Page 8 - USDA Compost sock use

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Utilization of Compost Filter Socks

(Agronomy Technical Note 4, January 2011)

Maintenance

Compost flter socks should be inspected regularly af-ter runoff events to ensure proper function and perfor-mance. If hydraulic fow-through becomes restricted, an additional compost flter sock can be placed on top of the original to prevent over topping. Sediment should be removed once it reaches half the height of the compost flter sock. An additional compost flter sock may be installed on top of the original to increase sediment storage capacity or to prevent sediment disturbance.

If a compost flter sock becomes dislodged or is dam-aged, it should be repaired or replaced immediately. If the compost flter sock is used for a temporary appli-cation, the compost material may be spread over the landscape or incorporated into the soil at the end of the project, thereby increasing soil quality and reduc-ing waste. The sock mesh should be properly disposed unless a biodegradable material is used.

Conclusion

Soil organic matter is one of natures natural storm water fltration systems. This natural material allows water to pass through while trapping and removing harmful substances that degrade water quality. The compost flter sock with organic matter in the tube harnesses the natural fltration process to mitigate organic and inorganic pollutants created by human activity.

Proper planning and the use of low-impact develop-ment will limit soil disturbance and reduce transport of nonpoint source pollutants to surface waters.

The Soils for Salmon (2010) urban stormwater pro-gram provides preventative guidelines, methods, and practices for building soils and reducing nonpoint source pollutants.

Compost flter socks should be applied as part of a comprehensive system approach to site stormwater management. Although no single management practice can mitigate the impacts of urbanization or soil distur-bance, the compost flter sock is an excellent tool for fltering and reducing nonpoint source pollutants.

Table 3 is a list of applications in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) National Conservation Practice Standards (CPS) where compost flter socks may be used.

Table 3 NRCS Conservation Practices where compost

flter socks may be used(http://www.nrcs.usda. gov/technical/Standards/nhcp.html)

NRCS Conservation Practice Standard Code

Critical Area Planting (342) Channel Stabilization (584) Diversion (362) Grade Stabilization Structure (410) Land Reclamation (453, 455, 543) Lined Waterway or Outlet (468) Recreation Area Improvement (562) Recreation Trail and Walkway (568) Runoff Management System (570) Streambank and Shoreline Protection (580) Vegetative Barrier (601)