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 such as ESS-113 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.