Case Study: Road Reclamation & Dust Control – Santa Catalina Island, California
Project Overview Lithic Industries conducted a successful pilot project on Santa Catalina Island using T-PRO® polymer soil stabilization technology. The project demonstrated how a low-cost, Eco-safe liquid polymer can dramatically improve road quality and eliminate dust on one of the island’s primary transit routes between Avalon and the airport.
Project Objectives The main goals were to rehabilitate badly deteriorated road sections while meeting strict environmental requirements. All materials had to be non-toxic and safe for the island’s unique flora and fauna. T-PRO® was selected as the only solution that satisfied both the performance and environmental constraints. Three separate one-mile test sections were treated to evaluate the polymer’s effectiveness as a dust suppressant and long-term road stabilizer.
The Challenge The island’s main road included both paved and unpaved sections. The asphalted portions were heavily potholed and deteriorating, while the unpaved sections suffered from severe rutting and generated significant dust during the busy summer tourist season. This created poor ride quality and ongoing complaints from residents and visitors alike. Traditional repair methods were either too expensive or environmentally unacceptable for the sensitive island ecosystem.
The Lithic Solution T-PRO® was applied using a combination of deep infusion and topical seal coat methods. Two of the one-mile sections received a full 4-inch deep infused application, while the third (which was in better condition) received only a surface seal coat. This approach allowed the existing road materials to be reclaimed and strengthened in place, eliminating the need to haul in new aggregate.
Proven Results
- Significantly improved ride quality across all treated sections
- Excellent dust suppression, even under heavy summer tourist traffic
- Successful reclamation of deteriorated asphalt and rutted unpaved areas
- Demonstrated T-PRO® as a cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally safe alternative to conventional road construction
- Met all strict environmental standards for protection of the island’s unique wildlife and vegetation
The pilot project successfully proved that T-PRO® delivers durable stabilization and superior dust control while being safe for sensitive ecological areas.
Application Details
- Equipment Used: Road Reclaimer, Blade, Vibratory Compactor, Pneumatic Rubber Tire Compactor, Fork Lift, Water Truck
- Application Specifications:
- Two sections: 4-inch deep infused application at 25 ft²/gal + topical seal coat at 100 ft²/gal
- One section: Topical application only at 100 ft²/gal
- Maintenance: Annual topical seal coat re-application of T-PRO® (frequency may vary based on traffic volume and usage)
Why Environmentally Sensitive Projects Choose T-PRO® This Santa Catalina Island pilot project highlights why T-PRO® is trusted for roads in ecologically sensitive locations worldwide. It provides outstanding performance, dramatically reduces dust and maintenance costs, and uses existing on-site materials — all while remaining non-toxic and safe for plants, animals, and the surrounding environment.
Ideal for national parks, islands, coastal roads, heritage sites, and any location where environmental protection is a priority.
Ready to improve your roads with a proven, Eco-friendly polymer solution? Contact Lithic Industries today to learn how T-PRO® can deliver lasting results for your project.