When planning a site layout, building location or earthworks for an environmental project, you should look to consider effective soil management strategies, as a control measure for wind erosion. This approach examines contingencies that may impinge on the work environment, such as soil being detached and moved by wind or rain.

Accelerated as a result of human activities, is the naturally occurring activity referred to as wind erosion, transporting soil from one location to another. The soil movement varies depending on the size of the soil particles, and the velocity of the wind displaced upon a land surface will determine the environmental damage caused.

The implementation and maintenance of erosion controls such as dust suppressants are the primary defences against sediment pollution. The objective is to prevent sediment from leaving the project site and into environmentally sensitive areas. Although water erosion can be an issue, dryer climates presented across Australia, are more inclined to experience the effects of wind erosion. The following data will explore varying wind erosion phases and control measures that can be installed to mitigate and reduce impacts associated with the onsite activity.

Creeping: Phase 1
Particle Diameter: 2.00mm- 0.5mm
Soil Loss: 5 – 25%
Process: Soil particles are dragged in a rolling motion along the substrate surface, moving in the direction of wind flow – at this stage, they are too heavy for the wind to lift.


Saltation: Phase 2
Particle Diameter: 0.5mm – 0.1mm
Soil Loss: 50 – 80%
Process: The transportation process of soil particles moving in a turbulent flow of air and water, resulting in a dynamic motion which falls into a consistent ascending and descending flow. During this process, other particles can periodically interrupt the momentum through the means of attrition whereby other soil grains knock against each other in flight and results in the development of microscopic dust fragments.


Suspension: Phase 3
Particle Diameter: Less than 0.1mm
Soil Loss: 10%
Process: This is the most common form of wind activity and also the most obvious to recognise – often detected in the form of a dust storm or orange cloud. This spectacle is a result of the lightweight properties of the dust particles, allowing them to suspend in the air for long durations and distances. The suspension is the most damaging and potentially challenging of all the wind erosion phases; causing abrasion or sandblasting on varying topographies during flight. At this stage, site management should be looking for a comprehensive Dust Suppression solutions, to combat the potentially dangerous level of dust entering into the atmosphere.

So, what control methods should be in place to stop this issue from reaching a level that could pose significant health and environmental issues? The following dust and erosion control solutions will be able to help you and your site management team discover more effective soil erosion control methods in the workplace.


1. RoadBond
Upon the commencement of a significant environmental project, heavy vehicles often follow suit, which generally triggers the development of airborne dust particles on site. The traditional control methodology used to combat this issue is a water cart; however, this procedure is usually an expensive and ongoing process. RoadBond, on the other, has been designed to provide premium protection by permeate into the substrate by creating a catchment that weighs down fine dust particles down, so that they are incapable of blowing away.

Benefit: provides up to 6 months of protection


2. SuppressX
Designed explicitly for non-trafficked areas, such as stockpiles, and tailings or ash dams, SuppressX eliminates dust lift-off after one single application. Created with Inbuilt water-soluble polymers and engineered to penetrate the substrate below to form a flexible interlocking coating that binds with particles to eliminate dust. This solution performs as a protective barrier crust over the substrate below to provide superior dust control and erosion protection.

Benefits: forms a resilient, durable and flexible crust that can withstand moderate to extreme rain events.


3. FibreLoc
Large exposed substrate areas that are inactive for an extended period will benefit highly from FibreLoc. Specifically, purpose-built for areas where unpredictable and severe weather conditions provide dense dust erosion problems. The unique construct is made up of interconnecting wood fibres integrated by stronghold environmentally-friendly binders to form a flexible yet sturdy blanket.

Benefits: designed to withstand harsh and unpredictable weather such as varying wind and rain events


4. HydroBond
HydroBond is a dust suppressant designed for companies with large scopes of land, seeking to eliminate dust, while ensuring that suitable substrate conditions for revegetation are maintained. The engineered ability of the solution permeates and binds to most soil and sand types, while the unique matrix structure ensures that the soil remains permeable to air and water. HydroBond helps the substate to maintain increased water retention, which allows for enhanced growth by promoting faster seed germination.

Benefits: suppress dust while promoting faster germination and optimal seed protection.

For more information on our services, contact the team today on 1300 090 222 or book a consultation below.