E3C Volume - 1, Straw Blankets - Case Study

Introduction

With any transaction, customers often spend agonizing moments trying to determine which product or service to purchase. Without discernible differences, choosing one competing item over another is often a difficult decision. However, virtually all customers are familiar with two time tested truths:

1. You get what you pay for.
2. Doing a job right the first time is always cheaper than doing it twice.

In the case of temporary erosion control products, the choice between competitors is often very difficult. However, in a climate of heavy environmental regulation, litigation and fines, sub-standard materials provide only unnecessary risk of failure. With an abundance of available products, and little obviously separating the contestants, price becomes the deciding factor. This article has been developed to help contractors, specifiers and stakeholders of the erosion control industry get what they pay for and save money by doing the job right the first time.

What is Performance?

There is an old saying in erosion control: "Everything Works Once". Invariably, the argument of past use is used to justify the purchase of inferior materials. A contractor can often have false confidence in a brand because they have never experienced a problem. However, under conditions where no significant rainfall tests an installation, or an inspector did not evaluate the results, some inferior products are not exposed.

Erosion control products are judged on the broad term, Performance. Performance relative to a given product can have different meanings. In the case of straw blankets, the ability to reduce erosion on slopes and channels and establish vegetation is the measure of performance for the material. Each material will have a unique performance threshold and unique means of achieving its maximum performance. The material with the greatest performance and the best price provides the most value.

How to Achieve Performance
Performance in erosion control materials is achieved by using quality component materials in a carefully monitored, regulated manufacturing process. Straw blankets are comprised of three principle component materials: netting, stitching and the fiber matrix.

Purchasing netting and stitching materials from reputable, long standing manufacturers of these products provides confidence in source components. Additionally, regulation of the properties of all component materials ensures consistent quality. However, not all straw fibers are created equal. As a critical component of each straw blanket, the quality of the straw fibers comprising the matrix dictate a significant portion of the quality of the product. Fibers that are wet or old fail to provide the longevity and performance of fresh, clean and dry straw fiber. Further, type and origin of the straw fibers provide varying degrees of performance and vegetation establishment. Finally, mold and weed seed can be prevalent in low quality straw blankets.