VELCO SUBSTATION—ASCUTNEY, VERMONT
Daniels Construction was contracted to build a power substation for Vermont Electric Power Company in Ascutney, Vermont. The site is located on a small rise ringed by steep slopes. In order to control erosion and storm water run-off, the steep slopes needed to be stabilized.
The Challenge
The substation road slopes needed to sustain vegetation with minimal maintenance, preventing erosion on and near the access road. This project is very visible and the final outcome had to withstand ongoing public viewing and scrutiny. The steep substation slopes had previously been graded and seeded using native loam. However, the existing topsoil did not retain sufficient moisture to allow for vegetation to become established.
The Solution
After evaluating the project site, RMI worked with Daniels Construction and developed a plan using Engineered Topsoil from its Heart & Soil® product line. Engineered Topsoil is high in organic matter and also contains slow-release nitrogen and other nutrients. Engineered Topsoil was initially used on a trial basis and was placed at a 9” depth immediately adjacent to native topsoil. Within weeks of placement the Engineered Topsoil section was visibly outperforming the native topsoil, as seen in the photos above.