FODS Trackout Control Mats Deployed at Black River Recycling Facility
PADNOS Enhances Stormwater Compliance with FODS Trackout Control at Black River Recycling Facility
PADNOS®, a leading recycling and sustainability firm in the Midwest, has implemented the FODS Trackout Control System at its Black River Recycling Center in Holland, Michigan. The system is now an integral part of PADNOS’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), meeting Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) requirements while advancing PADNOS’s longstanding commitment to environmental responsibility.
Controlling Trackout at a High-Traffic Industrial Site
The Black River Recycling Center located in Holland, Michigan, is one of PADNOS’s key facilities for processing ferrous and non-ferrous metals, electronics, and automotive components, the Black River site sees consistent vehicle traffic. With trucks and customer vehicles entering and exiting the site daily, sediment and debris trackout presented both environmental challenges and permit compliance concerns under EGLE regulations.
FODS presented a solution to this long standing issue. Replacing traditional aggregate entrances, the FODS Trackout Control System utilizes durable, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) mats designed to effectively remove sediment from vehicle tires. The mats feature a unique pyramidal surface that causes tires to flex and shed debris before leaving the job site, reducing the risk of offsite tracking and streamlining ongoing maintenance. In addition to more effective trackout control the system boasts minimal maintenance greatly reducing the need for constant street sweeping efforts.
Supporting Compliance with EGLE’s SWPPP Standards
Under EGLE’s Industrial Stormwater General Permit, facilities like PADNOS are required to implement and maintain a SWPPP that includes effective sediment and pollutant control measures including practices to manage construction or industrial site runoff and vehicle traxkout. While EGLE offers guidelines, site-specific measures are often needed—especially in locations where runoff may affect sensitive waterways like the Black River and Lake Macatawa.
FODS aligns well with these requirements. By integrating the mats into their SWPPP, PADNOS added a sustainable, reusable, and high-performing BMP that goes above and beyond EGLE’s expectations including their Total Maximum Daily Load priorities which is especially enforced in cities like Holland to protect the surrounding Lake Macatawa and Black River from vehicle trackout control.
Why FODS? The Long-Term Value for PADNOS
Environmental Stewardship
FODS mats help prevent the offsite migration of sediment and debris, reducing the likelihood of clogged storm drains, degraded water quality, and non-compliance with EGLE permit conditions.
Operational Efficiency
Unlike stone entrances, which require frequent replenishment, FODS mats are reusable and easy to clean. PADNOS can maintain them with standard sweeping equipment, saving time and resources. According to FODS data, customers have reported reductions in street sweeping by over 59%.
Enhanced Safety and Appearance
The mats offer a clean, stable surface that improves site safety while projecting a more professional and well-maintained facility entrance.
LAX Rental Car Facility Expansion Project
Installation and Site Integration
Strategic Placement
PADNOS installed the mats in a 50′-long by 12′-wide section at the site’s primary exit—consistent with recommendations from the Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners (MACDC). The mats were deployed directly over a compacted surface, requiring no additional rock or fill material.
Ongoing Maintenance
Trucks pass over the mats as they exit, dislodging debris which collects between the mat’s ridges. PADNOS crews inspect the mats weekly and clean them as needed using a skid steer broom or power sweeper, with more thorough cleanings triggered when sediment accumulation reaches 2.5".
Training and Oversight
FODS provided on-site training to PADNOS personnel to ensure proper installation, maintenance, and documentation. EGLE officials have been invited to observe the system and review logbooks, underscoring PADNOS’s transparency and regulatory cooperation.
Measurable Results and Positive Feedback
According to PADNOS Environmental Manager Sarah McMahon:
“Integrating FODS into our SWPPP isn’t just about compliance—it reflects our dedication to sustainability and community. We’ve already noticed less mud on public roads and fewer downtown street sweeps.”
City officials have reported noticeable improvements, including a 30% drop in street-sweeping costs, a figure that reflects trends reported by other FODS users nationwide. Local recreation and conservation groups have expressed interest in seeing similar trackout systems installed at other industrial sites in the region.
EGLE Regional Inspector Mark Benson added:
“PADNOS’s proactive FODS deployment presents a best-case scenario under our SWPPP rules. It’s efficient, measurable, and demonstrated to reduce trackout—a clear environmental benefit.”
Looking Ahead: Monitoring and Expansion
1. Continuous Monitoring
PADNOS now maintains a monthly sediment log and photo documentation as part of its SWPPP deliverables, enabling clear tracking of system effectiveness.
2. Permitting and Future Guidance
As EGLE continues to evaluate effective BMPs, the use of FODS mats at PADNOS could help inform future statewide guidance and best practices for stormwater compliance.
3. Expansion Plans
Following the success at Holland, PADNOS is planning a phased rollout to other locations, including Muskegon, Saginaw, and Grand Rapids—particularly sites with high traffic volumes and sensitive nearby waterways.
Broader Impacts for Communities and Industry
Cleaner Communities
By reducing sediment trackout, the system keeps local roads cleaner and reduces the burden on municipal stormwater systems.
Regional Water Quality
Protecting the Black River and its downstream connections to Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan aligns with ongoing watershed protection efforts led by regional coalitions and public agencies.
Leadership in Industry Compliance
PADNOS’s implementation sets an example for others in the recycling, waste management, and construction sectors—proving that operational efficiency and environmental protection can go hand in hand.
FODS in Context: A Growing Solution
FODS continues to gain traction across industries, with users ranging from construction contractors to industrial site managers and landfill operators. The system’s modular design, ease of deployment, and strong track record make it an ideal choice for operations subject to stormwater compliance regulations.
At the Black River facility, the results speak for themselves—offering PADNOS a reliable, scalable, and environmentally responsible solution for a long-standing challenge.
Conclusion: A Cleaner Future Starts at the Gate
PADNOS’s adoption of the FODS Trackout Control System at its Holland facility underscores how thoughtful investments in environmental compliance can yield benefits beyond the bottom line. By prioritizing cleaner operations, fostering regulatory partnerships, and proactively protecting natural resources, PADNOS reinforces its mission of sustainable recycling—what they call “Realcycling™.”
With plans to expand this approach across Michigan, PADNOS continues to lead by example—helping set a new standard for industrial sites in the Great Lakes region and beyond.
ABOUT FODS, LLC.
Based in Centennial Colorado, FODS is working to replace ineffective and costly traditional rock stabilized construction entrances, saving you time and money. Our proprietary mat design works to effectively remove debris from your vehicle tires without damaging the tire or the ground’s surface. FODS Vehicle Trackout Controls BMP mats are 100% Made In the USA and 100% recyclable.
To find out more information on how we can help your project stay on schedule and in compliance contact 844-968-3541 or email us at info@getfods.com.