Wet Storage – Site Preparation

Pre-position suitable sites for wet storage, on the basis of quantity of storm damaged timber, tree species, legal and organisational criteria. Keep relevant documents for applying for authorisation ready.

• Due to the high fixed costs, wet storage sites should be at least one hectare in size and 25 metres wide. Smaller sites might be cost-effective if gravitational force is used for irrigation.
• Approx. 11,000 – 12,000 cubic metres of roundwood can be stored on one hectare, including the space for roads.
• Water must run off easily. Drainage and a slightly sloped surface are therefore advantageous.
• Drainage channels along and underneath the roads prevent maceration.
• Roads have to be checked on sufficient bearing capacity when installing new or upgrading running sites. This can be cost-intensive. Integration of geo-textile fleeces can possibly increase bearing capacity with low material input.
• Integrating coarse gravel in the base and upper layer enables water runoff inside the road.
• If the site is leased from a third party and is supposed to be restored after use, the current state should be well documented (photographic documentation if necessary) to avoid later conflicts.
• Rotary traffic allows continuous loading and unloading.

• Spacing of roads has proved to be ideal at 50 metres. This is derived as follows:
  • Road width 4.5 metres
  • Log length two times 19 – 20 metres
  • Clearance between stacks and road 2x1m= 2 metres
  • Clearance between log tops 3.5 metres (for laying irrigation pipes)
  • Road spacing overall: 50 metres

• The electrical system is installed inside a weatherproof cabinet or small cabin. The advantage of a cabin is that spare parts and equipment can be stored dry and frost proof in winter.