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To add a new post click on the Title.
To become a full contributor with full access to the blog you must set up an e-mail account with google g-mail. http://mail.google.com/mail/signup
You then e-mail me at gbarber@cascade.ab.ca and I send you an invitation to become a contributor.

2010 Chapter Activities.

It is now time to start thinking about our Northern Plains Education initiatives for this fall and winter. If you read the minutes from our last meeting you will see that the Northern Plains Chapter's activities were limited to a few Educational Events early in 2010. There was discussion regarding setting up a chapter event featuring hydroseeding applications in Minnesota, which was promoted by Dwayne Stenlund. Also, Mark Limpert proposed an event in September in Maple Grove.
I am open to suggestions for educational event topics and venues for this fall and winter. As the chapter has been mainly inactive for the past few years, this will be a good chance to restart chapter activities. Note that Meg Tully, the IECA Development Director,suggested that we consider adding membership from Ontario. I have done nothing in that regard, as I think we have to revitalize our own membership before considering widening our already overly large geographic area. I have set up a telephone conference call for Wednesday, July 21st at 10am central time. I invite all interested members to get involved in this call. I will post details in the next week.

Minutes of Annual Meeting - Anatole Hilton, Dallas

Minutes: Annual Meeting, Hilton Anatole Hotel, Dallas, Texas, February 18, 2010
Meeting Called to Order at 5:00 PM
In Attendance:
Ian Corne, outgoing President, Manitoba Gil Barber Jr., Alberta
Mark Limpert, Secretary, Minnesota Ron Hendrickson, North Dakota
Mark Myrowich, outgoing Treasurer, Manitoba Dwayne Stenlund, Minnesota
Gil Barber Sr., Communications, Alberta Di Hollemon, Minnesota
David Walker, recording secretary, Alberta Sam Herrman, Minnesota
1. MOVED BY Mark Myrowich SECONDED BY Mark Limpert to nominate Gil Barber Sr. for position
of President. Gil agreed to serve as President. MOTION CARRIED.
2. MOVED BY Gil Barber Sr. SECONDED BY Dwayne Stenlund to nominate Mark Myrowich for
position of Treasurer. Mark agreed to serve as Treasurer. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Meg Tully, Association Development Director, IECA, joined the meeting about 5:30 PM. Meg
suggested that Ontario IECA members might be interested in joining the Northern Plains Chapter
rather than forming a separate chapter.
4. The group discussed the pros and cons of the Northern Plains Chapter providing financial support
to the Minnesota Erosion Control Association (MECA). MOVED BY Mark Limpert SECONDED BY Gil
Barber Sr. to provide the sum of $250 for sponsorship of the MECA education event in St. Cloud, MN
on March 10-11, 2010. MOTION CARRIED.
5. Mark Limpert stated his intention to organize a Northern Plains Chapter educational event in Maple
Grove, MN on September 10, 2010.
6. Mark Myrowich and Gil Barber organized chapter education events in Red Deer, Alberta on
January 27 and in Winnipeg, Manitoba on January 28 on the topic of “Winter Erosion Control
Practices". In total, over 130 attendees enjoyed valuable educational content delivered by keynote
speaker Alex Zimmerman as well as presenters Mark Myrowich, Gil Barber, Corey Mandrusiak, Ian
Corne, and Sergio Botero.
7. Revenue from the January chapter events did not cover expenses. MOVED BY Dwayne Stenlund
SECONDED BY Gil Barber Jr. to cover the losses of the January chapter events up to a maximum of
$4,000 to be paid from retained earnings from previous Northern Plains Chapter events. MOTION
CARRIED.
8. MOVED BY Gil Barber Jr. SECONDED BY David Walker to adjoin the meeting. MOTION
CARRIED. The meeting ended at 6:30 PM.
Minutes prepared by David Walker on May 10, 2010.
Send corrections and omissions to DavidWalkerCPESC@telus.net 403-278-4775.
International Erosion Control Association NORTHERN PLAINS CHAPTER

BIOENGINEERING and BIOTECHNICAL WORKSHOP STREAMBANK STABILIZATION TECHNIQUES “RETURN TO WILLOW CREEK” JUNE 24 & 25, 2010

Classroom Training:
June 24, 2010
The Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre
2720 Glenmore Trail SE Calgary, AB
T2C 2E6

Field re-visit of 2008 site:
June 25, 2010
Willow Creek
East of Hwy. 2
6 kms. North of Hwy 3 Junction
10 kms. North of Ft. Macleod, Alberta

This 2-day course will provide both theoretical and applied training in bioengineering and biotechnical stabilization techniques with a strong emphasis on erosion and sediment control. We will revisit the site of the 2008 Willow Creek bio-engineering training project, review the design, construction issues and the success of the work. This project was featured in a recent edition of Lands & Water Magazine. The material presented will be of use to regulators, designers, project managers, and contractors.
DAY 1: June 24th - Classroom Training (Topics will include):
 Benefits and techniques of bioengineering and biotechnical slope and streambank stabilization
 Harvesting and handling of woody cuttings
 Re-directive and resistive techniques: rock vanes, longitudinal peaked stone toe protection, vegetated riprap, rootwad revetments
 Biotechnical techniques: modified brush layering, live siltation, willow wattles, live staking
 Erosion control techniques: compost berms and blankets, seeding, silt fencing
 Selection and implementation of techniques
DAY 2: June 25th -Travel to the Willow Creek field site will be by passenger coach or if you prefer, by your own vehicle.(There is space for parking). The bus will be on-site all day to provide a washroom, resting, and shelter facility. We will review and assess all BMPs that were installed in 2008 including hydro-mulching (straw, fibres, tackifiers) and hydroseeding, blown compost berm and blanket placement, live siltation and brush layering behind LPSTP, geotextile soil wrap, turf reinforcement mattings, and other procedures such as Slope stabilization by soil nailing.
Your Instructor: John McCullah, Salix Applied Earthcare - (Redding, California, USA), John is a recognized expert in erosion control, watershed restoration, and technical training. He has contributed significantly in the development of the Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation Best Management Practices for erosion control. John has led many hands-on training courses across North America and has developed the Dirt Time training video series.

BIOENGINEERING and BIOTECHNICAL
STREAMBANK STABILIZATION TECHNIQUES

Classroom Workshop and Field Visit
June 24-25, 2010
Calgary, Alberta & Willow Creek, Alberta (Field Site)
Workshop Schedule
DAY ONE THURSDAY, June 24th Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Continental Breakfast & Registration
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Classroom Training
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch *
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Classroom Training DAY TWO FRIDAY, June 25th Field Visit
8:15 AM Meet in hotel lobby to pick up bag lunches** for field trip and board the coach. (those who prefer to drive on their own, meet on-site at 9:45 AM)
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Travel to Willow Creek Site via Passenger Coach
9:45 AM – 4:00 PM
Field visit led by our Instructor, John McCullah -- Lunch on site
4:00 PM
Return to Calgary * Day 1 Buffet Lunch will be provided in the meeting room. ** Day 2 Bag Lunches will be provided.
** For those who wish only to participant in the field visit on DAY 2, we are making this an option.
Accommodation
Our host hotel and meeting venue is The Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre, 2720 Glenmore Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2C 2E6. Phone 1-800-661-3163 or 403-279-8611. (http://www.glenmoreinn.com).
A block of 15 rooms has been reserved for out of town attendees, requiring accommodation.
Please mention that you are with the C-TEP Bioengineering Workshop when booking your rooms. Reserve early!
If it is more convenient for some attendees to travel to the field site on their own on Day 2, you can meet on site at 9:45 AM.
Registrants are responsible for their own accommodation, breakfast on Day 2 and dinners.

BIOENGINEERING & BIOTECHNICAL WORKSHOP 2010
Registration Form (fax to 780-422-2027) or email: nlittle@c-tep.com
Name: ___________________________________________________________________
Organization: ______________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________
City/Prov: ______________________________________ Postal Code: ______________
Tel: _______________ Fax: _________________ Email: __________________________
WORKSHOP FEES:
Organization
Fee (DAY 1 & 2)
Fee (Day 2 only)
Alberta Transportation & Other C-TEP Members
Day 1: $699
Day 2: $299
Other Government Agencies
Day 1: $699
Day 2: $299
Non C-TEP or
Non Government
Day 1: $949
Day 2: $499
Your workshop fee (GST Exempt), includes:
o Classroom materials, continental breakfast and buffet lunch on Day 1.
o Coach bus transportation to field site (return) and a bag lunch on Day 2.
o Fees are due and payable upon receipt of confirmation.
o BULK DISCOUNT: Enrol 4 from your organization and the 5th person will receive a ½ price discount.
Payment Method: Credit Card Cheque DAY 1 & 2 DAY 2 ONLY
Payment Amount: $ _____________
Visa or MasterCard: fax to 780-422-2027 or email nlittle@consultant.com
Credit card Number: _________________________________________________
Print name as it appears on the card: ____________________________________
Expiry Month/Year: ____________ Signature: ___________________________________
By Cheque :) to (780) 422-2027
Please make cheques payable to “C-TEP” and send with registration form to:
C-TEP
c/o Alberta Transportation - Technical Standards Branch
2nd Floor, Twin Atria Bldg. 4999 – 98 Avenue
Edmonton, AB Canada T6B 2X3
Attention: Neil Little Executive Director

Check Out this link for upcoming Conferences, Workshops and seminars.
http://www.metrowater.org/2873.html

It also links to the Annual Mn Erosion Control Associations Conference on March 11-12, 2010.

EC10 Government Relations Committee Invite

Dear fellow IECA Chapter Presidents, and other outstanding IECA member contributors, and past GRC committee members, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you or representatives from your Chapter to come to the Government Relations Committee meeting scheduled for Friday, February 19, 2010 from 8:45 – 10:00 a.m. in the Rosetta Room at the EC10 Conference in Dallas, Texas.

We have an energetic and highly competent new GRC Chair person in Brett Bergefurd of Delaware County, Ohio.

Unfortunately, Brett will not be able to attend the EC10 conference, so I will be taking the lead (as a past Chairman) to make the presentation.The IECA has been working on development of the IECA Government Relations Committee (GRC) process in 2009 to create a more effective and member active committee. In this process it is crucial that Chapter representation be present and engaged in the GRC activities in order for the process to be an effective and useful resource for IECA and its members. If each of you can make the effort to have a Chapter representative at this meeting, this would be great (and well appreciated).

Attached is an agenda for the GRC meeting. As you will see, it is a short topic list.

What we primarily want to do is role out the process and share information on how the process is designed to work and what we want the GRC to accomplish in the next few years. This will most likely take the hour and a half that we have dedicated to this meeting. However, this meeting will set the cornerstone for our progress and success for the GRC.

Also attached is a Power Point presentation and a word document outlining the developing IECA GRC process.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me by e-mail or phone (Philip.HandleyIII@saws.org or 210-233-3564.

Chapter President's Message

February 8, 2010

Greetings IECA Northern Plains Chapter Members:

This correspondence is very long overdue. You may have noticed a lack of Chapter activity over the last year and a half. I now live on the Pacific Coast and have been unable to attend to Northern Plains Chapter business.

A big thank you to Mark Myrowich and Gil Barber for organizing the recent "Winter Erosion" Chapter events in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Red Deer, Alberta. In total over 130 attendees enjoyed valuable educational content delivered by guest speaker Alex Zimmerman.

The event also featured new pull-up banners promoting the IECANP Chapter. If your region is planning an event, please contact me to have one of the banners sent to your event.

I am pleased to announce that Gil Barber of Edmonton, Alberta has agreed to let his name stand as nominated for election as President of the IECANP region. Gil has been active in the industry for many years and was instrumental in the Northern Plains Chapter's development. Gil also developed and maintains the popular and heavily trafficked Chapter blog. Gil was "Acting President" for many years and the Chapter will be served very well under his pending official Presidential tenure.

I invite all those attending the IECA convention in Dallas to attend the Chapter Meeting. Elections will be held for President, Secretary, Treasurer and Regional Vice-Presidents. The meeting will be Thursday, February 18, 5:00 - 6:30 in the Opal Room.

I look forward to seeing all IECANP member delegates at the meeting.

Respectfully yours,

Ian Corne, CPESC, M.Land.Arch., B.E.S.
President, IECA Northern Plains Chapter

The Alaskan Experience

ESCN.TV has a segment on Alex Zimmerman and his seminar on erosion and sediment control in the arctic environment. This workshop was held in both Edmonton, with 41 participants, and in Winnipeg with about 90 participants. The big difference in the attendance was the large numbers of Manitoba Highways and Environment employees attending. There were none in Alberta from the government departments. Take a look at this weeks news. Click on the title.

Facts about the 1500's from David Derrick

Here are some facts about the 1500s:

Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath
in May, and they still smelled pretty good by June.. However, since they were
starting to smell . .. . brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body
odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.

Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the
house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and
men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the
babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose
someone in it. Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the Bath
water!"

Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood
underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats
and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it
became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof.
Hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs."

There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This
posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess
up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the
top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.

The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt.
Hence the saying, "Dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get
slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to
help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until,
when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of
wood was placed in the entrance-way. Hence: a thresh hold.

(Getting quite an education, aren't you?)

In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that
always hung over the fire.. Every day they lit the fire and added things to
the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat
the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and
then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been
there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme: Peas porridge hot, peas porridge
cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old.

Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special.
When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a
sign of wealth that a man could, "bring home the bacon." They would cut off a
little to share with guests and would all sit around and chew the fat.

Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid
content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead
poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400
years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.

Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom
of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper
crust.

Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would
sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along
the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid
out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather
around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the
custom of holding a wake.

They used to use urine to tan animal skins, so families used to all pee in
a pot & then once a day it was taken & sold to the tannery.......if you had
to do this to survive you were "Piss Poor"
But worse than that were the really poor folk who couldn't even
afford to buy a pot......they "didn't have a pot to piss in" & were the
lowest of the low

England is old and small and the local folks started running out of
places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones
to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of
25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized
they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist
of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie
it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the
graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus,someone could be, saved by the
bell or was considered a dead ringer...

And that's the truth...Now, whoever said History was boring ! ! !

So . . . get out there and educate someone! ~~~ Share these facts
with a friend

Alberta DOT Willow Creek Project

Subject: Alberta DOT - Willow Creek Project - documentary done


http://www.watchyourdirt.com/watchyourdirt-erosion-control/2009/5/27/new-eros
ion-control-dvd-the-willow-creek-project-is-released


Dear Colleagues

Please check out the Willow Creek project. The design and implementation of
this HUGE Highway stabilization project followed the guidelines in NCHRP
Report 544 - Environmentally-Sensitive Channel and Bank Protection Measures.

This is the third such project initiated by Alberta Infrastructure (DOT) over
the last 4 years, intending demonstrate the habitat benefits, water quality,
and cost-effectiveness of these techniques. These "biotechnical projects"
(using bioengineering in conjunction with structural methods in a
mutually-reinforcing manner) are being documented (films produced) by the DOT
to help spread awareness of these environmentally-sensitive techniques that
can sometimes be employed in conjunction with or instead of riprap. The
highway department was having considerable difficulty getting permits or
environmental concurrence from the regulators, similar to the many highway
engineers throughout the States.

The regulators (DFO - Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Alberta
Environmental, etc.) are now embracing these types of techniques because of
little to no turbidity, greatly reduced need (none so far) for stream
isolation, and documented habitat enhancements.

For those who don't know, National Cooperative Highway Research Program
(NCHRP) and the Transportation Research Board (TRB) published this 3-year
research, Environmentally-Sensitive Channel - and Bank Protection measures
which documents over 50 techniques (environmentally-sensitive) that can be
employed to stabilize streambanks and channels. For instance, Rock-filled
Gabions would not be considered environmentally-sensitive - no shade, no
cover, no refugia, no substrate complexity, no habitat benefits. However,
gabions built with long willow and/or cottonwood poles planted through the
Gabions during construction is considered environmentally-sensitive. Plus,
the woody vegetation will help the gabions longevity, protecting the wire
from abrasion and corrosion, and increase the pullout resistance and
anchoring of the baskets. The roots also provide significant geotechnical
strength to the slope. The widely respected Donald Gray, Professor Emeritus
Geotechnical Engineering, University of Michigan and the preeminent Dr.
Douglas F. Shields, Research Hydrologist were co-researchers on this project.

Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with these strategies.


http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=718


Environmentally Sensitive Channel- and Bank-Protection Measures


TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 544:
Environmentally Sensitive Channel- and Bank-Protection Measures examines
environmentally sensitive channel- and bank-protection measures and includes
recommended design guidelines for their application and a selection system
for helping to determine the most appropriate channel- and bank-protection
measure. The selection system is presented as an interactive software program
entitled "Greenbank," which can be found on the accompanying CD-ROM
(CRP-CD-58). The selection system software (CRP-CD-58) is available for
download in an ZIP format

Download the NCHRP CRP-CD-58 in ZIP format.

(Warning: This is a very large file (740 MB) and will take approximately 7
hours to download with a high-speed connection.)


~ ~ ~
John McCullah
Salix Applied Earthcare
Redding, CA (530) 247-1600
www.SalixAEC.com
www.watchyourdirt.com

Erosion Seminar Jan 27, Red Deer, Alberta

Erosion and Sediment Control Workshop
Winter Erosion Control Practices
“An Alaskan Experience” and other fall and winter related activities.


Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 8:00am to 4:00pm
Capri Hotel, Trade & Convention Centre
3310 - 50 Avenue • Red Deer, Alberta T4N 3X9 • Canada • (403) 346-2091
• (800) 662-7197

Agenda:
7am: Registration, booth set up and continental breakfast
8am: Alex Zimmerman - Cool projects —Design for effective erosion and sediment control using innovative design techniques to solve challenging problems
10am: Coffee Break
10:30am: Mark Myrowich Using Biotic Earth to grow vegetation in the north, from Manitoba to Northern Quebec, Mark will talk about challenging going conditions and how to beat them
11am: Alex Zimmerman Erosion Control and Ice, working in Winter Conditions.
Demolishing bridges when the river is frozen,
and how to keep the environment protected
Noon: Lunch
1pm:
1:30pm:
2:00pm: Coffee Break
2:30pm: Alex Zimmerman What to Inspect? Learn how to inspect in northern
conditions and what to think about before, during and after
the winter season.
4pm: Wrap up.
Before Dec. 23, 2009
$75.00 per person
After Dec. 23, 2009
$75.00 per person
To register: e-mail: gbarber@cascade.ab.ca
or call Gil Barber at: 800 565-6130
Payment can be made by cheque, visa or mastercard.
Cheques are to be made payable to:
IECA Northern Plains Chapter.
Space is limited so please register early.

A Time Lapse Stop Action Video by James Swirsky

Click on the video screen to go to the actual video. INGENIOUS
James has a lot of other videos here from the various episodes of "DIRT TIME"

Little Workers - OHV Timelapse Pieces from BlinkWorks -James Swirsky on Vimeo.

EC47-Water Harvesting or Rainwater Management

For those of you working in Urban Environments this looks like a great course in "Water Gardening"

Click on the heading for more information

Course Description:

Water harvesting is the activity of direct collection of rainwater. Water harvesting means to understand the value of rain and to make optimum use of the rainwater at the place where it falls. Because of drought conditions and water pollution, many states are beginning to see the value of water harvesting.

This course will show individuals and communities the benefits of a water harvesting system, how to construct a water harvesting system, and how to maintain a water harvesting system.

Agenda:

• Give an overview of water harvesting.
• Through case studies, show how water harvesting is beneficial to minimizing pollution from stormwater runoff.
• Through case studies, show how water harvesting is useful for water conservation.
• Show participants how to construct a water harvesting system (residential and commercial)
• Detail best maintenance practices on the system.

Using the calendar

If you have an event you would like added to the calendar please e-mail me at gbarber@cascade.ab.ca and I will add the event. I am working on getting any contributor to have access but I haven't figured that one out yet!

Minnesota Erosion Control Association: 22nd Annual Erosion Control & Stormwater Management Conference & Trade Show!

March 11-12, 2010 St. Cloud, MN
Online registration for the 2010 MECA conference is now open!
http://www.regonline.com/Checkin.asp?EventId=779641

For more information about the conference, view the latest brochure.
http://www.mnerosion.org/pdfs/conferencebrochure2010.pdf

Minnesota Erosion Control Association: “Managing Risk During Construction: Practical Tips for Reducing Erosion and the Potential for Enforcement”

“Managing Risk During Construction: Practical Tips for Reducing
Erosion and the Potential for Enforcement”


January 12, 2010
Douglas County Public Works Building
526 Willow Drive
Alexandria, MN 56308
8:30 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Training
Lunch and coffee included

Please register no later than one week prior to event.

• Are your projects catching the unwanted attention of the inspectors?
• Unsure how to stay out of the limelight?
• Questioning when you really need a permit?
• Wondering where to go in central Minnesota for erosion control supplies and advice?
• Want some practical tips on how to maintain your erosion control throughout the project?
• Want some practice looking at sites and figuring out how handle erosion control in a better way?

Join us for a friendly discussion on how to stay out of erosion control trouble and keep your project moving ahead smoothly.
Hear presentations by the MECA Staff, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency inspectors and other erosion and sediment control and stormwater management experts.
See samples and catalogs of erosion control supplies, blank permit forms, storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) templates and other useful tools.


A refund of the registration fee (minus $25) will be given for cancellations received up to 5 business days prior to the event.
For cancellations received beyond 5 business days, but prior to the event, 50% will be refunded.
Minnesota Erosion Control Association Presents:

______________________________________________________________________________________
Registration Fee: Workshop Date: (please check one)
$50 – MECA Members
December 2, 2009
$60 – All others
January 12, 2010
Name______________________________________________________
Organization_________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Phone______________________________________________________
Email______________________________________________________

Vegetarian meal requested

Please do not include my name on the distributed attendee list
Payment type:

Check
PO___________ Make checks payable to MECA

Credit Card number___________________________________, expiration date____________________

VISA
Mastercard
Minnesota Erosion Control Association
215 Hamel Road, Hamel MN 55340
Phone 763-478-3267 Fax 763-478-3612
www.mnerosion.org

From the IECA E-Update

Northern Plains Chapter Hosts Workshop Jan. 28th in Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Entitled Winter Erosion Control Practices: An Alaskan Experience with keynote speaker Alex Zimmerman (pictured left), this one-day workshop will cover design and inspection issues in very cold climates as well as innovative erosion control designs when dealing with arctic conditions. Complete Event Details >. "I look forward to hearing about challenging remote and cold conditions in Alaska and what they do to overcome those challenges," said Keith Porter of Mid Canada Hydroseeding and IECA member for 10 years. "We have not had a workshop in Manitoba for a couple years, so we are excited to host this event," said Mark Myrowich, treasurer of the IECA Northern Plains Chapter. The seating is limited, and there is an early bird registration deadline of Dec. 23rd. For more information or to register, please contact Cindy Reekie at creekie@nilex.com.

RE: Jan 28, 2010 Erosion Control conference in Winnipeg #5

From: De La Mare, Geri [mailto:Geri.DeLaMare@calgary.ca]
Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 11:42 AM
To: 'Gil Barber'; 'Mark Limpert'; 'Mark Myrowich'; 'Ian Corne'; Belz, Lori (DOT); info@FlaxTech.com
Cc: meg@ieca.org; 'Garry McFarlane'; warrene@gronatural.com; director@ieca.org
Subject: RE: Jan 28, 2010 Erosion Control conference in Winnipeg - Without Prejudice

Hello everyone:

I have not heard of any events here in Alberta and consider myself to be the last one to know if I find out about anything at all re the Northern Plains Chapter…even if it means members (executives?) of the Chapter meeting with individuals here in Calgary who are not IECA members..hmmm…a disconnect?

I have indicated at a few membership committee meetings that the Northern Plains chapter is not a coherent group.

There seem to be a few long-time members with this Chapter…what has worked in the past or has anything worked regarding a functional chapter membership?

I believe that just before the IECA annual conference last year I received a flurry of emails regarding our Chapter and maybe a flurry of emails just after the conference…and then there was nothing, absolutely nothing.

I would definitely like to see a reinvigoration of the membership…in fact, I have never seen it active!

Respectfully submitted,

Geri De La Mare

RE: Jan 28, 2010 Erosion Control conference in Winnipeg #4

From: Gil Barber [mailto:gbarber@cascade.ab.ca]
Sent: 2009 December 04 12:50 PM
To: 'Mark Limpert'; 'Mark Myrowich'; 'Ian Corne'; lori.belz@state.mn.us; De La Mare, Geri; info@FlaxTech.com
Cc: meg@ieca.org; 'Garry McFarlane'; warrene@gronatural.com; director@ieca.org
Subject: RE: Jan 28, 2010 Erosion Control conference in Winnipeg

I am glad to see this discussion, and I hope something constructive comes out of it. Nothing has been done for the last few years, and there has been no leadership at all. I became very frustrated last year with the inactivity, and trying to keep the chapter blog current became a chore. I have not done anything with it for the last 6 months. Is there a consensus here to try to reinvigorate the chapter? If there is then we need a new executive from the top down that will be willing to follow through, and we need an active membership promotion along with a new emphasis on training and education. I for one would be willing to recommit myself to this goal.

Anyone else?

Gil

Re: Jan 28, 2010 Erosion Control conference in Winnipeg - #3

From: Mark Limpert [mailto:markl@gronatural.com]
Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 12:30 PM
To: Mark Myrowich; 'Ian Corne'; lori.belz@state.mn.us; geri.delamare@calgary.ca; gbarber@cascade.ab.ca; info@FlaxTech.com
Cc: meg@ieca.org; 'Garry McFarlane'; warrene@gronatural.com; director@ieca.org
Subject: Re: Jan 28, 2010 Erosion Control conference in Winnipeg

Mark,

You take my message the wrong way. I credit any activity as better than nothing - which has been the norm. What I said is that it should not only be you, Ian and Garry - the chapter as a whole needs to be more communicative and involved. The board should have been notified of this and the national group should have been advised prior to advertisement - that is just logistics and I do not have a huge "stink" with it. But it does indicate a disconnect within our chapter and our relationship with IECA. I have had a constructive conversation with Ian about it - who is also frustrated with the lack of participation in our group - and I am as guilty as every one else when it comes to involvement.

I also wanted to address the ongoing problem of lack of trade representation in my message - which I think I was pretty clear on. This is a much larger issue and one that is imperative to the future of the industry.

"Without a successful trade organization to promote products, manufacturers and distributors, the industry will fail". Mark Limpert

(Not as snarky as "Unknowns" quote, but more relevant to the subject matter).

Go Natural with GroNatural!
Mark Limpert, Executive Vice President
GroNatural
PO Box 8
550 South 3rd Street
Winsted, MN 55395
Office 320-485-2800
Fax 320-485-2815
Cell 612-490-8215
markl@gronatural.com
www.GroNatural.com

Jan 28, 2010 Erosion Control conference in Winnipeg #2

From: Mark Myrowich

To: 'Mark Limpert' ; 'Ian Corne' ; lori.belz@state.mn.us ; geri.delamare@calgary.ca ; gbarber@cascade.ab.ca ; info@FlaxTech.com

Cc: meg@ieca.org ; 'Garry McFarlane'

Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 11:28 AM

Subject: RE: Jan 28, 2010 Erosion Control conference in Winnipeg

Mark,

The event got coordinated by Ian Corne, Garry Mcfarlane of Brock White and myself. If there is a problem with having the IECA Northern Plains Chapter on the ticket then I have no problems taking it off and making it a private event. I guess it is the call of the board of directors.

“It is easier to raise a stink and be a back seat driver than it is to actually do something positive with that energy.” Unknown

Mark Myrowich

Jan 28, 2010 Erosion Control conference in Winnipeg #1

From: Mark Limpert [mailto:markl@gronatural.com]
Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 11:12 AM
To: Ian Corne; lori.belz@state.mn.us; geri.delamare@calgary.ca; gbarber@cascade.ab.ca; Mark Myrowich; info@FlaxTech.com
Cc: meg@ieca.org; director@ieca.org
Subject: Jan 28, 2010 Erosion Control conference in Winnipeg

Hello group,

I have heard through the grapevine that there is a Northern Plains Chapter event happening in Winnipeg.

How did this event get coordinated? I heard about it from a customer. Two guys getting together to try and make SOMETHING happen.

This is not acceptable - where is the cohesion as a group? 2 guys can't be responsible for representing the industry in 3 states and 3 provinces.

We have had no communication or activity as a chapter - it seems no one has the time, energy or finances to commit to regular meetings or functions. This has to change.

Does this mean reducing the geographical size of the chapters? I am not sure but something needs to happen. Ian is coordinating a chapter meeting at EC10 in Dallas- we need to get people there to discuss the future of this chapter.

We have a deeper problem here - we have no trade organization.

IECA comes the closest but has primarily focused on education - which is fine.

We can educate everyone on the continent, but without a successful trade organization to promote products, manufacturers and distributors, the industry will fail.

Other industries have robust trade organizations that do nothing but promote the industries products - to the people who spec, buy and use the products - that is something I think we could all get behind. The content becomes about the industries products as a whole - not each company battling over product development, costly individual The current process has driven needed high specifications/certifications and then standing alone in marketing and promotion of the products. quality/high value products to the bottom of the market - mandating that product pricing must be lowered just to stay in the game. This is a recipe for disaster. The industry as a whole (manufacturers, distributors, specifiers and end users) are frustrated and suffering because of it.

This is an integral issue that needs to be addressed - by our chapter and moreover by the industry.

Regards,

Mark Limpert

Go Natural with GroNatural!
Mark Limpert, Executive Vice President
GroNatural
PO Box 8
550 South 3rd Street
Winsted, MN 55395
Office 320-485-2800
Fax 320-485-2815
Cell 612-490-8215
markl@gronatural.com
www.GroNatural.com

Minnesota Seminar #2

This is a workshop MN Erosion Control Assoc. is putting on as well as information on their upcoming annual conference. Click on the title.

Minnesota Seminar #1

From Lori Belz:

We have gained a number of new members over the year, a good thing. The chapter needs to offer/inform them of training and learning opportunities. I realize I do not look on the IECA web page regularly, or check the BLOG. If we (me) got in the habit of utilizing our communication tools(s) and the members know where to look for the latest information, this would be a great step forward. Gil could you put these on the Northern Pains calendar on the blog. I couldn’t get it to open.

Seminar #1:

the regular permit training put on by the U of M: Click on link above

A Rejuvenation?

NEW CPESC's in Alberta

Banting, Murray Sinclair Calgary (403) 204-3322 3043 Mar 20, 2005
Barber, Gilbert I. Stony Plain (780) 454-2400 2788 Mar 3, 2004
Barber, Gilbert Jonathan Edmonton (780) 917-7362 4445 Jun 11, 2009
Blakely, Deighen E. Calgary (403) 297-5907 3468 Apr 17, 2006
Borggard, Joal Leslie Canmore (403) 804-8108 5274 Jun 11, 2009
Buchko, John Edmonton (780) 733-7327 3751 Dec 4, 2006
Buchner, Joseph S. Calgary (403) 287-9741 2509 Sep 2, 2002
Cheng, Fred M. Edmonton (780) 415-1039 3025 Mar 12, 2005
De La Mare, Geri G. Calgary (403) 268-5184 2627 Apr 29, 2003
Dinu, David Alan Calgary (403) 540-6902 3055 Apr 12, 2005
Li, Edmund Chi-ming Calgary (403) 607-0049 2508 Sep 2, 2002
Lumabi, Leonora Edmonton (780) 496-6853 3047 Mar 20, 2005
Mandrusiak, Corey A. Edmonton (780) 488-4244 5275 Jun 11, 2009
Sinton, Heather M. Calgary (403) 297-3628 2771 Mar 3, 2004
Tait, Graham Donald Calgary (403) 268-2655 2768 Mar 3, 2004
Travis, John David Balzac (403) 660-9638 2213 Feb 24, 2001
Ure, Rochelle Leanne Edmonton (780) 969-2275 4166-IT NA
Vanderwel, Douwe St. Albert (780) 442-0683 1612 Apr 24, 1998
Walker, David G. Calgary (403) 278-4775 1043 Apr 6, 1995
Wonnacott, Ryan David Edmonton (780) 989-4569 4477 Feb 28, 2008
Zwierink, Mel Albert Calgary (403) 216-8932 4073 Jun 26, 2007

Envirocert International, Inc. 2008.

Erosion & Sediment Control Professional Development Training

FYI - May 19 - 22, 2009 in Calgary (location TBA)

May 19 & 20, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm - How to Design Effective Sediment & Erosion Control Plans
Instructors: Dr. David Walker CPESC, Geri DelaMare CPESC, Joe Buchner CPESC, Dave Dinu CPESC, Edmund Li CPESC

May 21 - CPESC Exam Review Canadian Version

May 22 - CPESC Exam Canadian Version

Registrar: Linda Jones, CLRA Alberta Chapter, P.O. Box 61047, Kensington Post Office, Calgary, AB, T2N 4S6
Phone or fax: 403.289.9435

Looking for Examples of Digital Erosion and Sediment Control Files

Good Day All,

I am starting an Erosion and Sediment Control company here in Saskatchewan this spring. I am wondering if anybody would have a digital set of generic Erosion and Sediment Control plans that I could use as a reference in setting up my ACAD LT 2009 pen styles, pen weights, line types, etc.

If so, please email eworrall@sasktel.net

Thanks

Stenlogs and Power Poles

Mark in a ditch

The blog continues on

Even though it appears that the chapter has gone dormant due to bad management and lack of enthusiasm, I have decided to carry on with the blog. I will post information and news as it passes my desk. Perhaps no one will read this, but nonetheless I will carry on.

Erosion Matters Blog will be featured in IECA article

I was interviewed by Greg Northcutt of the Erosion Control Journal a few weeks ago about this blog and its importance to maintaining communications within the chapter. The story is scheduled for the March/April, 2009, issue of IECA News/Erosion Control journal.

Worldwide Soil Loss

There was a great article on soil loss in the September 2008 National Geographic, titled Our Good Earth.

Soil Erosion sequesters Atmospheric Carbon

Perhaps the radical environmental crowd will try to stop our erosion reclamation industry.

"Agricultural soil erosion is not a source of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, according to research published online today (25 October) in Science. The study was carried out by an international team led by researchers at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, the University of Exeter, UK, and the University of California, Davis. The researchers developed a new method to establish the net effect of erosion on exchanges of carbon between the soil and the atmosphere.

They found that in landscapes subject to soil erosion, erosion acts like a conveyor belt, excavating subsoil, passing it through surface soils and burying it in hill-slope hollows. During its journey, the soil absorbs carbon from plant material and this becomes buried within the soil in depositional areas. Erosion, therefore, leads to more carbon being removed from the atmosphere than is emitted, creating what can be described as a 'sink' of atmospheric carbon."

Click on the Title to visit the article

IECA EC 09 in Reno, Nevada February 9-12, 2009

It is time to start thinking about the IECA Annual Convention.

I hope to see you there.

ALBERTA: BIOENGINEERING and BIOTECHNICAL STREAMBANK STABILIZATION TECHNIQUES WORKSHOP: NOVEMBER 4, 5, 6, 2008

Click on the heading above for a link to a printable form.

This 3-day course will provide both theoretical and applied training in bioengineering and biotechnical stabilization techniques with a strong emphasis on erosion and sediment control. The material presented will be of use to regulators, designers, project managers, and contractors.

Classroom Training (November 4th) Topics will include:

Benefits and techniques of bioengineering and biotechnical slope and streambank stabilization

Harvesting and handling of woody cuttings

Re-directive and resistive techniques: rock vanes, longitudinal peaked stone toe protection, vegetated riprap, rootwad revetments

Biotechnical techniques: modified brush layering, live siltation, willow wattles, live staking

Erosion control techniques: compost berms and blankets, seeding, silt fencing

Selection and implementation of techniques

Field Training (November 5 & 6) will be offered at the Willow Creek site located just east of Hwy 2, 6 kms. north of the Hwy. 3 junction, or 10 kms. north of Ft. Macleod, Alberta. Travel will be by passenger coach bus. Participants will install willow wattles, live stakes, and brush layering. Demonstrations provided at the site during the training will include hydromulching (straw, fibres, tackifiers), and hydroseeding, blown compost berm and blanket placement, live siltation and brush layering behind LPSTP, geotextile soil wrap, turf reinforcement mattings, and in-stream monitoring procedures. Slope stabilization by soil nailing will be showcased.

Your Instructor: John McCullah, Salix Applied Earthcare (Redding, California), is a recognized expert in erosion control, watershed restoration, and technical training. He has contributed significantly in the development of the Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation Best Management Practices for erosion control. John has led many hands-on training courses across North America and has developed the Dirt Time training video series.

For more technical information call: Fred Cheng, P.Eng. @780-415-1039 (Alberta Transportation) email: fred.cheng@gov.ab.ca

BIOENGINEERING and BIOTECHNICAL
STREAMBANK STABILIZATION TECHNIQUES
Classroom and Field Workshop
November 4, 5 & 6, 2008
Calgary, Alberta & Willow Creek, Alberta

Workshop Schedule
* Day 1 Buffet Lunch will be provided in the meeting room.
** Day 2 & 3 Bag Lunches will be provided.


Accommodation

Our host hotel and meeting place is The Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre, 2720 Glenmore Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2C 2E6 phone 1-800-261-3163. (http://www.glenmoreinn.com.

A block of 20 rooms has been reserved for out of town attendees.

Please mention that you are with the C-TEP Bio Engineering Workshop when booking your rooms. Reserve early!

If it more convenient for some attendees to travel to the field site on their own on Days 2 & 3, they can meet the group on site on Day 2 & 3 at 9:15 AM.

Registrants are responsible for their own accommodation, breakfast on Days 2 & 3 and evening dinners.

BIOENGNEERING & BIOTECHNICAL WORKSHOP 2008

Registrant Responsibilities
• Registrants are responsible for bringing approved safety boots, safety glasses, reflective vests, rubber boots (optional), gloves, hard hats, rain gear, note books/pens. (Shovels and hand tools will be provided at the site.)

• Registrants will be required to sign a Waiver of Liability during registration. A training video will be developed during the course for Alberta Transportation. A permission form to allow your potential appearance in this video will also be provided. Efforts will be made to accommodate those not wishing to appear in the video.
_______________________________________________________________
• Space is limited; early registration is encouraged.

• The registration deadline is October 24, 2008.

• There will be no refunds thereafter, although registrant substitutions are permitted.

• No registration should be considered final until confirmation is received.

We look forward to seeing you !

For questions regarding registration, contact:

Neil Little, C-TEP Executive Director
Ph. 780-422-7634
Email: nlittle@c-tep.com www.c-tep.com

Video of culvert blow-out

Another gem from David Derrick. Click on Title.

Event Invitation: Northern Plains Leadership Conference Call Description Please attend this conference call to discuss issues related to the Northern Plains Chapter. This will be an open-forum type call to discuss what the next best steps will be for the Chapter. Date & Time Date: Mon, Sep 8, 2008 Time: 10:00 AM MDT Duration: 1 hour Host(s): Meg Tully/Ian Corne Presenter Information Meg Tully/Ian Corne To opt-out of future email messages or to manage your email preferences please click here. This email was sent to: gbarber@cascade.ab.ca by Readytalk: 1598 Wynkoop Street Denver, Colorado 80202 USA

"Watch Your Dirt"

I just got an e-mail from John McCullah reminding me of the Watch Your Dirt Internet site where John and James Swirsky ( a really good videographer) have an exceptionally well done Erosion and Sediment Control Website. All of the "Dirt Time" Videos are there and are available for you and your staff. The videos make great "Lunch and Learns" and are well worth the cost. Click on the title to check the site out.

Streambank Reclamation Seminar, Ft McLeod AB - Alberta Transportation

I have just received word that a Streambank Reclamation Seminar with hands on participation will be held the week of November 1 - 7, 2008 on Willow Creek, North of Ft. McLeod, Alberta (West of Lethbridge). John McCullah, CPESC is the Seminar Leader, and attendence may include Tom Carpenter, CPESC, the inventor of the Tommy Silt Fence Machine and ScourStop Transition Matts. John will be demonstrating many Erosion and Sediment Control Best Management Practices during the seminar. Further information should be available in the next few weeks.
In John's words:

"We are repairing about 3000 ft of stream, installing 9 rock vanes and rock longitudinal toe protection with willow and bioengineering of course, then reshaping a huge slump failure up to highway and fixing a 300-500 ft long gully."

Ice Considerations in the Design of River Restoration Structures by Andrew M. Tuthill

David Derrick, Derrick, David L ERDC-CHL-MS [David.L.Derrick@usace.army.mil], has another informative letter out with the following publication of note:

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center announces the publication of a new document on its Web site. This is a very applicable article by Andrew M. Tuthill on river restorations and cold climate ie Winter Ice Considerations:

Abstract:
Modern river restoration and streambank stabilization projects constructed of natural materials are gaining favor over traditional materials such as riprap and concrete. These new structure types provide a more aesthetic and lower-cost means of controlling bed and bank erosion, while improving flow diversity and habitat. Little design guidance exists for these structures on ice-affected rivers, however. This report provides basic design guidelines for these in-stream structures in the ice environment. Critical design questions are whether the structure or project will cause ice jams where none occurred before and also how well the structures will survive ice processes.
For the freezeup period, simple water velocity and ice arching theory may be adequate to predict whether an in-stream structure will retain or pass ice.
Predicting the structures' effect on breakup ice jam formation is much more difficult and, because of this uncertainty, it is recommended that designers avoid locating these types of in-stream structures in sections of river known for destructive breakup ice jams and ice jam flooding.



If you wish to access/download the document (35 pages, 2.5 mb) in pdf format, the address is: http://libweb.wes.army.mil/uhtbin/hyperion/CRREL-TR-08-2.pdf

US Erosion Control Product Manufacturer selling direct to an Alberta Contractor

Business must be really bad in the US (re: earlier comment). Here is a manufacturer in PA selling directly to an Alberta Contractor. AFW is a erosion control contractor, and NOT a distributor.

Product Evaluation
Product ID: 8132-2-33
Initiation Date: May 2008
Revision Date: June 12, 2008
Expiry Date: June 2011

RE: Review of Eastcoast Erosion Blankets – ECSC-2

Eastcoast Erosion Blankets – ECSC-2. This product is manufactured by Eastcoast Erosion Blankets any and distributed in Alberta by AFW Construction.

NY Times article: Follow the Silt

Another great e-mail from Derrick, David L ERDC-CHL-MS [David.L.Derrick@usace.army.mil]

Folks,

Since this NY Times article on stream legacy sediments hit and so many people forwarded it to me I thought I would send it out to all 1900 people on my email list. The question is, does your stream have these sediments or not?
Don't jump to conclusions. Only good data collection, dating of sediment and wood (in other words the good science) can tell whether your stream has legacy sediment. Please read below an excerpt from an article by Dr. Greg Nagle from Cornell University about some of his research findings that are soon to be published. When the full article is published I will get Greg to forward it to me and I will send it out.....

Alberta - everyone wants a piece of the action

I have been noticing that there are a lot of companies from the US and Eastern Canada trying to enter the Alberta Marketplace. The US companies are "dumping" at pricing considerably lower than those the Alberta based companies are offering. At a time when price increases due to fuel and input costs are rising it makes for an interesting marketplace.

My Submission #1 for the New Logo Contest

Submission #1