and the use of the resulting composted material. Read more for a quick summary of these bills, and resources for Municipalities, Regulators, and Water Consultants to better utilize these recycled materials.
AB 2411 – Solid Waste: Use of Compost & Planning (2018)
According to the bill fact sheet, “AB 2411 will spur a market demand for compost created in California by requiring public agencies to study the feasibility and establish best practices for using compost. Compost is the end result of diverting organic waste from landfills to composting facilities, greatly reducing climate change causing emissions…Organic recycling is the most cost effective way for California to reach its climate goals. Ensuring a healthy market for compost is a vital component of the state’s plan to combat climate change.”
This bill impacts CalRecycle, Caltrans, and CalFire, by directing them to change practices and identify uses of compost.
SB 1383 – Short Lived Climate Pollutants (2020)
CalRecycle is the owning entity of this bill, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and diverting organic waste in response to the climate crisis. This bill requires:
- a 50 percent reduction in organic waste disposal from 2014 levels by 2022, and a 75 percent reduction by 2025
- the diversion of up to 27 million tons of organic waste by 2025 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
After the organic waste is processed, this will amount to an additional 20 million tons of finished compost. According to CalRecycle, “As California collects and recycles organic materials, local governments will be required to use the products made from this recycled organic material, such as renewable energy, compost, and mulch.”
Now, what happens to all this compost?
There are many ways that Municipalities, Regulators, and Water Consultants can utilize compost in their work to help meet these legislative requirements. The use of compost-based BMPs not only cleans our stormwater prior to entering our waterways, it also utilizes diverted green waste.
Municipalities:
You can take an active role to promote sustainable BMP’s in your communities by using certified composted organics to clean storm water and reduce CO2 emissions. Currently compost is used primarily in LID applications. Consider including into BMP handbooks the use of composted products for construction and industrial sites specifically for sediment control along with filtration of the four standard urban pollutants: oil & grease, heavy metals, nutrients and bacteria. Replace fiber rolls, rock bags and silt fence with compost filter socks – learn how the life cycle cost and performance of these BMPs compares.
Regulators:
Consider the use of recycled organics that meet both the CalRecyle goal of reducing materials going to landfills and the State Water Resources Control Board goal of cleaner storm water while using sustainable materials.
Water Consultants:
Proactively research current technologies that use recycled organics to clean storm water. Specify sustainable materials instead of traditional BMP’s like fiber rolls, rock bags and silt fence. Help change the contractor’s paradigm and incorporate sustainable organic materials into current or future SWPPPs as both erosion control and sediment control BMP’s. Composted material applications can be used for both temporary and final BMP’s.
Please consider these materials to help our storm water community embrace a sustainable future. For more information about these Legislative Bills or compost BMPs, feel free to contact Filtrexx.
Bryan Hofmann, QISP, is a Regional Representative for Filtrexx, covering Northern California, Oregon, and Washington, with over 30 years of experience in sales. Bryan educates through consultative techniques and local seminars on the use of Filtrexx Products to storm water professionals, landscape and architectural designers, engineers, municipalities, regulators, and urban agriculturalists. He helps people connect with local organics and incorporate sustainable products in construction, landscape, industrial and agricultural markets. In his free time, Bryan enjoys fishing.
The Installation section text in the following documents have been updated to reflect this alternative staking method:
Section 1.1 - Filtrexx Sediment Control
Section 6.1.1 - SWPPP Cut Sheet - Filtrexx Sediment Control
SiltSoxx Installation Spec, Perimeter Control
Section 1.5 - Filtrexx Slope Interruption
Section 6.1.5 - SWPPP Cut Sheet - Filtrexx Slope Interruption
SiltSoxx Installation Spec, Slope Interruption
View all Filtrexx Design Specifications and CADs here
Dr. Britt Faucette, Ph.D., is an Ecosystem Scientist, CPESC, and
LEED AP. He earned his Ph.D. from the Odom School of Ecology at the
University of Georgia where he researched soil-water-plant performances
of various BMPs used in soil erosion and stormwater management
applications; served as a state specialist in storm water management,
organics recycling, and pollution prevention programs; and served as an
adjunct professor. Britt coordinates research, design, and training
services for the stormwater and organic materials management industries
and serves on technical committees and boards with ASTM, GRHC, CCREF,
and IECA. In 2008 he was awarded the annual USCC Clean Water Award.
Britt has authored numerous peer-reviewed and popular press publications
and popular press articles, two books, federal and state
specifications, and has been awarded nearly $500,000 in research grants.
Working in soil erosion and sediment control or storm water management in a watershed that is prone to drought - perhaps even at risk of wildfire? How about a watershed where rainfall accumulations or storm intensities have increased - perhaps even subject to tropical storms and depressions? Have you noticed historic design storms are no longer viable, where 10, 25, and even 100 year rain events occur with ever greater frequency?
If you can relate to any of this, you may be very interested to learn how Compost-Based Best Management Practices (BMPs) can have a profound impact on the resilience of watersheds under significant stress from climate change. Learn how these materials and practices help to restore soils and watersheds, making them more resilient to both drought and storms. Gain understanding on why the closer a watershed is to its natural steady state, the more stable and resilient it will be when placed under chronic or severe stress.
Download the full TechLink Research Summary:
Resilient Infrastructure & Restoration Under a Changing Climate with Filtrexx Compost-Based Best Management Practices
Dr. Britt Faucette, Ph.D., is an Ecosystem Scientist, CPESC, and
LEED AP. He earned his Ph.D. from the Odom School of Ecology at the
University of Georgia where he researched soil-water-plant performances
of various BMPs used in soil erosion and stormwater management
applications; served as a state specialist in storm water management,
organics recycling, and pollution prevention programs; and served as an
adjunct professor. Britt coordinates research, design, and training
services for the stormwater and organic materials management industries
and serves on technical committees and boards with ASTM, GRHC, CCREF,
and IECA. In 2008 he was awarded the annual USCC Clean Water Award.
Britt has authored numerous peer-reviewed and popular press publications
and popular press articles, two books, federal and state
specifications, and has been awarded nearly $500,000 in research grants.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) recently announced that compost sock products are now approved for use as a temporary erosion control measure allowed in the Caltrans Construction Site Best Management Practices (BMP) Manual, Sheet SC-11, per Section 13-1.01A of the current Standard Specifications. Compost sock had previously only been approved for permanent erosion control measures. With this new approval, compost sock can now be used in all sediment control applications such as perimeter control, slope interruption, grade breaks, inlet protection and more.
If you are working on Caltrans projects that require BMP selections, this new approval for compost sock will allow both permanent and temporary applications.
Additionally, Caltrans will soon only permit the use of natural, biodegradable non-plastic material for all compost sock, fiber roll, and straw wattle applications. Filtrexx SiltSoxx compost sock is available in two natural biodegradable non-plastic materials – Natural Original and new Natural Plus. These biodegradable products give two longevity options for your projects’ needs.
| SiltSoxx Natural Original | SiltSoxx Natural Plus | |
| Mesh Material | Biodegradable cotton fiber | Biodegradable wood fiber |
| Fill Material | Compost FilterMedia | Compost FilterMedia |
| Field Longevity* | Up to 12 months | Up to 18 months |
| Biodegradable | Yes | Yes |
| All Natural | Yes | Yes |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes |
| Biobased/Plant-Based | Yes | Yes |
| Compostable | Yes | Yes |
| Made in USA | Yes | Yes |
*Functional longevity ranges are estimates only. Site specific environmental conditions may result in significantly shorter or longer time periods.
Caltrans also recently made updates to their Standard Specifications to allow compost sock to be installed without expensive labor-intensive trenching or lash-over methods, primarily due to the weight and high hydraulic flow through rate characteristic to compost socks. Finally, Caltrans has recently made adjustments to moisture content requirements for the compost used in compost socks accounting for the arid conditions frequently found throughout the state.
Filtrexx is committed to providing innovative sediment & erosion control products, including meeting changing municipal requirements that require or prefer biodegradable materials. Learn more about our commitment to sustainability here.
For a copy of the Caltrans approval letter, please contact Filtrexx or Caltrans.
As the Marketing Manager for Filtrexx, Kristin specializes in print
& digital marketing, graphic design, and website management. She
also serves as the moderator for the monthly Filtrexx Webinar Series.
Kristin attended the University of Toledo where she obtained a Bachelor
of Arts in both communication and environmental studies. After
completing multiple internships with Filtrexx, she officially joined the
Filtrexx team in 2010. In her free time, she enjoys exploring local
parks with her husband, spoiling their two golden retrievers, and
cheering on the Cleveland Indians.
With recent travel and gathering restrictions, many of the erosion control & stormwater industry continuing educational conferences and events have moved to a virtual platform. These new platforms are allowing our industry to stay connected and informed, virtually.
We’ve gathered some upcoming virtual conferences and educational webinar series:
CONFERENCES
EWRI/ASCE International LID Conference: July 20-24, 2020
The International Low Impact Development Conference highlights interdisciplinary practice, research, and implementation of Low Impact Development (LID), Green Infrastructure (GI), Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) and Water Sensitive Urban Designs (WSUD). The focus will be on using our past and present understanding of LID to tune management programs, design practice, and operation and maintenance into the future. As an attendee, you will have access to both pre-recorded and live presentations. Some other benefits of this professionally produced virtual conference include expanded chat and live question and answer sessions, more time to respond to questions and to explore “hot” topics like resiliency and climate change, and most importantly lots of flexibility for you. Learn more & register here.
Virtual Great Connections (Great Lakes & Great Rivers IECA Chapters): July 28-30, 2020
The Fourth Bi-Annual Great Connections Conference & Expo is going virtual! Everything you would expect from the IECA Great Connections Conference - just online. Virtual sessions will be accessible from any devices and will be provided in a combination of recorded and live stream. You will 'see' old friends and make new connections through attendee connection, virtual meet ups and a community board. Explore the exhibit booths spaces and say hello to the conference sponsors who made this event possible. Walk away with practical knowledge to get the job done. Learn more & register here.
StormCon: September 9-10, 2020
StormCon exists for our industry to come together to engage, share and learn. We are excited to move the event to a virtual event model for attendees and exhibitors, StormCon Direct. StormCon will be a 2-day conference and exhibition held 100% online. This multi-faceted virtual event experience will feature leaders in the stormwater industry leading webinars, panel discussions and chat forums to exchange information and share ideas. The exhibit floor will feature interactive opportunities to meet one-on-one with vendors from around the country to network and explore new products and solutions. Learn more & register here.
WEBINAR SERIES:
Environmental Construction Services (free)
In an industry that’s constantly changing, it’s tough to keep up with the newest info. Our free webinars are here to help you stay on top of your game and earn PDH certificates, from the comfort of your office. Erosion & Sediment Control, Stormwater, Vegetative Establishment, Streambank Restoration and more; these are our daily grind, let us share with you what we know! Webinars are currently scheduled through December 2020.View the schedule here.
Forester University (prices vary)
Join our expert presenters in live and on-demand webinars exploring what's new in stormwater, erosion control, water efficiency, construction, energy, and waste management. Register today to brush up on your skills or learn something new while earning CEU and PDH credits. Learn more here.
Forge (prices vary)
WGR Southwest, Inc. is an environmental, health and safety consultant company. At WGR Southwest, Inc. we help our clients meet the California environmental regulations including the CA Industrial General Permit and CA Construction General Permit. Forge is an educational service of WGR and features topics including SWPPP Writing, MS4 School, Erosion Theory, and past Storm Water Awareness Week sessions. Learn more here.
Filtrexx (free)
Filtrexx offers our educational webinars both on-demand in addition to our live sessions. Attendees can receive a certificate of attendance after registering and viewing both live and on-demand webinar sessions. Topics include Sediment Control, Pollutant Removal, Low Impact Development, LEED & Green Building, Living Walls & Shorelines, Stormwater Management, and more.View the schedule and on-demand sessions here.
As the Marketing Manager for Filtrexx, Kristin specializes in print & digital marketing, graphic design, and website management. She also serves as the moderator for the monthly Filtrexx Webinar Series. Kristin attended the University of Toledo where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in both communication and environmental studies. After completing multiple internships with Filtrexx, she officially joined the Filtrexx team in 2010. In her free time, she enjoys exploring local parks with her husband, spoiling their two golden retrievers, and cheering on the Cleveland Indians.
This week we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW)! As the largest and most comprehensive education initiative of the compost industry, Filtrexx is happy to once again sponsor this great event. ICAW is celebrated throughout the United States as well as several other countries each year. With its inauguration in 1995, many other schools, organizations, businesses and people have joined in to recognize the importance of composting and the long-term health of the environment.
The goal of ICAW is to raise public awareness of the benefits of composting and organics recycling, including increased soil health, reduced pesticide and chemical use, reduction in soil-borne and other plant diseases, reduction of methane emissions from landfills and climate change mitigation.
The theme of this year’s event is Soil Loves Compost. The importance of the use of compost for strong, healthy soil and plant growth will be strongly emphasized. Communities, local environmental groups as well as composting facilities and private companies can organize local events to promote composting in their area based on their local government restrictions due to COVID-19.
During ICAW, businesses, organizations and people are normally encouraged to celebrate the benefits of composting. However, due to COVID-19 many states will not allow groups to gather. The Composting Council Research & Education Foundation still plans to educate people through webinars, social media, emails and more. If you want ideas on what you can do to promote and celebrate ICAW 2020 visit Composting Council Research & Education Foundation.
As the Marketing Communication Manager for Filtrexx, Teele works heavily in the digital and social arenas of marketing, running the Filtrexx Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages. She also serves as writer and editor of press releases, project profiles and most recently, the Filtrexx blog. Teele attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and a Master of Science in corporate communication. Teele has worked in marketing roles for various companies around the Twin Cities before landing at Filtrexx in July, 2017.
Problem: Monster Tree Services specializes in commercial and residential landscaping and tree removal. They reached out to Filtrexx in August, 2019 with a desire to get involved with living shorelines. Monster Tree Services was contacted by a customer in Boynton Beach, Florida about severe erosion happening in their backyard. The customer lived on a canal and due to wave action from jet skis and other small watercrafts, their backyard was losing acreage from erosion. The customer was highly interested in a green, natural option to rebuild their slope due to the amount of turtles that lived and nested in their yard. A concrete wall option was out of the question due to the turtle activity from the canal to the customer’s backyard.
Solution: Filtrexx came down to inspect the site with Monster Tree Services and determine the best approach. Filtrexx helped install a GreenLoxx non-MSE Living Wall system that was flat enough that the turtles could still climb up the slope and into the backyard. Because the base of the canal was soft and muddy, native limestone was placed at the base of the wall. This limestone base was created so the wall had something sturdy to sit on top of. Then, 16-24” of wall was built out to stabilize the slope, stopping the erosion and preventing further erosion from happening. Trees and other vegetation were in danger of falling into the canal due to the severe erosion and all were saved and incorporated into the new wall system and landscape.
A unique and additional problem occurred during the building of this wall. Iguanas, an invasive species to Florida, often dig up earth and Filtrexx, Monster Tree Services and the customer were concerned with the new wall being dug up. After doing some additional research, a technique was found that was used in other areas of the United States to stop muskrats from digging up new walls. Galvanized chicken wire was placed under the wall system to deter iguanas from digging the wall up.
Success: The final, finished wall was 130’ long by 2’ high. The GreenLoxx wall consisted of sock, geogrid and Gripple anchors with the anchors hidden under the turf. Monster Tree Services worked with a local environmental department for the county to determine what native species would be most successful in the growth of the wall. With minimal land disturbance and a new, green slope, the native animals were able to regain access into the uplands and the customer was able to save their backyard.
As the Marketing Communication Manager for Filtrexx, Teele works heavily in the digital and social arenas of marketing, running the Filtrexx Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages. She also serves as writer and editor of press releases, project profiles and most recently, the Filtrexx blog. Teele attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and a Master of Science in corporate communication. Teele has worked in marketing roles for various companies around the Twin Cities before landing at Filtrexx in July, 2017.