Alpine Autism Center In Colorado Springs, Colorado Installation Focus For Flood Mitigation

Online, September 10, 2013 (Newswire.com) - In an effort to stay ahead of the rushing waters in the Ute Pass, Colorado area to save lives and property, a new option has been added to the toolkit for businesses and homeowners.

Colorado-based installer MALLETT EXCAVATING has joined forces with out of state firm, LANDMARK EARTH SOLUTIONS, in offering flood mitigation relief and earth stabilization solutions.

The latest project is the Alpine Autism Center near the Waldo Canyon Colorado burn area. The center is in the direct path of water flowing from the Waldo Canyon burn scar.

The system is rapidly deployable and a patented alternative to sandbags for flood control and de-watering applications. "In a big storm water still comes down but the system blocks the sediment," Rick Mallett said.

"It has definitely helped with our fears of being flooded and they are doing a great job," said Tana Rice, Operations Manager, Alpine Autism Center.

Unlike sandbags, RIBS are filled with native materials, sand and decomposed granite. "You don'thave to haul in fill material," Anne Mallett said.

WHY NOW?
"No one wants a repeat of last summer, when businesses were caught off-guard by natural disasters, said Chelsy Murphy, Colorado Springs Visitor Bureau director of communications. "The recent fire scars have led to the mitigation work."

Every year, homes and businesses are destroyed by rising flood waters. In Colorado, flooding has become one of the top natural hazards due to fires the previous two years in El Paso and Teller County.

Not all floods are alike, according to emergency management officials. And with the damaging currents of water, floods can carry rocks, mud and debris.

For these reasons, the best defense against flooding is one that can be executed quickly, said Anne Mallett.

Product research was conducted by the Hydraulics Lab at Colorado State University.

Business locations where RIBS have been installed in recent weeks include the Ute Pass Library and Cascade Fire Department.

The system was installed via a grant from the Cascade Fire Protection District.

The flood prevention system has been very effective in providing protection from flood damage to the Cascade fire house and Ute Pass library, said Michael Whittemore, Fire Chief, Cascade, Colorado.

Several community homes have the barrier system in place now. "I am very happy with the system," said homeowner Maryanne Ahl.

"They [installers] were very courteous and worked very hard. You should have seen the mess here before -- but now my house is safe and protected," Ahi said.

"I believe that my house will not be affected by the water [forecasted storms] and that it will go on by and down the road," she added.

"Since the system was installed, I feel a lot more secure at my house. The creek behind my house has risen, but has not flooded yet," said Carol Pepper. "I don't feel as nervous as I did before (the installation). Im sure things will be fine now."

BECAUSE EMERGENCIES DON'T WAIT
"From a total-cost perspective, our flood control solutions efficiently address problems faced during critical situations," said Bart Daniel, LES President."Because emergencies don't wait for ideal conditions."

"By entering the Colorado market, we're continuing our commitment to target the best early stage technologies and commercialize them on an international scale," said Daniel.

AVAILABLE SOLUTIONS FOR COLORADO
RIBS - Rapid Installation Barrier System

Evaluated at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi, RIBS is a rapidly deployed, patented alternative to sandbags for flood control and de-watering applications.

With installation rates up to 30 times faster than standard barriers, RIBS' trapezoidal design resists water flow while providing a stable barricade against severe weather events and the threat of encroaching waters.

Woven, reinforced polypropylene fabric bags 2, 4 and 6 feet in height are loaded with sand, dirt or gravel with a special trailer that deploys bags as other bags are added and filled.

RIBS can be used instead of sandbags in flood control, to restrict water flow and erosion on beaches and riverbeds, and for containment measures on construction and mining sites.

Already during the 2013 flood season, several hundred yards of RIBS has been used along the Waldo Canyon Burn scar in flood defense applications.

RIBSCage™
RIBSCage is a portable, easy-to-use system for the filling and installation of RIBS Bags. RIBSCage units can be transported with a standard pickup truck, so they require no heavy machinery.

Benefits & Features

--Lightweight design requires only two (2) people to carry and set up.

--Quick-release wings guide fill and provide easy release when full.

--Each RIBSCage is comprised of only two pieces for easy assembly, removal, and storage.

Pre-packed Emergency Kits are available in 3', 4', and 6' heights.

Pre-packed Emergency Kits
Emergency Kits come pre-packed with assembly/use instructions, two (2) RIBSCage units, and 500 LF or 200 LF of RIBS Bags. Each kit is wrapped in a protective sleeve, so it can be stored until time of use.

Additional facts to consider:
One 50' RIBS Bag = 3,900 sandbags

One mile of coverage = 105.6 RIBS bags vs. 411,840 sandbags

One mile of coverage, man hours = 106 with RIBS vs. 15,840 with sandbags

# # #
About Mallett Excavating (more at: http://www.mallettexcavating.com)
Mallett Excavating provides many types of excavating services including, but not limited to, commercial site development, driveways, septic system installation & repairs, leach fields, foundations, road grading and bridge construction. Founded in 1999, Mallett Excavating is a Woman-Owned, Small Business that is family owned and operated.

About Landmark Earth Solutions (more at: http://www.erosion-management.com)
Landmark Earth Solutions, Inc. is a subsidiary of Leggett & Platt, Inc. The company offers force protection, flood and erosion control and earth management products featuring the latest scientific and technological advances to provide the most reliable, cost-effective products on the market today. Landmark's core strategy is to optimize strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and product development while targeting early stage, developing technologies.

Media Contact:
perini & associates (719) 651-5943 (office and cell)
See more at: http://www.periniassociates.com