Liner integrity is especially important before spring thaw because this is when stored liquid can rise quickly and put extra pressure on a lagoon or pit. As snow and ice begin to melt, large volumes of water can flow into the storage area or surrounding ground, and any weakness in the liner may turn into a leak or full breach.
Frozen soil also shifts as it warms, which can stress an unprotected structure, making small flaws more likely to open. A sound liner keeps the contents contained during this period of rapid change, preventing nutrient loss and protecting nearby waterways from sudden runoff.
