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Snow and Ice Management: Snow and ice are not harmful to the GeoGreen or GeoTrax surfaces and can generally be left to melt and run off on their own accord. Sometimes however, it becomes essential to clear away snow and ice to permit scheduled use of the field. When this happens, we suggest leaving the snow in place until just before game time. Doing so will minimize the risk of ice build up from cold wind blowing across a damp snow-cleared surface. Ice removal is more difficult, especially if a heavy layer has built up following freezing rains (see below). Two methods are used for snow removal: ' SNOW REMOVAL— Removal can usually be accomplished by motorized brushing or snow-blowing. Geo-Surfaces does not recommend plowing*. The motorized brush can be a ride-on tractor type similar to the Lay-Mor 6HC or multiple walk-behinds similar to the Lay-Mor 2A. In a brushing operation the snow should be brushed to the sidelines and accumulated for collection off of the replicated grass surface. If snow blowers are utilized, skids should be set to keep bottom edge of blower above top of turf. 1 Collection vehicles should be limited to two axils to limit weight. Operators of collection vehicles must be instructed in proper operation of vehicles on turf and should be restricted to straight-line operation (no turning) while on turf. ' Brushing will allow the deepest removal of snow, since snow-blowing(or plowing) must not penetrate below top of turf. After snow is removed, compacted residual snow remaining within the turf can be ' sprayed with bio-degradable, eco-friendly de-icer (Geo-Surfaces is not responsible for damage caused by inappropriate chemicals applied to the turf. Contact your Geo-Surfaces' representative for approval, before applying, if there is any question or doubt regarding the appropriateness of any product). Tractor- type brushes have water reservoir and spray systems, which can be utilized for this purpose. *NOTE: Plowing is not recommended because of risks associated with control of the operator. Rubber-edge blades and light vehicles can be utilized, however, depending on the depth and moisture content of the snow, the resistance transferred to the drive wheels of the plow will vary greatly. There is too much risk that an operator will spin the drive wheels or that too much force will be transferred to the turf through the drive wheels. The normal restrictions associated with driving on turf also apply. It is unrealistic to expect operators to always practice the necessary degree of care or always have the extent of knowledge necessary for safe and proper snow-plowing operation. Snow Blowers: If the snow is dry and powdery, it can be swept or blown from the field using a rotary brush or t snow blower. Be sure that any machinery used is set so as not to dig into the turf or gouge the surface. If using a blower: I) The first pass of the blower should be down the center of the field. 2) Second pass should be made at the edge of either side of the first pass and the blower must be adjusted so that the snow is deposited in the truck. 3) The blower then continues down one side and up the other accompanied by the truck. 4) Clean off remaining snow with a mechanical broom. 1 Global Sptheties Environmental.LLC • 6326 Highland Road • Baton Rouge.LA 70808 • 225.907.4763• YMiw.geosurfaces,com I 7 RFP#12-10-03 i