Section 31 25 14.

13 – Hydraulically-Applied Erosion Control:

High Performance-Flexible Growth Medium™

GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

A. This section specifies the hydraulically-applied erosion control product Flexterra® High Performance-Flexible
Growth Medium™ (HP-FGM™). Flexterra HP-FGM is a biodegradable material, composed of 100% recycled,
Thermally Refined™ virgin wood fibers, crimped biodegradable interlocking fibers derived from regenerated
cellulose sourced from sustainably harvested wood, micro-pore granules, naturally derived cross-linked
biopolymers and water absorbents. The HP-FGM is patented, made in the US, plastic-free, and phytosanitized
to eliminate potential weed seeds and pathogens. Flexterra requires no curing period and upon application
forms an intimate bond with the soil surface to create a continuous, porous, absorbent and flexible erosion
resistant blanket that allows for rapid germination and accelerated plant growth.

B. Related Sections: Other Specification Sections, which directly relate to the work of this Section include, but are
not limited to the following:
1. Section 01 57 00 – Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control
2. Section 02 24 23 – Chemical Sampling and Analysis of Soils
3. Section 31 00 00 – Earthwork
4. Section 31 91 00 – Planting Preparation
5. Section 32 01 90.16 – Amending Soils
6. Section 32 92 00 – Turf and Grasses

1.02 SUBMITTALS

A. Product Data: Submit manufacturer’s product data and installation instructions. Include required substrate
preparation, list of materials and application rate.

B. Certifications: Manufacturer shall submit a letter of certification that the product meets or exceeds all technical
and packaging requirements and is made in the U.S.A.

1.03 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

A. Deliver materials and products in UV and weather-resistant factory labeled packages. Store and handle in strict
compliance with manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. Protect from damage, weather, excessive
temperatures and construction operations.

PRODUCTS

2.01 ACCEPTABLE MANUFACTURER

A. PROFILE Products LLC

750 Lake Cook Road – Suite 440
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
International - +1-847-215-1144
United States and Canada – 800-366-1180 (Fax 847-215-0577)
www.profileproducts.com

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2.02 MATERIALS

A. The HP-FGM shall be Flexterra HP-FGM and conform to the following typical property values when uniformly
applied at a rate of 3,500 pounds per acre (3,900 kilograms/hectare) under laboratory conditions.

Property Test Method Tested Value (English) Tested Value (SI)

Physical
Mass/Unit Area ASTM D6566 ≥11.6 oz/yd2 ≥390 g/m2
Thickness ASTM D65251 ≥ 0.22 inch ≥ 5.6 mm
Ground Cover ASTM D65671 ≥ 99% ≥ 99%
Water Holding Capacity ASTM D7367 ≥ 1,700% ≥ 1,700%
Material Color Observed Green Green
Performance
Cover Factor2 ASTM D8298-Type 1 ≤ 0.01 ≤ 0.01
% Effectiveness3 ASTM D8298-Type 1 ≥ 99% ≥ 99%
Vegetation Establishment ASTM D7322 ≥ 800% ≥ 800%
Functional Longevity4 ASTM D5338 ≤ 18 months ≤ 18 months
Cure Time Observed 0 - 2 hours 0 - 2 hours
Environmental Properties
Ecotoxicity5 EPA 2021.0 Non-Toxic Non-Toxic
Biodegradability ASTM D5338 Yes Yes
Certified BioPreferred®
ASTM D6866 100% 100%
Biobased Content
Elemental Impurity Limits ASTM D8082 Pass Pass
6 ≤0.4 Unit CO2e/ ≤0.4 Unit CO2e/
Carbon Footprint Life Cycle Assessment
Unit of product7 Unit of product7
1. ASTM test methods developed for Rolled Erosion Control Products and have been modified to accommodate Hydraulically-Applied
Erosion Control Products.
2. Cover Factor is calculated as soil loss ratio of treated surface versus an untreated control surface.
3. % Effectiveness = One minus Cover Factor multiplied by 100%.
4. Functional Longevity is the estimated time period, based upon field observations, that a material can be anticipated to provide erosion
control and agronomic benefits as influenced by composition, as well as site-specific conditions, including; but not limited to – temperature,
moisture, light conditions, soils, biological activity, vegetative establishment and other environmental factors.
5. 48-hour LC50 > 100% - LC50 refers to the percent concentration of a substance in water when 50% percent mortality of an organism is
reached. 50% mortality of the tested species (Daphnia magna) could not be achieved when subjected to 100% effluent concentration
proving the material to be acutely non-toxic.
6. Cradle to factory gate (Conover, NC) life cycle assessment.
7. “Carbon dioxide equivalent” or CO 2e is a term for describing different greenhouse gases in a common unit. For any quantity and type of
greenhouse gas, CO2e signifies the amount of CO2 which would have the equivalent global warming impact. The unit of CO 2e per unit of
product is a consistent ratio based on mass, regardless of what unit of mass is chosen. For instance, there is 0.4 kg of CO 2e per kg of
product or 0.4 oz CO2e per oz of product.

2.03 COMPOSITION

A. All components of the HP-FGM shall be pre-packaged by the Manufacturer to assure both material
performance and compliance with the following values. Under no circumstances shall field mixing of
components be permitted. No chemical additives with the exception of fertilizer, soil neutralizers and
biostimulant materials should be added to this product.

1. Thermally Processed* (within a pressurized vessel) Virgin Wood Fibers – 80%

*Heated to a temperature greater than 380 degrees Fahrenheit (193 degrees Celsius) for 5
minutes at a pressure greater than 50 psi (345 kPa)
2. Wetting agents (including high-viscosity colloidal polysaccharides, cross-linked biopolymers, and
water absorbents) – 10%
3. Crimped, Biodegradable Interlocking Fibers derived from regenerated cellulose sourced from
sustainably harvested wood – 5%
4. Micro-Pore Granules – 5%

2.04 PACKAGING

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A. Bags: Net Weight – 50 lb (22.7 kg), UV and weather-resistant plastic film
Pallets: Weather-proof, stretch-wrapped with UV resistant pallet cover
Pallet Quantity: 40 bags/pallet or 1 ton (909 kg)/pallet

EXECUTION

3.01 SOIL TESTING

A. Soil Samples shall be taken and sent to a third-party, independent lab for analysis and in compliance with
Section 02 24 23 – Chemical Sampling and Analysis of Soils, if applicable.

B. The tests shall include analysis and interpretation of results.

C. The soil testing methods used shall be compliant with recognized agronomic testing standards, as outlined in
Section 02 24 23, for revegetation of disturbed sites.

D. Soil Analysis shall include results for:

1. Soil pH
2. Soluble Salts
3. Excess Carbonate
4. Organic Matter
5. Nutrient readings for:
i. Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium
ii. Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Manganese, Sulfur, Zinc, Copper, Iron, Boron
6. Cation Exchange Capacity
7. Percent Base Saturation Sodium

E. ProGanics® BSM, BioPrime™, JumpStart™, Aqua-pHix™ and NeutraLime™ Dry or other amendments shall be
specified according to Section 32 01 90.16 – Amending Soils and applied with the hydroseeding slurry at
Manufacturer recommended rates based on soil test results.

3.02 VEGETATION SPECIES SELECTION

Once soils have been analyzed for agronomic potential and amendment recommendations, selection of suitable
plant species for achieving sustainable growth and effective erosion control is vital. Seed selection can be
performed by a qualified seed supplier, consulting professional and/or regulatory agency. In lieu of this, a warm,
extreme warm, or cool season Vegetator® variety mix may be considered. Species selection and establishment
shall be compliant with Section 32 92 00 – Turf and Grasses, if applicable.

A. Site and project specific information considered for species selection shall include:

1. Project Location and Planning

i. Climate
ii. Elevation
iii. Aspect
iv. Slope/Gradient
v. Permanent or Temporary Planting
vi. Installation Date(s)
2. Soil Conditions
i. Soil Texture
ii. Soil pH
iii. Toxicities/Deficiencies noted in the previous section.
3. Site Maintenance Requirements
i. Mowing
ii. Irrigation

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 iii. Animal grazing preference
4. Preferred Vegetation
i. Drought Tolerant
ii. Native Vegetation
iii. Shrub Species
iv. Turf Grasses
v. Cool Season
vi. Warm Season
vii. Blend of Cool and Warm Season
viii. Legume Species
ix. Cover Crops

3.03 SUBSTRATE AND SEEDBED PREPARATION

A. Examine substrates and conditions where materials will be applied. Apply products to geotechnically stable
slopes that have been designed and constructed to divert runoff away from the face of the slope. Do not
proceed with installation until satisfactory conditions are established.

B. Depending upon project sequencing and intended application, prepare seedbed in compliance with other
specifications under Section 1.01 B

3.04 INSTALLATION

A. Strictly comply with equipment manufacturer's installation instructions and recommendations. Use approved
hydroseeding machines with fan-type nozzle (50-degree tip). To achieve optimum soil surface coverage, apply
HP-FGM from opposing directions to soil surface. Rough surfaces (rocky terrain, cat tracked and ripped soils)
may require higher application rates to achieve 100% cover. Slope interruption devices or water diversion
techniques are recommended when slope lengths (3H:1V) exceed 100 feet (30 m). Slope interruption intervals
may need to be decreased based on steeper slopes or other site conditions. HP-FGM is not recommended for
channels or areas with concentrated water flow unless used in conjunction with a rolled erosion control product
designed to accommodate the anticipated hydraulic conditions. Unless approved by the Manufacturer, no
chemical additives with the exception of fertilizer, soil neutralizers and biostimulant materials should be added
to this product.

B. For Erosion Control and Revegetation: To ensure proper application rates, measure and stake area. For
maximum performance, apply HP-FGM in a two-step process*:

1. Step One: Apply fertilizer with specified prescriptive agronomic formulations and typically 50% of
specified seed mix with a small amount of HP-FGM for visual metering. Do not leave seeded
surfaces unprotected, especially if precipitation is imminent.
2. Step Two: Mix balance of seed and apply HP-FGM at a rate of 50 lb per 125 gallons (22.7 kg/475
liters) of water over freshly seeded surfaces. Confirm loading rates with equipment manufacturer.

*Depending upon site conditions HP-FGM may be applied in a one-step process where all components may be
mixed together in single tank loads. Consult with Manufacturer for further details.

Best results and more rapid curing are achieved at temperatures exceeding 60°F (15°C). Curing times may be
accelerated in high temperature, low humidity conditions with product applied on dry soils.

C. Mixing: A mechanically agitated hydroseeding machine is strongly recommended:

1. Fill 1/3 of mechanically agitated hydroseeder with water. Turn pump on for 15 seconds and purge
and pre-wet lines. Turn pump off.
2. Turn agitator on and load low density materials first (i.e. seed).
3. Continue slowly filling tank with water while loading fiber matrix into tank.
4. Consult application and loading charts to determine number of bags to be added for desired area
and application rate. Mix at a rate of 50 lb of HP-FGM per 125 gallons (22.7 kg/475 liters).
5. All HP-FGM should be completely loaded before water level reaches 75% of the top of tank.

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 6. Top off with water and mix until all fiber is fully broken apart and hydrated (minimum of 10 minutes
— increase mixing time when applying in cold conditions). This is very important to fully activate
the bonding additives and to obtain proper viscosity.
7. Add fertilizer and any other remaining amendments.
8. Shut off recirculation valve to minimize potential for air entrainment within the slurry.
9. Slow down agitator and start applying with a 50-degree fan tip nozzle.
10. Spray in opposing directions for maximum soil coverage.
D. Application Rates: These application rates are for standard conditions. Application rates may need to be
increased to accommodate very rough surfaces.

Slope Gradient / Condition English SI

< 4H to 1V 2,500 lb/ac 2,800 kg/ha
> 4H to 1V and < 3H to 1V 3,000 lb/ac 3,400 kg/ha
> 3H to 1V and < 2H to 1V 3,500 lb/ac 3,900 kg/h
> 2H to 1V and < 1H to 1V 4,000 lb/ac 4,500 kg/ha
> 1H to 1V 4,500 lb/ac 5,100 kg/ha
Below ECB or TRM 1,500 lb/ac 1,700 kg/ha
As infill for TRM* 3,500 lb/ac 3,900 kg/ha

*Use only approved and tested Futerra® Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs) to create the GreenArmor™ System

For additional details including mixing ratios/loading rates for specific machine sizes and visual keys for proper
application, please consult Profile® Application Guide for HP-FGM™ and ET-FGM™.

3.05 CLEANING AND PROTECTION

A. Always flush residual slurry from hydraulic seeding/mulching equipment immediately following each application,
at the end of each work period or when equipment will be left unattended. Compounds containing residual
Urea, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and other substances may form and can be hazardous to human
health and equipment.

B. Clean spills promptly. Advise owner of methods for protection of treated areas. Do not allow treated areas to be
trafficked or subjected to grazing.

3.06 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

A. All inspections and maintenance recommendations shall be conducted by qualified professionals consistent
with the owner, engineer/specifier and regulatory entity(ies) expectations.

B. Initial inspections shall insure installations are in accordance with the project plans and specifications with
material quantities and activities fully documented. Refer to Section 32 92 00 – Turf and Grasses for any
additional details.

C. Subsequent inspections shall be conducted at pre-determined time intervals and corrective maintenance
activities directed after each significant precipitation or other potentially damaging weather or site event.
D ENGLISH SI
© 2022 PROFILE Products LLC. All Rights Reserved. A copyright license to reproduce this specification is hereby granted to non-
manufacturing landscape architects, specification writers and designers.

Revision Date: 11/2022