Clover Bar Ravine

On the outskirts of Edmonton, Alberta, the Clover Bar ravine acts as a funnel for the runoff of several industrial companies including a paving company with large sand, gravel, and asphalt cold mix storage piles. There is also the highly turbid surface runoff from local roadways and parking lots during rain events.

The problem is that in the ravine a fish bearing stream receives the particulate laden water and flows directly to the North Saskatchewan River four kilometers away. Because the stream and river are fish-bearing, an environmentally friendly solution was needed, in accordance with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans as well as other environmental governing agencies. The project, initiated by the City of Edmonton and in cooperation with Park Paving Ltd., was designed by Clearflow Enviro Systems Group Inc. as a pilot project to reduce NTU values and demonstrate the effectiveness of the Water Lynx blocks.

Solution

An initial site inspection, including Water and Soil Lynx optimizations was performed; this was used to determine the best Lynx products and installation procedure. In order to treat the turbidity a combination of site-specific Water Lynx blocks were used to flocculate the particulate matter. These were placed in the stream bed 5’ to 15’ apart utilizing the streams natural turbulence for optimum mixing. Alternating between two different types of Water Lynx blocks provided the necessary Water Lynx blend. The block were held in place in the stream tied to sandbags. In addition to an “easy to install” process the sandbags were used to increase turbulence, enhancing the mixing process. Downstream of the block, open-weave jute matting was laid down along the streambed and banks. This was the primary binding medium for the suspended solids. Two men performed the installation in 8 hours using an ATV to access the area and carry materials in and out of the ravine.