Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/07/2019

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Looming Issue with Plastic Mesh/Netting in Erosion Control Products Plastic mesh nesting is a common material in erosion control products. It is utilized to hold loose fibrous materials in place;EG straw) until vegetation is established. These products have been used extensively and are successful for reducing sai I erosion_ benefit -Ling both soil health and water quality. Urfortunatelyr there is a negative side of this component It is increasingly being documented that it poses dangers to reptiles, amphibians, and mowing machinery. Potential Problems: + Plastic netting lays on the surface long after other components have decomposed_ ▪ Plastic mesh neaingl can result in entanglement and death of a variety a: reptiles (snakes, frogs, toads, and turtles}_ Ducklings have also been documented entangled in the netting. ▪ Road maintenance machinery can snag the plastic mesh and pull up long lengths into machinery. thus binding up machinery and causing damage ander loss of time leaning it out Suggested Alternatives: + Do notuse in known locations of reptiles or amphibians that are listed as Threatened or Endangered species. ▪ limit use where reptiles are likely (near wetlands, lakes, watercourses, or rock cutcmps). + Use rapidly degradable material in all components of erosion control blanket, netting or biologs (fiber rolls) that are to be left on site as past of fi nal stabilization. + Use types with smaller mash size (smaller that W) or use types with rion- gilded netting. Areas near wetlands, lakes, watercourses are rock outcrops are likely habitat tor reptiles and amphibians and may not be suitable for plastic mesh erosion control materials. Snakes get caught in the plastic mesh thrru-i r'tuwili,dor,state,mn.us'waters r ate:1 boat section 2u.rrnerrut;r'eo 2004 0001 mar.ual b.ro . Best Practices for Meeting EINR GP 2004-0001 (May 2011 Edition) Chapter 1, Page 2 D