In an effort to reduce their maintenance costs and protect their clay liner, some producers are lining only the slopes of their lagoons. Several types of UV stable materials are used in these applications. An anchor trench is dug at the top and bottom of the slope to hold the lining material in place. When these types of systems are constructed, it is critical that the bottom anchor trench is compacted in a manner to not affect the integrity of the 2’ clay liner.

Current regulations require that all manure storage lagoons be lined with either 2’ of compacted clay or a geosynthetic liner. Often times these facilities are in a location where a quality clay material is not available or very cost prohibitive. In these areas, high density polyethylene has become the most commonly used material. Other types of lining materials being used are geosynthetic clay liners and EPDM. It is critical in these applications that the lining material is placed and seamed in accordance with the highest quality standards. If the pond is being constructed over an existing lagoon, a gas venting layer is incorporated into the design under the lining system.