1. Service Description
In a geomembrane-lined containment facility there are a number of problems that may be pre-empted by good maintenance. The most important aspect is compliance. Many regulatory agencies require regular monitoring of ponds and containments in order to determine compliance with environmental standards. Layfield can provide contract maintenance services as part of your environmental monitoring plan. Geomembranes are often relied upon to provide the majority of environmental protection at a facility, however they usually receive little maintenance. Layfield’s technicians can locate defects in the geomembrane and restore your environmental protection. A number of problems that can occur in a containment area. The most common damage to liners is mechanical damage. Mechanical damage can occur due to movement of ice, acts of vandalism, or due to day-to-day operations within the facility. Mechanical damage is most common in exposed pond liners however backfilled geomembranes can be damaged as well.

2. Electrical Leak Location Survey
An Electrical Leak Location survey can provide positive input to your geomembrane environmental compliance plan. Electrical surveys identify discontinuities in exposed and backfilled geomembranes at operational or reduced water levels. Electrical Leak Location surveys are an ideal addition to plant shut-down and maintenance activities. The survey isolates any potential leaks and allows Layfield staff to locate and make repairs. Electrical Leak Location surveys are ideal for final project QC testing, project commissioning testing, environmental compliance monitoring, and for identifying the location of leaks in operating ponds. Electrical surveys may require specific design features in a pond in order to operate correctly. Electric Leak Location surveys are custom quoted based on a measured construction drawing of the pond to be surveyed.

3. Visual Inspections
Visual inspections can be an effective tool in the maintenance of a geomembrane lined containment. A skilled technician can find evidence of damage, or of pending damage, with a detailed visual inspection. Layfield performs visual inspections of exposed and backfilled geomembrane containments at operational or reduced water levels. We are able to detect signs of liner distress, mechanical damage, and slope slumping or failure. An annual visual inspection can prevent major problems from developing and allow for repairs and slack redistribution as required.

 

4. Physical Geomembrane Evaluation
One of the most common questions in the geomembrane industry is "How long will the liner last?" Layfield has developed a liner evaluation package that can give you a realistic indication of the longevity of exposed or backfilled geomembranes. Our technicians will visit your site and perform a visual inspection and then remove a small sample of the liner from a representative location. The opening caused by the sample recovery is repaired immediately. Layfield then performs a laboratory evaluation of this sample. By plotting the performance of two or more recovered samples over time Layfield will be able to provide an accurate estimate of the longevity of your installed geomembrane. This estimate can help you predict when a liner replacement will be needed in the future.

5. Preventative Maintenance Packages

1. Our first maintenance package is a one-day visual inspection. This package includes two technicians for one day on site to perform a detailed visual inspection. The package includes two hours of repair time at site and a written report at completion. For most containments we recommend that this basic level of maintenance be performed at least once a year.

2. Our second package combines an annual visual inspection with a geomembrane sample recovery and analysis. This package includes two technicians for two days of inspection and the recovery and repair of a representative sample. Analysis of the sample and a written report complete the package. The package includes four hours of repair time at site.

3. Our third package combines an annual visual inspection every year with a leak location survey. A measured containment drawing will be required prior to quoting this inspection package. This package includes the personnel and equipment required to survey your facility for any defects and to make repairs as required. A report will be generated at the completion of the survey suitable for submission to environmental regulators. The package includes four hours of repair time at site.

4. Custom maintenance packages are also available that are designed around your facilities. Call your local representative today to discuss a maintenance package that will take into account your unique requirements.

Layfield’s maintenance survey packages are available from March through to the end of June each year. Maintenance at other times of the year will be subject to market pricing and availability. Preventative maintenance packages can be prepaid and can be pre-booked to coincide with plant shutdowns.