Gaglardi Slope Project

The slope at Gaglardi Way in Burnaby experienced a severe washout due to concentrated water flow during heavy rain events. This erosion compromised the slope’s integrity, requiring a complete reinstatement and stabilization. The project, part of the Fortis LMSU (Lower Mainland System Upgrade), involved Evergreen Environmental & Reclamation Ltd. implementing a robust erosion control plan to restore the site under challenging terrain and weather conditions.

To address sloughing and control sediment loss before vegetation could take hold, a 4" GeoCell system was installed. The honeycomb pattern of the GeoCell allowed Evergreen to reshape the slope face while maintaining key drainage features.

The cells were anchored into the subsurface and filled with imported soil to create a stable, erosion-resistant base that would later support vegetative growth and withstand high surface runoff velocities.

Next, 9-inch Curlex sediment logs were installed horizontally along the slope to reduce water velocity and increase infiltration across the 1.5:1 slope. These breaks in slope continuity are critical for slowing down runoff and minimizing erosion risk during the period before vegetation becomes established. At this stage, the soil surface was fully prepared and ready for hydroseeding.

The slope was treated with ProMatrix EFM hydroseed at 3,500 lbs/acre, using a Coastal reclamation seed mix tailored for local conditions. This application bonded with the soil and provided immediate protection from raindrop erosion. Within two weeks of treatment, the first signs of germination appeared, with green coverage starting to take hold across the GeoCell-stabilized face and between the sediment logs.

By week six, the slope had transformed into a fully vegetated surface with dense grass coverage. The combination of structural stabilization from the GeoCell system and biological stabilization from the root network significantly reduced erosion risk.

The slope now functions as a self-reinforcing system, capable of managing runoff and withstanding future rain events while supporting long-term ecological recovery.