The Erosion Control Technology Council (ECTC) has updated the Hydraulic Erosion Control Product (HECP) standard specification to revise Vegetation Establishment requirement to be in alignment with the changed ASTM D7322 Standard Test Method.  Users of the standard specification should be advised to immediately revise current specifications or requirements that were based on previous editions of the standard.  The updated specification can be found in their comprehensive Toolbox on the ECTC website at https://www.erosioncouncil.org/erosion-toolbox/.

In early 2024, ASTM International announced the approved revision of ASTM D7322, Standard Test Method for Determination of Erosion Control Product (ECP) Ability to Encourage Seed Germination and Plant Growth Under Bench-Scale Conditions.  This standard is used widely throughout the sediment and erosion control industry.  The standard should inform end users if a product is found to display adequate percent germination improvement or inhibit vegetative growth.  As such, sections 10 and 11 of this standard were revised to instruct laboratories to calculate a percent germination improvement for an ECP and report a pass or fail grade for the product.  To pass, the biomass produced by a product under standard test conditions shall be >100% when compared to the biomass produced from a control, or bare soil trial under standard test conditions. 

ECTC is a leading industry organization representing top manufacturers of erosion and sediment control products, component suppliers, material distributors, and test laboratories. ECTC members are dedicated to enhancing their knowledge and expertise in the erosion and sediment control field. The non-profit organization’s mission is to develop performance standards, uniform testing procedures, and guidance on the application and installation of hydraulic erosion control products (HECPs), rolled erosion control products (RECPs), and sediment retention fiber rolls (SRFRs). ECTC has recently expanded its focus to include other technologies, promoting the use of erosion and sediment control products through industry leadership and education. This effort aims to make a substantial contribution to the science of erosion control and environmental preservation.

For more information or to contact ECTC, please visit www.ErosionCouncil.org or email Diane Smith at info@erosioncouncil.org