Oil pollution remains one of the most common and challenging contaminants found in urban stormwater runoff. Leaking vehicles, fuel spills, industrial activities, and maintenance yards can all contribute hydrocarbons that are washed into stormwater systems during rainfall events. Once these pollutants enter waterways, they can impact aquatic ecosystems, reduce water quality, and create costly environmental management challenges.

Fortunately, preventing oil pollution from reaching waterways doesn't have to be complicated.

One Solution is LavaSorb™

LavaSorbfrom EnviroPod™ is a natural oil-absorbent boom designed to capture and retain oils, fuels, and grease from stormwater runoff before they enter the environment. LavaSorb™ provides a simple and effective way to add hydrocarbon treatment to existing stormwater infrastructure.

Unlike many absorbent products, LavaSorb™ absorbs oil-based liquids without absorbing water, ensuring maximum efficiency and pollutant capture during storm events.

How Does LavaSorb™ Work?

LavaSorb™ is a reusable boom containing natural basalt fibres that absorb free oils and grease conveyed in stormwater runoff. The boom is attached directly to the collar of the LittaTrap™ basket, where it intercepts hydrocarbons as water flows through the stormwater system.

As stormwater enters the catch basin:

  1. LavaSorb™ absorbs oils, fuels, and grease.
  2. The LittaTrap™ captures litter, debris, and gross pollutants.
  3. Clean water continues through the stormwater network.

This combination creates a simple treatment that addresses both visible pollution and hydrocarbon contamination at the source.

Key Benefits of LavaSorb™:

Absorbs Oil, Not Water

LavaSorb™ is specifically designed to target hydrocarbons, absorbing and retaining oils and oil-based liquids without becoming saturated by water. This allows the boom to remain effective even during significant rainfall events.

Easy Installation

Adding hydrocarbon treatment to an existing stormwater network can often require costly upgrades. LavaSorb™ eliminates this challenge by attaching directly to existing LittaTrap™ units with no major modifications required.

Reusable and Cost Effective

Once saturated, the boom can be wrung out using a suitable wringing system and returned to service with approximately 90% of its original oil capture capacity, helping reduce maintenance costs and waste generation. Or simply replace the used LavaSorb™ and dispose safely of the used LavaSorb™.

Visual Maintenance Indicator

The fibres are light grey when clean and darken as oil is absorbed, making inspection and maintenance simple for asset owners and maintenance crews.

High Oil Capture Capacity

Each LavaSorb™ boom can absorb up to 67 oz of oil, with larger LittaTrap™ installations capable of accommodating multiple booms for increased capture capacity.

Ideal Applications:

LavaSorb™ is particularly effective in locations where hydrocarbon pollution is a known risk, including:

  • Fuel stations
  • Vehicle maintenance facilities
  • Industrial yards
  • Logistics and freight facilities
  • Transport corridors
  • Parking areas
  • Ports and marine facilities
  • Council maintenance depots

For these sites, LavaSorb™ provides an economical way to improve stormwater treatment performance without increasing system footprint.

Protecting Waterways

Preventing oil pollution at the source is one of the most effective ways to protect rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal environments.

With its simple installation, reusable design, and ability to absorb oil without absorbing water, LavaSorb™ offers a practical solution for managing hydrocarbon pollution within existing stormwater networks.

Simply add LavaSorb™ to your LittaTrap™ system and turn a litter capture device into a full stormwater pollution solution.

Download the LavaSorb™ brochure HERE.

Contact us to learn more HERE.

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