Blogs

October 2024

COLLABORATE TODAY. SUSTAIN TOMORROW. Logo Contest for Northeast Chapter IECA Contest Overview: We are thrilled to announce a logo design contest for the Northeast Chapter of the IECA! Our mission is to combat soil erosion, protect waterways, and promote sustainable construction and operational practices across the Northeast. We’re seeking a logo that embodies our commitment to environmental stewardship. Contest Details: Theme: The logo should reflect the essence of erosion control, environmental conservation, and the unique landscapes of the Northeast region. Think mountains, rivers, ocean, and forests. Design ...
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An innovative approach to stormwater pollution management involves repurposing textile waste into effective absorbent media. Halen Hardy, a U.S.-based company, has developed a product called Spilltration Husky, created from old clothes, furniture, and bedding. This recycled material not only absorbs hydrocarbons but also allows rainwater to filter through, making it ideal for emergency responses to oil spills. Moreover, the absorbent has been shown to trap sediment particles as small as 53 microns, enhancing its utility in sediment control applications. To improve durability for long-term use, a protective polyurethane mesh layer is added, enabling it to withstand ...
Deserts, with their limited vegetation, are highly susceptible to wind erosion, which contributes to air pollution and public health risks. However, biocrusts—layers of microorganisms that naturally bind soil particles—offer a solution by reducing dust emissions. Unfortunately, biocrusts are fragile and can be easily damaged by activities like grazing and construction. Recent innovations in "crustivoltaics" seek to use solar farms as protective nurseries for biocrusts, utilizing the microclimate created beneath solar panels to accelerate biocrust growth. Key Benefits : Eco-Friendly Restoration : Solar farms support rapid biocrust development, which can ...

September 2024

COLLABORATE TODAY. SUSTAIN TOMORROW. A look back at our annual regional IECA Northeast Chapter conference September 9-11th, 2024 in Scranton, PA. This year we were happy to co-locate with our Mid-Atlantic chapter friends. Together, members enjoyed participating in a golf tournament, a guided walking tour of memorable places from 'The Office' TV sitcom, and multiple educational sessions lead by industry professionals for peer colleagues. We hope you will consider joining us in the future!
Congratulations to our 2024 IECA Board of Directors—meet the new faces leading us forward! We are excited to announce the results of our 2024 IECA Global Board of Directors Election! After a thoughtful voting process, we are proud to introduce the newly elected members who will help shape the future of our association and continue our mission to protect soil and water resources. Joe Johnson Nancy Schumm Ryan Eaves Please ...
As an attendee of the IV Ibero-American Congress of Sediments and Ecology (CISE) and the First Ibero-American Conference on Erosion and Sedimentation (JIES) , I can confidently say that this event exceeded all expectations. Held from August 5-9, 2024, at the stunning Atlantic headquarters of the University of Costa Rica in Turrialba, the congress brought together 120 participants from 13 countries , making it a vibrant and diverse gathering of experts passionate about tackling erosion and sedimentation challenges across the globe. The success of the event was a testament to the hard work and collaboration between multiple organizations, including the ...
Dear IECA Members, As President of IECA, I want to personally remind you of the importance of your vote in our Global Board of Directors elections. The future of our association depends on the leadership we choose today, and each of our candidates has the passion, experience, and vision to help us grow. Your vote is not just a formality—it’s your chance to make a difference. By voting, you are helping to shape the direction of IECA and ensuring we continue to excel in protecting soil and water resources worldwide. Please take a moment to cast your vote if you haven’t already: Vote Now Thank you for your dedication to IECA and ...

August 2024

COLLABORATE TODAY. SUSTAIN TOMORROW. We hope to see you September 9-11, 2024 at our Northeast Regional Conference in Scranton, PA as we co-locate this year with our peers from the Mid-Atlantic region. In addition to pre-planning your personal travel itineraries to get to the conference, we wanted to highlight a few educational opportunities you may be interested in adding to your agenda. Let’s get ready to explore Navigating Soil & Water Management . Tuesday, September 10th 8:30am-9:10am Casey Grand Ballroom Opening Keynote—Abandoned Mines Speaker: Patrick Webb, Director PA Department of Environmental Protection ...

July 2024

COLLABORATE TODAY. SUSTAIN TOMORROW. Proper Turbidity Barrier Installation in Rivers Submitted by Ryan Henderson, Product Specialist at Aer-Flo Environmental When installing turbidity barriers in rivers special attention needs to be given to how the barriers are configured and oriented in the water. The placement of turbidity barriers directly across streams and rivers is never recommended. Crosscurrents place extreme loads on the turbidity barriers and will push the barriers to the surface, preventing them from containing any sediment. Beyond that, the barriers will often be damaged, destroyed, or swept away. Turbidity barriers installed ...