The U.S National Park Service has approved the use of an erosion control product made from discarded carpet called GeoHay. Installed along a six mile section of the Foothills Parkway in Cocke County, Tenn., GeoHay acts as an inlet filter to prevent erosion pollution as a result of the project.

According to CARE Executive Director Georgina Sikorski, GeoHay serves the environment by protecting the park's watershed and preserving precious topsoil, and by diverting thousands of pounds of waste that would otherwise go into the landfill.

"Whether it's being used in the Smokey Mountains to prevent soil erosion or protecting Florida's beaches from the recent oil spill, GeoHay works to protect local environments, while at the same time safeguarding the world's resources. It is a multi-dimensional environmental solution that exemplifies the inventive spirit of the carpet recycling movement," Sikorski said.

GeoHay works by allowing water to flow through its fibrous structure while trapping suspended sediments such as topsoil and construction debris. GeoHay is substituted for the staked hay bales and silt fences traditionally used to meet the permit requirements for temporary erosion control at construction sites.

"The Park is committed to using sustainable approaches and earth-friendly products whenever possible," said Alan Sumeriski, facility manager at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. "We are pleased that the contractor, Charles Blalock and Sons, Inc., sought out and procured this material to use on the Foothills Parkway project."