APPLICATION: DEBRIS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Pacific Netting Products (PNP) leads the way in debris and environmental management, specializing in HDPE floating structures and boom barriers. Since 1997, PNP has designed exclusion, guidance, and collection systems for complex aquatic environments, becoming a trusted partner for these challenging applications.
Clark Fork River Debris Boom
One standout project was the design and manufacture of a 225-foot ballasted floating HDPE shear boom for the Clark Fork River. PNP built the boom barrier to guide woody debris and other floating materials into a collection area, improving water management. They tailored the design to handle the river’s tough conditions, including high winds, turbulent water, and fluctuating levels of up to 18 feet.
HDPE Shear Boom Directs Woody Debris into a Collection Area in the River
PNP crafted the floating boom using coextruded HDPE, known for its durability and resistance to environmental extremes. Coextruded HDPE adds layers for enhanced strength, rot resistance, and UV protection, making it perfect for long-term debris management. PNP also added a 3-foot wide, non-slip fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) walkway, allowing safe access for personnel to manage and maintain the boom.
Withstanding Heavy Drag Force and Debris Loads
PNP designed the system to handle horizontal drag forces of up to 14,000 lbs. per 100 feet of boom, ensuring it could support heavy debris like logs and branches. Additionally, the floating HDPE pontoons allowed the boom to adjust to fluctuating water levels, maintaining its effectiveness in all conditions.
Installation Features:
- HDPE Pontoons: The system used 24” and 20” diameter dual HDPE pontoons, providing buoyancy and structural integrity. Coextruded HDPE construction enhanced their rot and UV resistance.
- Shear Boom Design: The boom featured a 2” thick, 48” deep HDPE shear boom, with clevis and hinge end plates ensuring watertight seals and stability.
- Walkway: A 3-foot wide FRP walkway ran the length of the boom for easy, safe access during debris collection.
- Wing Assemblies: 18” diameter wing assemblies guided debris toward the collection zone.
- Custom Lengths: PNP customized boom lengths to meet project needs, offering a tailored debris management solution.
- Hardware: The boom came with hardware for easy integration with existing systems.
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Clark Fork River Drift Yard sign posted on site
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Clark Fork showing woody debris floating towards the barrier
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Clark Fork hawk lands on a boom
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Debris Boom view from grassy shore
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24” and 20” diameter HDPE dual pontoons with FRP walkway
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Clark Fork boom closeup showing material and construction details
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Clark Fork debris boom showing walkway material
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Clark Fork boom closeup showing material and construction details
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Walkway view from above showing green water on either side
Partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
PNP’s involvement extended beyond design and manufacturing to a multi-year contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Specifically, this contract included the replacement of up to 6,500 feet of floating HDPE shear boom. PNP demonstrated their commitment to long-term, reliable debris and environmental management solutions. Therefore, the advanced boom systems developed by PNP are integral in maintaining water flow, preventing obstruction, and ensuring the smooth operation of dams and water management infrastructures.
Through these innovative systems, PNP not only enhances debris collection efficiency but also contributes to the overall environmental health of aquatic ecosystems, minimizing the impact of floating debris on dam operations and fish migration.
