Knowledgebase
Welcome to the BTL Knowledgebase. Ever since we started lining ponds, creating covers, and helping people with their projects, we've gotten asked a lot of questions. Many of these questions are repeatedly asked, so we put together the BTL knowledgebase to help answer any questions you had about a particular subject. We are adding new questions every month, so continue to check back often!
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Can Snow Accumulation Damage An Unlined Earthen Pond?
Yes, snow accumulation can cause problems for an unlined earthen pond because the weight of the snow and the water released during melting both place additional stress on the soil structure.
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How Does Frost Heave Affect Unlined Ponds Or Basins?
In unlined ponds and basins, frost heave can lift and shift the soil as water within the ground freezes and expands.
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How Can I Tell If My Lagoon Is Leaking During Winter?
Detecting a lagoon leak in winter can be challenging because snow and ice hide many surface clues, but there are still signs to watch for.
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What Is The Best Liner Type For Manure Lagoon Protection During Winter?
Scrim-reinforced RPE liners are often the best choice for manure lagoon protection during winter because they combine strength, flexibility, and resistance to cold temperatures.
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Are Synthetic Liners Effective In Frozen-Ground Conditions?
Synthetic liners are effective in frozen-ground conditions because the material is unaffected by temperature changes and provides an effective barrier even when the soil can't.
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What Causes Winter-Related Cracks Or Failures In Containment Basins?
Winter-related cracks or failures in containment basins often stem from the stresses of repeated freezing and thawing.
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Why Do Manure Ponds And Lagoons Overflow More Often During Winter?
Manure ponds and lagoons are more prone to overflowing in winter because they receive extra water at a time when very little can evaporate or soak into the surrounding soil.
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How Can Liners Prevent Leakage From Storage Lagoons In Freezing Temperatures?
Liners provide a durable barrier that stops liquid from passing into the surrounding soil, even when the ground is compromised by rapid temperature fluctuations.
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What Regulations Exist For Winter Manure Storage Or Runoff Control?
Regulations for winter manure storage and runoff control vary by state and region, but most follow the same general principles.
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Does Winter Nutrient Pollution Contribute To Harmful Algal Blooms In Spring?
Winter nutrient pollution often sets the stage for harmful algal blooms in spring.
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How Does Winter Weather Affect Manure Storage Structures?
Winter weather can place significant stress on manure storage structures by exposing them to freezing temperatures, snow loads, and repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
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What Role Does Temperature Play In Nutrient Leaching?
Temperature affects the rate of nutrient leaching by controlling how water moves through the soil and how active plants and microbes are.
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Are Winter Fish Kills Related To Nutrient Pollution?
Yes, in some situations winter fish kills can be traced to nutrient pollution.
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Why Are Farms Especially Vulnerable To Nutrient Runoff In Winter?
Farms are especially vulnerable to nutrient runoff in winter because they tend to have bare surfaces and storage areas exposed to weather at a time when the soil cannot soak up water.
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How Does Winter Nutrient Pollution Impact Waterways?
Winter nutrient pollution affects waterways by delivering sudden doses of nitrogen and phosphorus at a time when streams and lakes are less able to process them.
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How Do Frozen Soils Affect Nutrient Leakage?
Frozen soils increase nutrient leakage by blocking water from soaking into the ground.
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Can Nutrient Pollution Occur Even When Manure Or Fertilizer Isn't Applied During Winter?
Nutrient pollution can occur even without applying manure or fertilizer during winter.
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Why Is Winter Runoff Harder To Manage Than Summer Runoff?
Winter runoff is more difficult to manage because the ground is often frozen or already saturated, which limits how much water the soil can take in.
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What Nutrients Most Commonly Cause Pollution In Winter?
The nutrients most often linked to winter pollution are nitrogen and phosphorus, which are key ingredients in fertilizers and manure.
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How Does Snowmelt Contribute To Nutrient Runoff?
Snowmelt can exacerbate nutrient runoff because it produces a large volume of water that moves across the landscape in a short period of time.
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Why Does Nutrient Pollution Increase During Winter?
Nutrient pollution tends to increase in winter because the soil can't absorb water once it freezes.
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How Can I Reduce Nutrient Runoff During Winter Snowmelt?
You can limit nutrient runoff during snowmelt by keeping exposed soil to a minimum and making sure manure or stored materials are well contained before freeze-up.
What Upgrades Help Improve Winter Nutrient Containment?
Upgrades that improve winter nutrient containment focus on strengthening storage structures so they stay dependable through freeze-thaw cycles and sudden weather swings.