Aquatic-safe Liners and Wetland Construction

Aquatic-safe liners may be used to build wetlands on sites where clay texture soil is not present, and where groundwater is not near the surface. Installing a liner is a sure way to control leaking in a constructed wetland or pond. Liners made from 30-mil PVC, 30-mil RPE, or 45-mil EPDM work very well. The liners must be certified fish-grade and aquatic-safe, and be protected on both sides with thick geotextile fabric, and then covered with at least 6-inches of soil. Liners and geotextile may be purchased one-piece and factory seamed. Wetland Restoration and Training LLC Founder Tom Biebighauser has found that bentonite, bentonite quilted liners, and liquid polymers and powders are not effective for stopping leaks or sealing wetlands and ponds. Liners must be protected on both sides with geotextile, and then covered with at least 6-inches of soil. Detailed instructions on how to build wetlands using liners can be found in the book by Thomas R. Biebighauser Wetland Restoration and Construction -A Technical Guide. Wetlands built using aquatic-safe liners should last forever when built following the steps outlined by Tom Biebighauser.