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CITY OF EVERETT STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MANUAL <br /> 3.3.16 BMP C235: Straw Wattles <br /> Purpose <br /> Straw wattles are TESC barriers consisting of straw that is wrapped in biodegradable tubular plastic or <br /> similar encasing inaterial. They reduce the velocity and can spread the flow of rill and sheet runoff, and <br /> can capture and retain sediment. Straw wattles are typically 8 to l0 inches in diameter and 25 to 30 feet <br /> in length. The wattles are placed in shallow trenches and staked along the contour of disturbed or newly <br /> constructed slopes. See Figure 3.4 for typical construction details. <br /> Conditions of Use <br /> • Disturbed areas that require immediate erosion protection <br /> ' • Exposed soils during the period of short construction delays, or over winter months <br /> • On slopes requiring stabilization until permanent vegetation can be established <br /> � Straw wattles are effective for one to two wet seasons <br /> • If conditions are appropriate, wattles can be staked to the ground using willow cuttings for added <br /> revegetation <br /> • Rilling can occur beneath wattles if not properly entrenched and water can pass between wattles <br /> if not tightly abutted together. <br /> Design Criteria <br /> 1. It is critical that wattles are installed perpendicular to the flow direction and parallel to the slope <br /> contour. <br /> 2. Narrow trenches should be dug across the slope on contour to a depth of 3 to 5 inches on clay <br /> soils and soils with gradual slopes. On loose soils, steep slopes, and areas with high rainfall, the <br /> trenches should be dug to a depth of 5 to 7 inches, or one-half to two-thirds of the thickness of the <br /> wattle. <br /> 3. Start building trenches and installing wattles from the base of the slope and work up. Excavated <br /> material should be spread evenly along the uphill slope and compacted using hand tamping or <br /> other methods. <br /> 4. Construct trenches on contours at intervals of 10 to 25 feet apart depending on the steepness of <br /> the slope, soil type, and rainfall. The steeper the slope, the closer together the trenches. <br /> - 5. Install the wattles snugly into the trenches and abut tightly end to end. Do not overlap the ends. <br /> 6. Install stakes at each end of the wattle, and at 4-foot centers along entire length of wattle. <br /> • 7. If required, install pilot holes for the stakes using a straight bar to drive holes through the wattle <br /> and into the soil. <br /> 8. At a minimum, wooden stakes should be approximately 0.75 x 0.75 x 24 inches. Willow cuttings <br /> or three-eighths-inch reinforcement bar can also be used for stakes. <br /> Mainfenance Standards <br /> l. Stakes should be driven through the middle of the wattle, leaving 2 to 3 inches of the stake <br /> protruding above the wattle. <br /> 2. Wattles may require maintenance to ensure they are in contact with soil and thoroughly <br /> entrenched, especially after significant rainfall on steep sandy soils. <br /> Volume 11— Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention <br /> 3-58 <br />