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I wrote this biodegradable wattles specification for a riverbank habitat restoration project.

I wrote the last three sentences for this particular project, which has a 3:1 slope above an intertidal river. We will place 12 inches of compost before installing native plants this winter; without the wattles, wet compost will slide to the base of the slope.

BIODEGRADABLE WATTLES

1. Wattles shall consist of 100% biodegradable straw, coir, excelsior or compost encased in 100% biodegradable fabric or mesh.
2.  Wattles shall be a minimum of 8 inches in diameter free of cuts tears and damage.
3. The installation of straw wattles shall be per WSDOT Standard Plan I-30.30-00 “Wattle Installation on Slope”.
4. Wattles shall be staked in place using wooden stakes a minimum of 16 inches long.  The stakes shall be cut flush with the top of the wattles.
5. Wattles shall be installed on the Site 25 slope above +12 elevation.
6. Wattles shall be installed in two rows across the slope parallel to the 12 + elevation. 
7. Rows shall be approximately 7 feet above the +12 elevation and 7 feet below the top of the slope.