Environmental management fabrics in Quebec

Tarping is a method frequently used to control or eliminate certain invasive exotic plants. In general, the
tarpaulin should remain in place for 2 years, but it can be up to 5 years, depending on :

• Invasive species (the most resistant, such as common reed or Japanese knotweed, require a longer cover)
• Site conditions (sunshine, humidity, colony vigour)

For maximum efficiency:

• The tarpaulin must be totally opaque, extend well beyond the colony, and be securely fastened and sealed to prevent light penetration.
• It is advisable to check regularly that no stems are piercing and that the edges remain sealed.
• The more vigorous the plant, the longer the duration.

Megatex polyethylene fabrics M1080 and M2000 are designed for this type of application, as they completely block light and are weather-resistant over long periods.

Both types of tarpaulin can be used to control vegetation, but their operation and effectiveness differ greatly.

Black tarpaulin, the most effective way to eliminate invasive plants

The black tarpaulin works by concealment:

• It blocks light, preventing photosynthesis.
• In the sun, it generates high heat under the tarpaulin, accelerating decomposition.
• This is the preferred method for highly resistant invasive alien plants.

Advantages :

• High efficiency for medium/long-term elimination
• Ideal for Japanese knotweed, phragmites, buckthorn, etc.
• Reliable results when the tarpaulin is thick and truly opaque

Suitable Megatex products :

• Polyethylene M1080 and M2000 – high-density, tough and waterproof

Transparent tarpaulin, faster but less reliable

The transparent tarpaulin is used for solarization:

• It lets in light, which raises the soil temperature.
• It can kill seeds and small weeds in intense heat, but is often ineffective against deep-rooted or rhizomatous invasive plants.

Several techniques exist, but opaque sheeting remains the most effective and long-lasting method of controlling invasive plants without chemicals.

Other possible approaches :

• Repeated cutting: slows growth, but does not eliminate the plant.
• Manual or mechanical uprooting: useful for small colonies, but rarely sufficient for rhizome species and requires a colossal amount of work.

For vigorous invasive plants, the most reliable solution is complete concealment with a hard-wearing opaque tarpaulin, such as the M1080 and M2000 geomembranes used in environmental applications.

Temporary cofferdams are designed to create a watertight barrier for the duration of a worksite in an aquatic environment. At Mégatex, they are
manufactured from flexible, welded PVC or Poly6BB geomembrane membranes, two materials that ensure the impermeability of the
structure.

High-frequency PVC welding technology produces perfectly watertight joints, capable of withstanding water pressure for the duration of the project.

These flexible cofferdams are then custom-assembled to the dimensions of the project, making them easy to install, move and
remove once the work is complete.

For projects involving the capping of contaminated soil piles, e.g. during excavation of contaminated soils or during treatment
by bio-ventilation, we mainly use :

Poly6BB geomembrane (reinforced extruded polyethylene)

It’s the ideal material for small and medium-sized batteries.

• High tightness to limit contaminant migration
• Integrated reinforcement reduces the risk of aggravating tears
• Durability in outdoor conditions
• Lightweight, easy to move during installation and removal

It is, however, less durable than the M1080

Polyethylene M1080

This material is ideal for all battery formats. It is more resistant in the medium to long term, but it is heavier, which
makes frequent handling more complex.

Our installation team can help your teams use the right methods and ensure efficient installation, reducing the human effort
required for toiling the largest stacks. Please contact us for more information.