Fusion™ Success Story

The SC DOT Fusion Project: A Case Study in Erosion Control Success

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SC DOT) faced a challenging roadside project with a history of failed traditional hydroseeding attempts.

The project site featured sandy soil with very little organic matter content (less than 0.7%). Existing erosion rills were present on the 3:1 and 2:1 slopes and the area was devoid of any vegetation.

To address the problem SC DOT turned to Fusion™, a one-step application soil rebuilding/erosion control product from LSC Environmental Products. Fusion™ is an engineered Hydraulic Biotic Soil Amendment (HBSA) consisting of soil-enhancing organic materials, naturally occurring Rhizo bacteria microbial stimulators, growth mediums, and EarthGuard®, LSC’s highly rated erosion control soil stabilizer. The project began in January 2016. The application rate was set at 4,500 lb per acre (5045 kg/ha), and the project spanned multiple acres.

Despite challenging weather conditions, including over 45” (1143 mm) of rain in one year, temperatures ranging from 20°F to 110°F (-7 to 43 C), and a hurricane that dropped over 11 inches (279 mm) of rain in one week, the Fusion™ application proved successful. The installer appreciated the easy, one-step application.

Observations of the site after the Fusion™ application showed no noticeable erosion. All the slopes were stabilized, and temporary cover species grew when conditions were favorable.

UPDATE: To evaluate the long-term viability of the project, site monitoring continued into the following year. After two years of observation, the organic matter content of the soils had doubled to 1.4%. Permanent cover was achieved and included a variety of species, some planted and some volunteer, resulting in a thick stand of vegetation in most areas by summer. Final stabilization was achieved, ensuring long-term erosion control success.

The SC DOT Fusion™ Project illustrates the effectiveness of an innovative soil rebuilding/erosion control solution that was viable when traditional methods proved inadequate. Fusion™ not only provided successful erosion control but also resulted in significant cost savings for SC DOT by eliminating the need to bring in additional soil. This cost reduction amounted to $36,000 per acre ($14,570/ha), making Fusion™ a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution to soil transportation. With the right product, even the most challenging environments can support vegetation growth, while also saving resources and mitigating risks associated with external soil sources.