ESS-13 contains: Surfactants – specially designed to reduce the electrical charges on clay platelets. This reduction of electrical charge minimizes the natural electrical repulsion of the clay particles at the molecular level. Emulsified vegetable oil – micron sized droplets fill voids and ‘lubricate’ the clay platelets allowing for more efficient re-alignment. Both of these components work together to improve the mechanical compaction of soils. Without ESS-13, the clay platelets exist in a jumbled order and cannot effectively form a water barrier.

A waterborne application of ESS-13 can be used in ponds that are losing up to eight inches of water per day. Seepage problems with PVC, native clay, sand and bentonite can be solved with this method. ESS-13 also works very well in ponds lined with concrete, gunnite or shotcrete.

The waterborne treatment of ESS-13 works best in lakes and ponds that are kept full. Freezing conditions and normal irrigation cycles will not harm the effectiveness of an ESS-13 seal. A waterborne application of ESS-13 to existing bodies of water usually requires one gallon of ESS-13 to each 2,000 gallons of water, although application rates may vary. Prior to the application, a staff gauge or yardstick should be driven into the lake and the loss in vertical inches measured for 24 hours. This should be done at the full water level. The majority of the sealing action takes place in the fi rst 72 hours. After this 72 hour period the water will
remain hazy white for several days to several weeks. In most cases the water can be used for irrigation before the water clears, however please contact your Seepage Control representative prior to irrigating.

Seventy two hours after the treatment take another 24-hour loss measurement. The comparison will give you an initial seepage rate reduction (typically 80-90%, negiecting projects involving mechanical failure (ie. pipe penetrations, sink holes, etc.)). Whatever the initial reduction is, remember that the product continues to reduce the seepage rate of the pond with time.

The drums of ESS-13 must be stirred before application to ensure ingredients are properly mixed. Pump or pour the ESS-13 into the water at various locations and it will mix and distribute by itself. This usually takes from six to ten hours. Utilizing aeration or other forms of turbulent mixing is a great way to speed up the dispersion process. A 2” self-priming trash/water pump is ideal for pumping ESS-13 into the lake.

ESS-13 is an environmentally safe, non-toxic, vegetable oil based product. If there are any fi sh in the pond, they should be removed before the application of ESS-13 as the oil content can coat their gills and cause suff ocation.

Treated Soil System vs. Synthetic Liners
1. Permanent Results: The ESS-13 treated soil is a permanent system that will not break down. Synthetic liners will decay over time,
and they will need to be replaced.
2. Cost: The ESS-13 will also save money - usually customers save 25% or more compared to synthetic liners.
3. Weather: With sheets of plastic, any rain can stop the installation. With the ESS-13 soil system a little rain will not hurt. A large rain
that saturates all the soil will only temporarily shut down the project until the soil is mostly dry.
4. Durability: The ESS-13 system is more durable than synthetic liners. The plastic sheets can be torn or punctured with equipment,
animals, etc. The ESS-13 system gives more than 12 inches of thickness that cannot be torn. If a soil cover is desired for wetlands, or if fi sh habitat, rocks, rocks, aeration lines, etc. are desired, they can be placed over the ESS-13 seal with standard equipment and no damage to the seal.