I prefer bentonite to other methods for sealing ponds. My first choice is natural clay found in many areas where ponds are built. The main reason I prefer Bentonite is it retains the ability to exchange nutrients with the sediments. Other hard liners cause all kinds of problems because they don't do this. If nutrients cannot be managed in such a way as to sequester them into sediments, then they accumulate and require other more intensive methods to get rid of them. The bottom line is the pond owner has to fight them.Brad KerrHere is a link to the Bentonite use instruction page from the Cowboy Mining Company. http://www.pondseal.com | . Bentonite must be used correctly to work well. It is not effective when the pond is continually dried up.
I sometimes design ponds that use liners, but I have to make particular modifications to get them to manage their nutrients properly. It adds significantly to the costs.
If there is one main reason my habitat designs are successful, it's because I understand how to make the pond deal with the nutrients instead of the pond owner having to do it. These garden ponds you see across the country with the rubber liners are a classic example of all this. Pond owners spend a great deal of money on filters, UV sterilizers and liners when they are not needed. It is the liner that causes the nutrient problems that they try to solve with all the filtration. It has become a widely accepted myth that all these ponds need to have a liner.
Cowboy Mining Company
105 W. Sharp | El Dorado AR 71730
They can ship Bentonite worldwide
Contact Cowboy Mining Company, a division of PDSCo, Inc.
Tel: 800-243-7455 | Tel: (870) 863-5707 | Fax: (870) 863-0603
Site: http://www.pondseal.com
|
E-mail: mailto:cowboymc@ipa.net
|
Bentonite Information:
Why Do Ponds Leak?
Aquaguide: http://www.conservation.state.mo.us/manag/aqgleaky.html |
Alabama
Using Bentonite To Seal Leaking Ponds
Site Page: | http://midwest.fws.gov |
Site Page: http://ag.ansc.purdue.edu/ |
By: John W. Jemsen and Brandon Foster, The Aquaculture News, January 1994Nothing is more frustrating to landowners than to find that their recently constructed pond leaks like a sieve. No matter how much planning and care is taken in building a pond, there are no guarantees that it will hold water. Leaky ponds can sometimes be repaired but remedies are almost always costly.
If you have a new pond that leaks, sometimes just simple settling of the soil in the dam over time may cure the problem. in many cases another core constructed to cut of seepage channels beneath the dam can be engineered to seal off the leak. Leaks along drain pipes can also be identified and repaired. Exposed sand and gravel seams in the pond bottom are common sources of leaks. Sometimes these areas can be found and covered with a layer of good quality clay.
Bentonite clay is often recommended to help seal porous pond bottom soils. When wet, bentonite swells 12 to 15 times its original size, effectively sealing off the spaces between soil particles. Bentonite can be the solution to a leaky pond. However, it is usually expensive and it doesn't work under all circumstances. Here are some things you should know about bentonite and its use for sealing ponds.
Don't confuse calcium bentonite with the swelling type sodium bentonite from Wyoming. Calcium bentonite also causes rapid changes in pH, which can lead to fish kills. Western swelling type sodium bentonite is sold under various trade names. It can be obtained in limited quantities from local dealers. The price is about $7.50 per 100-pound bag. At a minimum application rate of one pound per square foot, a 100-pound bag would be applied to 100 square feet of pond soil. Therefore, about 20 tons, or 400 bags, would be needed to cover an acre of pond bottom. Bentonite may also be purchased in bulk directly from Wyoming at a cost of approximately $150 per ton. This works out to about $3,000 per acre. Because of its high cost, bentonite use may be limited to patching leaky spots in ponds.
Three general methods can be used to apply bentonite to ponds. They are the blanket method, the mixing method, and the sprinkle method. When the blanket method is used, the top 4 to 6 inches of the dry pond bottom needs to be removed. The Freshly exposed surface is then smoothed and covered with a layer of bentonite. The bentonite layer is then covered with the previously removed soil and the whole thing is compacted by rolling or tamping. If possible, water flow into the pond should be controlled to prevent damage to the treated surface before the pond fills. It will take several days before the bentonite forms a barrier to prevent water seepage.
When the mixing method is used, the bentonite is mixed with the soil. The pond bottom must be cleared of all rocks and vegetation before the bentonite can be applied to the surface. The bentonite is spread evenly and then tilled or disked 4 to 6 inches into the soil. The soil is then compacted by rolling or tamping. No topcoat of soil is required with the mixing method.
Bentonite can also be sprinkled on the water surface over a suspected leak. Although this is the least effective of the three methods, it eliminates the need to drain the pond. Application rates range from 1 to 8 pounds bentonite per square foot. The application rate is determined by the seepage rate.
To best determine the minimum amount of bentonite required to prevent or reduce water seepage to an acceptable rate, perforate the bottom of a bucket and place 1 to 2 inches of gravel in the bottom. Cover the gravel with 6 to 8 inches of the pond soil you will be treating. Tamp down the soil, add water, and observe to determine the seepage rate in your pond. Once you have determined the seepage rate, you can test for the effectiveness of the three possible methods of bentonite application.
If the blanket method is to be used, remove the top 4 to 6 inches of soil from the container, add * pound bentonite per square foot to the freshly exposed surface, and then replace the soil that was removed. Tamp it down, add water, and observe the results. If the mixing method is to be used, mix the top 3 to 4 inches of soil in the bucket with * pound bentonite per square foot. Tamp it down, add water, and observe the results. If the sprinkle method is to be used, prepare the container with gravel, soil, and water as before, then sprinkle the bentonite on the water surface and observe the results. Continue to repeat the method you have chosen, progressively using more bentonite until an acceptable minimum amount of bentonite is reached that appears to control seepage. Finally, add 25 to 50 percent more bentonite to the actual pond soils than shown by the tests to allow for the greater water depth of the pond and the inefficiency of large-scale applications.
Bentonite may be purchased in one of two forms. The granular form is more effective when sprinkled on the water surface than the pulverized form because the larger particles are able to sink quickly to the bottom before they are saturated with water and swell. Because the powder can create a lot of dust when it is spread out or disked into dry soil, the granular form may be easier to use than the powdered form when applied in this manner. However, the powdered form may be more effective when it is disked into the soil because it does a better job of filling in the spaces between soil particles. Bentonite is only about 40 percent as effective at sealing leaks when it is applied to wet soils as when it is applied to dry soils. Patching leaks is almost always expensive and not always effective. Therefore, preventing leaks initially with properly designed and constructed ponds is essential.
Alabama Extension Service
An Online Guide to Planning, Constructing, and Maintaining Recreational Ponds
Pond Building: http://www.aces.edu/department/extcomm/publications/anr/ANR-1114/anr-1114.htm |
Leaky Ponds: http://www.aces.edu/department/extcomm/publications/anr/ANR-1114/anr-1114.htm#Leaky |Bentonite
Bentonite, available in either powdered or granular form, is a fine-grained clay that absorbs water and swells from 8 to 20 times its original volume. Before spreading bentonite, prepare the pond area in the same manner as for the compaction method. When used as a pond sealer in a dry pond, bentonite is mixed into the top 6 inches of soil and then compacted and saturated. When saturated, the bentonite particles expand to fill the pores between the soil particles. Soil moisture in the treatment area should be near optimum for good compaction. If the area is too wet, postpone treatment until conditions improve. If the area is too dry, sprinkle water over the area to moisten it. Bentonite can be also added to the pond water over the suspected area of the leak, but it is not as effective when applied in this manner. The granular form is more effective than the powder because when sprinkled on the pond surface, the granules tend to sink to the bottom before becoming saturated with water.
Application rates for bentonite range from 1 to 3 pounds per square foot, depending on the soil type. Bentonite will shrink and crack when dry and is not recommended for ponds in which the water level fluctuates widely through draining or excessive evaporation. Before filling the pond with water, protect treated pond areas from drying by mulching with hay during the final compaction stage.
Bentonite can be expensive to use and, as with any pond-sealing method, there are no guarantees that it will stop the leak. With most ponds, whole-pond treatments are not practical. Treatment efforts should be concentrated around the suspected problem areas. Even the minimum recommended treatment rate of 1 pound per square foot would require over 20 tons of bentonite at a cost of over $3,500 per treated acre.
Mississippi State Extension Service
Sealing Leaking Ponds: http://msucares.com |Bentonite
Adding bentonite is another method of reducing seepage in soils containing high percentage of coarse-grained particles and not enough clay. Bentonite is a fine-textured colloidal clay. When wet, it absorbs several times its own weight of water and, at complete saturation, swells to as much as 8 to 20 times its original volume. Mixed in the correct proportions with well-graded coarse-grained material, thoroughly compacted, and then saturated, the particles of bentonite swell until they fill the pores to the point the mixture is nearly impervious to water. Upon drying, however, bentonite shrinks to its original volume resulting in cracks; therefore, sealing with bentonite is usually not recommended for ponds in which the water level is expected to fluctuate widely. A laboratory analysis of soil particle size distribution is required to decide the rate of application.
Before selecting this method of sealing a pond, find the nearest source of bentonite and investigate freight rates. If the source is far from the pond site, the cost may prohibit the use of bentonite.
As with other methods, clear all vegetation from the area to be sealed. Fill all holes or crevices, and use suitable fill material to cover and compact areas of exposed gravel.
The soil moisture level in the area to be treated is important. Investigate it before applying bentonite. You need an optimum, medium to low, moisture level for good compaction. If the area is too wet, postpone sealing until moisture conditions are satisfactory. If it is too dry, add water by sprinkling.
Spread the bentonite carefully and uniformly over the area to be treated at the rate determined by the laboratory analysis. This rate is usually 1 to 3 pounds per square foot area. Thoroughly mix the bentonite with the surface soil to a depth of at least 6 inches. A rototiller is best for this operation but you can use a disk or similar piece of equipment; then compact the area with four to six passes of a sheepsfoot roller.
If considerable time elapses between applying the bentonite and filling the pond, protecting the treated area against drying and cracking may be necessary. A mulch of straw or hay pinned to the surface by the final passes of the sheepsfoot roller gives this protection. Use rock riprap or other suitable material to protect areas where water inflow into the treated area is concentrated.
Missouri
Leaky Ponds: http://www.conservation.state.mo.us/manag/aqgleaky.html |Bentonite
Bentonite is another option for stopping a leak. It is perhaps the best option, if the exact location of the leak is known and if the area to be treated is not too large. Large areas can be successfully treated with bentonite but cost is a consideration.
Bentonite (common trade names Akwaseal and Volclay) is a volcanic clay that swells to about 15 times its original volume when placed in water. Mixed blanket, pure blanket and sprinkling are the three main methods for sealing a pond with bentonite.
Mixed Blanket Method
Drain the area to be treated and remove all rocks and plant growth. Use 1 part granular or powdered bentonite mixed with 5 parts soil to fill large holes and crevices. Plow the area to be treated to a depth of 4 to 6 inches and allow soil to dry. Divide the area to be treated into 10 foot squares and apply 50 pounds of bentonite to each square ( 1/2 pound bentonite per square foot). When the entire area has been covered, mix the bentonite with the top 3 to 4 inches of soil, using a disc, spike tooth harrow or hand rake, and then roll or tamp to compact it. Sandy soil works best for mixing with bentonite because it compacts better. If clay soil is used it must be fine and without lumps.Pure Blanket Method
Drain the area to be treated.
Spread powdered bentonite (unmixed with soil) at a rate of 1/2 pound per square foot over the bottom of the pond.
Cover bentonite with 3 or 4 inches of soil, sand or fine gravel.
This is the best method but requires the most care, because bentonite must cover the entire sur face to prevent leaks.Sprinkle Method
The pond does not need to be drained but the exact location of the leak must be known. Scatter granular bentonite on the water's surface wherever seepage occurs. Bentonite sinks to the bottom where it swells. The bentonite gel that is created is drawn into the leaky seams and closes them. This method is not as successful as the mixed or pure blanket methods but will generally work if the location of the leak is known and enough bentonite is used.In all methods of bentonite application, it's the swelling of the particles that stop the leak. Bentonite will not stop the leak immediately. Some seepage is to be expected for up to a week after the bentonite is applied. Bentonite will not swell in water containing large auantities of mineral salts or acids.
Bentonite is available through local farm supply stores or agricultural chemical companies. Estimated cost per 100 pound bag is $13 (1994). If you have trouble finding bentonite, contact your nearest Missouri Department of Conservation office for further assistance.
Haliburton Energy Services: http://www.bentonite.com |
Bentonite Performance Minerals is the second largest bentonite supplier in the United States, providing a variety of high quality products to a wide range of industries worldwide
Black Hills Bentonite: http://www.bhbentonite.com |
Box 9 Mills WY 82644
Tel: 307 265-3740 | Fax: 307 235-8511
Bentonite has also proved helpful in sealing freshwater ponds, irrigation ditches, reservoirs, sewage and industrial water lagoons, and in grouting permeable ground.
Texas Sodium Bentonite, Inc.
George Burton
Sales Supervisor
Rt 3 Box 250
Comanche TX 76442
Tel: 915 885-2339 day/night
Fax: 915 885-2138 fax
Mobile: 254 842-7912
Site: http://www.texassodiumbentonite.com/ |
Please include the following information with your e-mail: size of pond, soil type (if possible), location of pond (state, county, etc.), your phone number, fax number or mailing address, so that additional information may be sent.
Bentonite Application Methods: http://www.texassodiumbentonite.com/ |
The following procedures are recommended for the MOST EFFECTIVE METHODS of water loss control. Use the proper formula to determine the sq. ft. of the area needing sealant. Also, it is helpful if you have some idea of the soil type in your area. The amount of natural clay present in your soil determines your soil type. Your soil type will help us determine the amount of Sodium Bentonite required to seal your pond (example: Sandy porous soil will require more Sodium Bentonite per sq. ft. than soil that has a reasonable amount of clay already present in it's mixture). Keep in mind these TWO things when sealing a pond or stock tank: IT IS ESSENTIAL TO USE THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT OF SODIUM BENTONITE PER Sq. Ft. BASED ON YOUR SOIL TYPE AND THE SIZE OF THE AREA YOU ARE TRYING TO COVER. ALSO, AN EVEN APPLICATION INSURES AN IMPENETRABLE BENTONITE LINER. -- more --
Bentonite Application Photos: http://www.texassodiumbentonite.com |
Sodium Bentonite is available bagged or in bulk through Texas Sodium Bentonite, Inc.
Wyoming Bentonite: http://www.wyoben.com |
For information about Wyo-Ben, Inc. and the variety of products available, contact us today.
Wyo-Ben, Inc. P.O. Box 1979 Billings, Montana
USA 1-800-548-7055 in U.S. and Canada Phone: (406) 652-6351 Fax: (406) 656-0748
E-mail: mailto:information@wyoben.com |
Mansell's Bentonite: http://www.sitesee.net/mansells/bentonite.htm |
Our product is Sodium Bentonite. It is not to be confused with calcium bentonite, or lesser quality sodium bentonites; nor is it to be confused with the bentonites with additives, chemicals and polymers added. We don't have to add anything to it in order for it to work. We have a superior product as is evident by the results of laboratory testing done in Bryan, Texas at the A&M University.
Specializing in sealing earthen holding facilities with treated soil barriers to control the loss of water due to seepage. Since 1958 our company has quietly established itself as an effective alternative for sealing lakes and ponds. Seepage Control, Inc. specializes in sealing earthen holding facilities with treated soil barriers to control the loss of water due to seepage. This is done without the use of synthetic liners or other temporary methods. Our methods are designed and installed to comply with EPA and state water quality standards. Our product is called ESS-13, and it is a liquid polymer emulsion that has the consistency of a heavy white vegetable oil. ESS -13 eliminates the need for a synthetic liner.
Seepage Control Inc.
P.O. Box 51177 | Phoenix AZ 85076-1177
Tel: 800 214-9640 | Fax: 480 829-1106
-- Comment: ESS13 is used to solidify road beds in the construction industry. My feeling is this may become just as bad as a plastic liner when dealing with nutrients which cause the algae. I would love to listen to a counter opinion if this is not the case. bk
