General Pond Location Considerations

After the chilly months of winter, now Spring is here and the weather is warming up, now is the perfect time to get back into the garden. The first thing to do is tidy up and get rid of the winter weeds. Then you can consider planting flowers, growing vegetable or even adding in small aquatic pond.

Ponds are a great way to an attractive feature to a garden and can be as small or as large as you want. Here are a few tips to make sure you get the most from your pond.

General Pond Safety Considerations

Although ponds are very simple, you should still check with your local council on any regulations that may be in place. There may be restrictions on the maximum depth etc. Also it is always prudent to check that there are no pipes underneath where you want to dig, especially if you are going to use an excavator.

General Pond Location Considerations

As with anything to do with real-estate, its all about location, location, location. So when deciding where to put your pond, consider these factors;

1. Ensure that the area receives the ideal amount of at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, as this is best for flowers and plants.

2. Avoid putting a pond under tree(s) as they will collect leaves easily, adding organic matter to the pond and driving algae growth. Trees do provide shade to aquatic life though. So if you do want trees next to your pond, make sure you choose carefully as some trees are also poisonous to ponds..

3. Tree root systems can also have the potential to damage pond liners.

4. Avoid designs that allow water to drain into your pond directly, and avoid positioning a pond in drainage paths.

5. To save on water you can connect your pond as part of your rainwater system.

6. Water that drains out of your pond should always drain away from your house.

When choosing a material, consider the temperate range where you will install, and how long you intend to have the pond for. EPDM is a great choice, but you don’t need a liner that will last 30 years if you are only renting a house for a little while! And likewise don’t use PVC if you are making an aquatic pond such as a koi pond.

For More Information Visit:- Pond Liner

Leaks in Rural and Farm Dams

Dams are valuable resources on farm, being the source of water to feed livestock and provide irrigation for crops. A common misconception people have is that if a dam leaks, it probably wasn’t built properly and a cheap dam liner can be utilised to fix the problem. However it is much more complex and soil conditions determine how the dam is to be initially constructed. Ideally a dam is build on a clay based soil, any other soil to some degree will leak. The worst soils are sandy, loam based soils and shale rock soils, as these will leak the most. Dams are then made with either a clay or bentonite layer and the use of things like dam liners is uncommon as the cost is higher. Dam liners are only employed where other sealing techniques have failed, but can guarantee that no further leaking will occur.

 Aside from the soil condition, dam leakage can also occur by ground movement, erosion, incursion by tree roots and damage from livestock, just to name a few. In cases where leakage occurs, several different types of solutions can be undertaken:

- Rebuild a new dam at a different site.

- Adding a sealant to the dam, however success is low when there is still water in the dam and it is greatly increased with the dam empty. Adding a sealant to a full dam means that the application is largely uncontrolled, and thus success is not guaranteed. The treated layer will also not be compacted making it prone to being disturbed and damaged. Sealants include synthetic polymers, clays such as sodium and calcium bentonite clay and other materials like gypsum.

- Other options include the use of sodium trip polyphosphate (for certain soil conditions), bitumen and concrete .

- Completely cleaning out the dam, and re-compact the soil

- Use of a dam liner, often very expensive, but has a very high success rate and can last from 10 to 30 yrs depending on soil conditions and material choice

 

When looking at a dam liner, there are a few different types of material that can be used, including:

1. Polypropylene and Polyethylene are the most common types of liners.
2. PVC was once a common usage for large dams, but not so any more. It is too costly and doesn’t offer a long life expectancy. It is still suitable for smaller installs though.
3. A quality HDPE liner can provide for a long life expectancy, and
4. EPDM and butyl based rubber liners tend to give the longest lifespans, with 30+ yrs not being uncommon.

For further information on leaking dams and possible remedies, we recommend reading the resource on leaking dams is provided by the Western Australian Government at

http://archive.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_assets/content/lwe/water/eng/fn005_2003.pdf

also see the NSW Government’s resource handbook on dams, which discusses methods of fitting the dam-liners into the eco-systems:

http://www.sca.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/39704/FarmDamFinalLR.pdf

Extend your travel time with a portable recreational fuel or water bladder

Boating, fishing or camping, you can enjoy longer trips away by conveniently storing extra fuel and water onboard with a custom made bladder.

Unlike rigid plastic and metal canisters, a bladder tank can be custom made to suit your vehicle, boat or even motorbike.

And when empty, they roll up to a fraction of the final fill size and weigh little compared to the final fill weight.

The flexibility of a bladder also means you can store them in recesses such as rear footwells, rear or side cargo areas, and many other places that would be hard to fit a rigid canister.

When considering a bladder, be it for fuel, water or some other liquid, make sure its fit for purpose. This means in the case of fuel, the material is rated to hold fuel and won’t leak or weep over time. Not all fuels are the same and for a fuel like unleaded petrol the bladder will have to be specially made if they are to last. In the case of water, the material should be a potable grade material, meaning it is water safe and will have no after taste from the material.

 Other points to look for when buying a bladder is to make sure:

1. It is puncture resistant, as you don’t want it leaking in the car!
2. Weather resistant – you will be outdoors after all
3. It is not cheaply produced, sealing and joining techniques such as heat or hf welding are much more stronger than a chemical or glue bonds.

Apart from fuel and water you can also store liquids like black and grey water.

Advantages here are the bladder will only fill as required, with no airspace.

This reduces contamination problems and means you only use the minimum amount of space needed.

Water and fuel bladders can be made in sizes to store liquids from 100 litres to 500 litres. You should always be aware of the amount stored, as a litre of liquid is roughly 1 kg of weight.

Finally, another great advantage of a bladder is that there is a great range of standard fittings that you can customise them with, such as:

1. Breather/Vents
2. Elbow fittings
3. Valves
4. Garden hose fittings
5. Barbed fittings
6. Skin fittings
7. Tie downs

So next time you plan a long camping trip consider taking a water or fuel bladder along for the ride and enjoy a longer time away.

For More Information Visit:-  Water Bladder

Bladders are an easy and economical way of storing your water

Even when space is land limited, you can still store water

Bladder tanks, when empty, roll up to a fraction of the final fill size and weigh little compared to the final fill weight. This means you can usually fit a bladder tank anywhere a person can get into. Bladder tanks are then the ideal solution for water storage where there is limited space. Bladder tanks are also called pillow tanks, rain water bladders or just water bladders.

The water bladder can also be made to the size and shape of the cavity, where it is long and thin or square, so you can capture more rainwater without taking up precious space. Also since the installation is usually out of sight.

So if you could make use of this wasted space, why wouldn’t you? Areas where there is no structural support and limited access can still be utilised with a bladder tank. Spaces might include an underneath house water tank or under a verandah or deck attached to the house. Other places can include sheds, stairwells, pool sheds and much more.

In both cases, the tank areas can be connected to the down pipes so rainwater can be collected and stored, with excess water diverted to the existing storm water drain.

There are two ways a bladder can be installed, either framed or unframed. Both installation methods have benefits:

Framed Bladder Tanks:

- You can store up to 20% more water for the same area, as the bladder can fill more water into the frame and harness

- A frame will set the size that the bladder can go to, preventing the bladder from filling too much and touching the part of the building structure.

-  The additional frame and components make this type of installation more expensive

Unframed Bladder Tanks:

- When not using a frame, reinforced material is used. This will not stretch like a framed bladder reducing the comparative capacity.

- As the bladder fills, so to will the footprint of the bladder increase, changing as the tank empties and fills

- This means that the bladder has to be set in place properly so that it doesn’t expand too much and touch part of the building. Bladders are    also more prone to shifting due to heavy rains or uneven ground.

-  It is always cheaper to install a bladder without a frame, and perfectly safe to do so.

When considering a bladder tank, make sure you see a professional manufacture like Fabric Solutions Australia, that way you will get the right expert advice. Remember every liter of water weights 1 kg, so a 1000 liter tank is one ton of weight, so make sure you get the installation right the first time and enjoy years of out of sight rain water collecting.

 For More Information Visit:-  Water Bladder Tanks

Tank liners for commercial and industrial uses

Extending the Life of a water tank

After many years of use, a water tank may start to slowly leak. This can be from a number of reasons. A concrete tank can gets cracks from small ground movements. A plastic tank may split at the seams over time or from UV degradation. Your options for repair will then depend on the type of tank you have.

               

Types of Tanks:

Concrete – a very solid construction, requiring good ground preparation. Bushfire proof and the only type of tank that can be placed in-ground. Concrete has a high thermal mass, naturally keeping stored water cooler as well as neutralizing acid in the water. Cooler water means much lower risk of algae blooms and other bacteria forming. However can be prone to cracking with ground movements. Tends to be the worst for overall environmental impact.

Poly Tank – a lighter more cost effective solution that is very popular in residential situations. Tanks are made from polyethylene in a variety of colours with minimal impact on the environment . The tanks are generally easy to maintain and are 100% recyclable. Poly tanks are very strong, won’t rust and less likely to crack than concrete tanks. Tanks come with a minimum 10yr guarantee, but tend to use BPA and UV inhibitors in the manufacturing process. Poly tanks also have a very low thermal mass, so water will warm on hot days, which can be an issue with bacterial growth.

Steel Modular Panel Tanks – long life span (usually a 20yr warranty) and keeps water cool. Comes in a range of styles and finishes, with a flat roof structure. Stainless steel tanks can also be considered the best environmentally, with almost 100% recyclability at end of life, but tends to be the most expensive.

When fixing a tank, there are only a few methods that can be be considered:

Application of a sealant

Pros – inexpensive for concrete tanks if done properly and is some cases the water won’t need to be drained before application.

Cons – will not generally work on poly tanks, and needs to be flexible to accommodate tank movement.

Welding (plastic or steel)

Pros – This is an effective way to repair poly tanks, as done properly the weld is about as strong as the original plastic.

Cons – need to remove water to make repairs, and join strength is dependent on the skill of the operator.

Use of a tank liner

Pros – very flexible and will move accommodate ground movements easily. Custom made to fit any tank. Usually comes with a 10yr guarantee. Will fit any almost any tank that is still structurally sound. Does not usually need the same level of preparation as applied coatings do. Also if you can get inside the tank, you can usually install the liner yourself.

Cons – you will have to empty the tank. Must be careful with abrasive surfaces as it is possible to puncture lining.

For More Information Visit:- Tank Liner

Secondary containment liner or portable spill bund

Don’t Let One Spill Ruin Your Day

In this new age of safety, it is important to remember legal and moral obligations to provide and keep a safe work place. When hazardous chemicals and liquids are being used, it is very important to take a pro-active approach to managing potential spills. One spill can literally ruin your whole day with the cost and effort that goes into the clean up. Prevention is then the answer.This is where spill containment liners become an important asset in the workplace. Used in either permanent or portable applications, a spill containment liner will do as it suggests – contain a spill. Whether its water, fuel or some other substance, a contained spill is much easier and cheaper to clean up, and there is much less impact on the environment.

 

Secondary Containment liners are designed and used as a solution both for the permanent or temporary containment of liquids or substances that are potentially hazardous to the environment. A company like Fabric Solutions Australia can produce secondary containment liners to suit almost any situation for both. Temporary or permanent applications. Each secondary containment liner or portable spill bund is made to suit the application, with many different polymeric materials available, depending on the chemicals or contaminants involved.

Usage of a spill containment liner can be installed in large permanent areas such as fuelling stations, but can also be utilised in smaller applications with a spill bund, such as with generators, compressors and other onsite machinery that uses potentially hazardous liquids or substances.

Drive over models are also available and can have either foam filled sides or collapsible sides depending on application.

Spill bunds also come with a wide array of options, including:

• The fitting of drain points and/or collection sumps

• Supplied with protective groundsheets, floor inserts or wheel tracks available

• Can be custom made to whatever size and shape required

• For use in almost any terrain

So consider the use of a spill containment system on your worksite and don’t let one spill ruin your day.

For More Information Visit: – Portable Bund Liner

Secondary containment liner or portable spill bund

Don’t Let One Spill Ruin Your Day

In this new age of safety, it is important to remember legal and moral obligations to provide and keep a safe work place. When hazardous chemicals and liquids are being used, it is very important to take a pro-active approach to managing potential spills. One spill can literally ruin your whole day with the cost and effort that goes into the clean up. Prevention is then the answer.This is where spill containment liners become an important asset in the workplace. Used in either permanent or portable applications, a spill containment liner will do as it suggests – contain a spill. Whether its water, fuel or some other substance, a contained spill is much easier and cheaper to clean up, and there is much less impact on the environment.

 Secondary Containment liners are designed and used as a solution both for the permanent or temporary containment of liquids or substances that are potentially hazardous to the environment. A company like Fabric Solutions Australia can produce secondary containment liners to suit almost any situation for both. Temporary or permanent applications. Each secondary containment liner or portable spill bund is made to suit the application, with many different polymeric materials available, depending on the chemicals or contaminants involved.

Usage of a spill containment liner can be installed in large permanent areas such as fuelling stations, but can also be utilised in smaller applications with a spill bund, such as with generators, compressors and other onsite machinery that uses potentially hazardous liquids or substances.

Drive over models are also available and can have either foam filled sides or collapsible sides depending on application.

Spill bunds also come with a wide array of options, including:

• the fitting of drain points and/or collection sumps

• supplied with protective groundsheets, floor inserts or wheel tracks available

• Can be custom made to whatever size and shape required

• For use in almost any terrain

So consider the use of a spill containment system on your worksite and don’t let one spill ruin your day.

For More Information Visit: – Portable Bund Liner

Fabric Solutions Australia provide quality custom shape void liners

Often the desire for a water tank is left unmet due to space restrictions,. However in some cases even though you think you might not have the space for a standard rain water tank, you may unknowingly still have space for something similar. During the construction of commercial and domestic buildings, there are always little spaces or voids that can’t traditionally be utilised. If you could make use of this wasted space, why wouldn’t you?

While a tank takes up exterior space, a custom void liner can make use of empty building cavities by utilising that space for storage of water. Companies like Fabric Solutions Australia, aim to provide the highest quality custom shape void liners that are perfect for water storage use inside building cavities. These liners are an ideal solution for a waterproof coating as a flexible membrane can move with the building structure. Liners are also made from potable material that is algae resistant, so you know your water is stored safely.

Suitable building cavities and voids can be in areas such as underneath stairwells or inside a basement, basically any cavity that has some structural support and a person can fit into. Also many different types of lining material are available depending on the application, which means you may not be limited to just storing drinking water.

Areas where there is no structural support and limited access, can still be utilised with a bladder tank. Areas might include the underneath of decks or even the house. In both cases, the tank areas can be connected to the down pipes so rainwater can be collected and stored, with excess water diverted to the existing storm water drain.

For More Information Visit:- Void Liners

Main Features of Secondary Containment Systems

Secondary Containment: – Secondary containment is a safeguard measure used to prevent accidental releases or spills of toxic or hazardous substances to the environment (water, soil & air). Secondary containment can be a structure that is chemically compatible to hold a release and remain liquid tight until clean up occurs. Secondary containment can also be an engineered means to redirect a spill away from water or other sensitive receptor to a temporary diversion system.Even the most safety conscious organisation can have an emergency, and preparing for one will depend on what hazardous substances you use and store.

If you store large amounts of hazardous substances, you will need secondary containment to minimise the extent of the spill and to help you recover the spilled substance.

The secondary containment system prevents hazardous liquids, or hazardous substances that may liquefy in a fire, from escalating to a point where staff at the site, the public, or the environment can be harmed.

The capacity of the secondary containment system depends on the type of container and the amount of hazardous substance stored.

What needs secondary containment?

Secondary containment requirements are not straightforward and regulatory guidance is not black and white. This is a good thing, because secondary containment should be adjusted to match site specific conditions without unnecessarily increasing project costs.

You typically expect the following materials and work activities to always have secondary containment:

• Fuel tanks
• Fuel transfer activities, for both mobile and stationary areas
• Volumes of stored or used liquid located adjacent/up gradient to water, where there is a reasonable potential of a worst case scenario spill could reach water. Examples such as:

1. Large volumes stored in drums and tanks
2. Large volumes used in large generators and pumps, hydraulic power packs
3. Moderate volumes located directly near water or unprotected drainage system that directly discharges to water

• Storage of material that may potentially pose a threat to human health or the environment that is not in constant or regular daily use

Consider the following factors when making a judgment call relating to secondary containment:

1. Surrounding environment

2. Timeframe in use

3. Condition of equipment

4. Security and vandalism

5. Weather

6. Available manpower

7. Equipment and materials

For More Information Visit: – Secondary Containment

COST OF CONTAMINATION OF OUR GROUND AND WATER

The release of stored chemicals through leaks and spills can lead to the contamination of soils, surface and ground waters. Surface water and groundwater may mobilise pollutants from many different sources and may, therefore, contain a variety of contaminants. Water that becomes contaminated with pollutants from land sources can reach surface and coastal waters via runoff from rain. Polluted surface waters can filter down to groundwater and may seep slowly for long distances, and over time eventually emerge into rivers, springs or wetlands.

Contaminated water can also infiltrate land to an extent where the land itself becomes contaminated to a level that some form of remediation would be required. Soil can also be contaminated through direct discharges of pollutants, which in turn may result in water pollution.

Water, soil and land contamination have a direct impact on human health, ecological health and land uses. This contamination can also have significant financial impacts for industry and the community because of the high clean-up costs.

Where contamination also affects surrounding properties, the owner or occupier of the premises causing the contamination may be liable for third-party damages and these can be significant.

Preventing leaks, monitoring and early detection minimises the potential for widespread contamination and avoids expensive clean-up operations for industry.One of the best products to eliminate the potential of pollution is the use of a bunding system.

WHAT IS A BUND?

A bund is an embankment or wall of brick, stone, concrete or other impervious material, which forms the perimeter and floor of a compound and provides a barrier to retain liquid. Since the bund is the main part of a spill containment system, the whole system (or bunded area) is colloquially referred to as the ‘bund’. Bunds should be designed to contain spillages and leaks of liquids used, stored or processed above ground.Bunds can be of permanent such as around storage tanks, or temporary where the storage is short to medium term.

Some of the applications that may require temporary storage would be:-

General spill containment

Oil and gas industry

Wash down applications where contaminated water must be collected

Truck and car wash bays

Routine servicing of vehicles and plant equipment.

For More Information Visit: -   Bund Liner

Spill Bunds are crucial for many businesses

Portable Spill Bunds are crucial for many businesses. There is a growing legal and moral need for companies to become more socially responsible. Spill bunding liners, are an effective solution to safely contain hazardous liquids so that they cannot contaminate the environment

Fabric Solutions Australia has the experience and expertise to provide a bunding solution, FSA portable spill bunding is used for the containment of liquids as an environmentally sustainable option to prevent contamination or pollution. Most common uses are for the containment of spills and leaks such as hydrocarbons and other potentially harmful chemicals.

 Our XR5 ® or RPVC (reinforced PVC) spill bunds are designed for both permanent and temporary containment of potentially hazardous liquids or gases. We can produce portable spill bunds to suit almost any situation. Many polymeric materials can be used depending on the chemicals or contaminants involved.

Bunding Applications:

• Spill containment
• Oil and gas industry
• Wash down applications where contaminated water must be collected
• Truck and car wash bays
• Routine servicing of vehicles and plant equipment
• Drive-on drive-off fuel transfer bunds
• Contamination prevention for a range of products
• Plant and equipment, such as generators, pumps or compressors

Features of Portable Spill Bunds:

• Reusable and relocatable
• Spill bunding can have either foam filled sides or collapsible sides
• Designed for quick and easy deployment
• Designed to be driven over
• Manufactured from a range of materials that are chemical and fuel resistant as well as oil and fat resistant
• Lightweight and easily stored when not in use (storage bags can be supplied if required)
• Can be fitted with drain points and/or collection sumps
• Easy to clean
• Available in a range of standard sizes for smaller application
• Can be manufactured to any size

Spill Bunding Material Options (depending on the end application):

The material used in a spill bund is very dependent on the application. Common materials for spill bunds are:

Reinforced PVC (RPVC)

Elvaloy, Aeon®” XR3® and XR5®

Polyethylene (PE)

Reinforced Polyethylene (RPE)

Reinforced Polypropylene (RPP)

Polyurethane (TPU)

For More Information Visit:- Spill Bund

Onion tank is easily transportable

What is an “Onion Tank” and where are they used?

An onion tank (show a picture) is an easily transportable, self erecting fluid storage “tank”.They are normally made form a heavy duty reinforced PVC for storage of water or more complex fabrics such as reinforced Elvaloy or urethane if the fluid is aggressive.

Onion bladder tanks are a unique short term portable tank solution designed to be able to take a tank to a remote or difficult location to be used for water or other liquid storage. Onion tanks are designed for on-going use and last a very long time when well looked after. Onion tanks are designed to be portable tanks that can be transported while empty, are easily deployed and then easily relocated as required.

 

Possible applications for onion water storage tanks include:

• Storage of water for fire fighting applications. Some have a top opening large enough to allow for fire fighting water buckets to be filled by helicopter.
• remote site water supply (such as drilling and exploration operations)
• temporary water storage that easily fits on the back of a ute or truck when packed (e.g. for swimming pool maintenance)
• temporary farm and rural water tanks that can be shifted as and when required
• spill containment particularly where fast deployment and filling of a tank are critical

Features:-

• No assembly required – the self supporting design allows for quick set-up and knock-down.
• Completely collapsible – the Onion Tank can be easily folded, taking up minimal storage space.
• Deployment anywhere – the low profile of the Onion Tank provides stability on slopes up to 5 degrees allowing deployment with minimal site preparation
• The unique flotation collar requires no inflation and is also capable of supporting a hose for top filling.
• Handles on the outside of the tank allow for quick set up and easy lifting and a handle on the inside of the tank allows it to be opened inside out for easy cleaning.
• Two 2” (50m) fill/drain ports, 180° apart provide the capability to discharge liquid quickly from either side of the tank.
• Low maintenance, easy to clean and repair.

Extras that can be purchased for an onion tank:

• Top covers
• Ground sheets
• Carry bags
• Custom fittings

For More Information Visit:-  Onion Tank