Technical Guidance for the Use of
Polyacrylamides (PAM) and PAM Blends for
Soil Erosion Control and Storm Water clarification

Practice Description

PAM is a water-soluble anionic polyacrylamide product used to minimize soil erosion caused by water and wind to 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. When PAM is used on construction sites in the Southeast it is typically applied with temporary seeding and or mulching on areas where the timely establishment of temporary erosion control is so critical that seedings and mulching need additional reinforcement. It may be used alone on sites where no disturbances will occur until site work is continued and channel erosion is not a significant potential problem. Permanent grassing applications can be better established using PAM as a tackifier and soil conditioner.

PAMs are manufactured in various forms to be used on specific soil types, and are applied at a rate of up to 50 pounds/acre for dry products and 2 ½ gallons/acre of emulsion-liquid products. Using the wrong form of a PAM on a soil will result in some degree of performance failure, and increase the potential for this material to enter surface waters. PAM used alone may not reduce NTU values resulting in noncompliance water quality discharges or poor soil binding conditions. Site-specific soil-PAM testing must be performed. Exceeding the maximum application rates for this product does not increase the effectiveness of the product. Block or Log forms of PAM and PAM blends are manufactured for specific use in drainage waterways to remove suspended particulates from runoff.

General Components of the Practice

Prior to the start of construction, a qualified professional should design the application of PAM and plans and specifications should be available to field personnel.

The application should conform to the design and specifications provided in the plans. Typical applications include the following components.

- Site Preparation
- Equipment Preparation
- PAM Application
 

Application

            Site Preparation
Prepare site following design and specifications.

            Equipment Preparation
If using a liquid application system, pump a surfactant through the injection system before and after injecting concentrated liquid PAM into sprinkler irrigation systems to help prevent valves and tubing from clogging.

PAM used in hydroseeding applications should be added as the last additive to the mix.

After their use, rinse all PAM mixing and application equipment thoroughly with water to avoid formation of PAM residues. Rinse residue should be applied to soil areas to create binding to the soil structure and increase erosion reduction.

             PAM Application- Criteria for Land applied PAM Specifications
PAM shall be mixed and/or applied in accordance with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) requirements and the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specified use conforming to all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.

1.) Toxicity
All venders and suppliers of PAM, PAM mix or blends shall present or supply a written toxicity report which verifies that the PAM, PAM mix or blend exhibits acceptable toxicity parameters which meet or exceed the EPA requirements for the state and federal water quality standards. Whole effluent testing does not meet this requirement as primary reactions have occurred and toxic potentials have been reduced.

Cationic forms of PAM, polymers and chitosan are not allowed for use under this guideline due to their high levels of toxicity to aquatic organisms. Emulsions shall never be applied directly to stormwater runoff or riparian waters due to surfactant toxicity.

2.) Performance
All venders and suppliers of PAM, PAM mix or blends shall supply written “site specific” testing results demonstrating that a performance of 95% or greater reduction of NTU or TSS from stormwater discharges.

Emulsion batches shall be mixed following recommendations of a testing laboratory that determines the proper product and rate to meet site requirements. Application method shall insure uniform coverage to the target area. (Emulsions shall never be applied directly to stormwater runoff or riparian waters)

Dry form (powder) may be applied by hand spreader or a mechanical spreader. Mixing with dry silica sand will aid in spreading. Pre-mixing of dry form PAM into fertilizer, seed or other soil amendments is allowed when specified in the design plan. Application method shall insure uniform coverage to the target area.

Block or Log forms shall be applied following site testing results to assure proper placement and performance and shall meet or exceed state and federal water quality requirements.

Common Problems

Consult with a registered design professional for assistance if any of the following occur:

- Problems with application equipment clogging.
- PAM alone may not meet testing requirements for NTU reduction and soil stabilization. Site specific “blends” may be needed to meet these requirements.
- Application specifications for PAM cannot be met; alternatives may be required. Unapproved application techniques could lead to failure.
- Visible erosion occurs after application.

Maintenance

An operation and maintenance plan must be prepared for use by the operator responsible for PAM application. Plan items should include the following items.

- Reapply PAM to disturbed or tilled areas that require continued erosion control.
- Maintain equipment to provide uniform application rates.
- Rinse all PAM mixing and application equipment thoroughly with water to avoid formation of PAM residues and discharge rinse water to soil areas where PAM stabilization may be helpful.
- Downstream deposition from the use of PAM may require periodic sediment removal to maintain normal functions.