Polyacrylamide Granule Description:

Polyacrylamides (PAMs), are polymer-based materials used to facilitate erosion control and decrease soil sealing by binding soil particles, especially clays, to hold them on site. In addition, these types of materials may also be used as a water treatment additive to remove suspended particles from runoff.

Description and Purpose of Granule Polyacrylamide

PAM increases the soil’s available pore volume, thus increasing infiltration and reducing the quantity of stormwater runoff that can cause erosion. Suspended sediments from PAM treated soils exhibit increased flocculation over untreated soils. The increased flocculation aids in their deposition, thus reducing stormwater runoff turbidity and improving water quality. PAMs may be used as a water treatment additive to remove suspended particles from runoff. PAMs may also be used to provide an appropriate medium for the growth of vegetation for further stabilization. Pollutant(s) controlled:  Suspended Solids
Treatment Mechanisms:  Chemical (flocculation & coagulation)

Advantages for Anionic Polyacrylamide in Soil Stabilization:

• Improves stability of problem soils to prevent soil detachment (i.e. prevents erosion) in the first place
• Provides quick stabilization where vegetation has yet to be established
• Promotes flocculation (reduces settling time) of smallest particles
• Increases soil pore volume and permeability, thus decreasing imperious cover
• Less obtrusive than some conventional measures - doesn’t interfere with construction machinery/activity
• Convenient and easy to apply and store along with other soil amendments (fertilizer, mulch, etc.) with conventional seeding, mulching, or irrigation equipment
• The material is specifically designed for the soil, waters, and other on-site characteristics
• May prevent costly repair and reshaping of rilling or failing slopes

• Re-application may not be necessary for several months if treated areas are mulched

• Reduces seed, pesticide, and fertilizer (phosphorus and nitrogen) losses that hinder vegetation establishment on site, increase costs, and promotes nutrient and chemical loading offsite

• Reduces windborne dust conditions

Anionic Polyacrylamide Can be Applied to the Following Areas:

• Roughly graded soils will be inactive for a period of time.
• Final graded soils before application of final stabilization (e.g., paving, planting, mulching).
• Temporary haul roads prior to placement of crushed rock surfacing.
• Compacted soil road base.
• Construction staging, materials storage, and layout areas.
• Soil stockpiles.
• Areas that will be mulched.

Anionic Polyacrylamide Can be Used in Several Forms:

• Powder
• Powder added to water (wet, as a stock solution)
• Emulsion
• Gel blocks or bricks

Application:

Anchor in ditches/manholes/ catch basins as far upstream as possible. The dissolved polyacrylamide must mix well in the moving water and have the opportunity to settle out the suspended solids.

Small Jobs: Use 1 brick /1-acre drainage basin.
Large jobs: Calculate the number of bricks needed based on the weight of water being treated.
Recommended dose – 10 ppm. Inspect after each rain event. Normally lasts 2-4 months.