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Looming Issue with Plastic MeshlNetting <br />in Erosion Control Products <br />Plastic mesh netting is a common material in erosion control products. It is utilized to hold loose fibrous materials in <br />place lEG straw) until vegetation is established. These products have been used extensively and are successful for <br />reducing sail erosion, benefrtting both soil health and water quality_ Unfortunately there is a negative side of this <br />component: It is increasingly being documented that it poses dangers to reptiles, amphibians, and mowing machinery. <br />Potential Problems: <br />+ Plastic netting lays on the surface long after other components have decomposed_ <br />▪ Plastic mesh netting can result in entanglement and death of a variety of reptiles. (snakes, frogs, toads, and <br />turtles)_ [Fucklings have also been documented entangled in the netting. <br />▪ Road maintenance machinery can snag the plastic mesh and pull up long lengths into machinery, thus binding up <br />machinery and causing damage andror bee of time cleaning it out. <br />Suggested Alternatives: <br />a Do not use in known locations of reptiles or amphibians that are listed as Threatened or Endangered species. <br />+ Limit use where reptiles are likely (near wetlands, lakes. watercourses. or rock outcrops). <br />+ Use rapidly degradable material in all components of erosion control blanket, netting or biologs {fiber rolls) that <br />are to be left on site as part of fi nal stabilization_ <br />▪ Use types with smaller mesh size (smaller that 1/2") or use types with non -welded netting. <br />areas near wetlands, lakes, watercourses are rock outcrops are likely habitat for reptiles and amphibians and may not be <br />suitable for plastic mesh erosion control materials. <br />'Snakes get caught in the plastic mesh <br />rhtto rrnvw,dnnitate,r~an.usiwater,waterrlerit section It..mei:mi o 1004 IJpoi marualbrmil <br />Best Practices for Meeting DNB. GP 2004-0001 (May 2011 Edition) Chapter 1, Page 2 d <br />