Fort Largs Temporary Dust Suppression

Project Overview

A new residential project at Fort Largs, Adelaide is underway. McMahon Services conducted demolition operations, clearing the land for construction and removing all non-heritage listed structures. The project is set to progress to the next stage of development later in the year. Until then, the unprotected surface poses a dust risk due to winds from the ocean. McMahon Services approached Erizon to provide a dust suppression solution suitable for the predominantly sandy substrate, which has a high sodium content that compromises traditional polymer-based solutions. Therefore, an alternative was necessary.

Chosen Solution: FibreLoc

Erizon recommended FibreLoc, an advanced dust suppression product scientifically designed to withstand harsh conditions where polymer solutions are ineffective. FibreLoc’s interlocking organic wood fibres and sustainable binders form a flexible blanket that resists high salinity levels, making it ideal for the Fort Largs site.

Benefits of FibreLoc include:

• Resistance to high salinity levels and harsh weather conditions
• Engineered for even coverage over uneven terrain and shifting substrates
• Option to add seed to achieve revegetation and dust suppression goals
• Australian-made, environmentally sustainable product
• Extensively tested and proven

Equipment used

The Erizon team applied the FibreLoc solution using their flagship HydroRig equipment. These purpose-built trucks feature built-in agitators within the holding tanks to ensure a consistent and even application over the surface area.

Scope

The project began with a drone survey to accurately map the area, followed by an on-site inspection to assess safety aspects and the condition of the substrate for truck accessibility. The limitations of the HydroRig in these circumstances required extending the initial duration from 2 to 3 days.

Key Challenges

Over 75% of the work necessitated hose work as the sandy surface was too soft for truck access. The experienced Erizon spray technicians successfully completed the project despite a range of challenging weather conditions.

Results

The FibreLoc solution effectively locked the sandy substrate to the surface, mitigating dust risks to the local community. The target application rate was consistently and uniformly achieved, ensuring the project’s functional lifespan. The client was satisfied with the product and the professional conduct of the spray technicians who executed the operation.