Presentation

CLEAN SORB

106, Lambert Road, Rivière-Ouelle (Qc) G0L 2C0

Phone: 418.852.2885 Fax: 418.852.3352
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction p. 1-3

Statistics on spills and contaminated sites in Quebec p. 4

Introduction of Clean Sorb p. 5-6

Data sheet of the product p. 7-8

Procedures and results of the tests p. 9

Presentation of the pictures of the tests p. 10-14

Bibliography p. 15
 PEAT MOSS DESCRIPTION

Sphagnum peat moss is natural, organic material originating from an accumulation of plants in a wet environment in
which sphagnum is dominant. This natural, raw material decomposes very slowly due to an absence of air, draining
and acidic environmental conditions. At the primary stage, peat moss is spongy, fibrous and lightweight. Its color
varies from light to dark brown.

Thousands of years ago, vegetation consisting mainly of hydrophilic plants such as carex and sphagnum had accu-
mulated in ancient flower beds, river beds, lakes, ponds and glacial basins. The growth cycles and slow decompo-
sition of these plants formed a thick layer of decomposed vegetation (up to as much as 10 meters or 30 feet thick)
which we refer to today as peat moss. Peat moss covers an area of nearly 12% of Canadian territory and the total
surface is estimated to be more than 127 million hectares, of which 12 million hectares are in the province of
Quebec. Approximately only 0.02% of this total expanse is used for the fabrication of sphagnum peat moss
by-products. In addition, this area can regenerate following harvest operations.

Harvesting is usually done from May to September. Peat moss is cultivated or loosened from the surface with the
use of harrows allowing the circulation of air through its fibers, thereby reducing its humidity. Giant vacuums are
pulled by tractors and dry peat moss which is present is picked up from the surface. Once it is removed, the harves-
ted peat moss is then transferred to our production facility to be treated in order to obtain a uniform texture. The
peat moss is then packaged in a variety of standard formats.

This natural resource is characterized mainly by its ability to retain liquids and gas due to its porous structure. This
allows sphagnum peat moss to absorb up to 13 times its weight. Among its other characteristics, we note it largely
consists of organic material, low density, its resistance to decomposition as well as its low concentration of micro-
organisms and antiseptic properties.

The exact nature of peat moss is difficult to pinpoint. Proof: it is interesting to note that although peat moss is vegeta-
tion (biomass), it is considered a primary resource (or a mining resource) as they are found in the top layer of peat
bogs or mires.
In geology, peat moss is described as “young coal”, as it continuously ages during many centuries in natural condi-
tions, we witness the eventual formation of lignite, anthracite and graphite.

Its remarkable physical, chemical and biological properties allow its use in all areas: horticulture, agriculture, forestry,
environmental protection, absorption properties/abilities, therapeutic and medicinal applications, energy,
construction material and other uses.

• Sterile
• Light
• Economical
• Biodegradable
• Safe
• Medium to high water retention
• Possesses the abilit
• Waste may be used as a source of organic material
 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

PHYSICAL ADVANTAGES

• High porosity
• High air capacity which ensures healthy root formation
• Large capacity for moisture retention which guarantees watering and irrigation
• Excellent drainage

BIOLOGICAL (Organic) ADVANTAGES

Peat moss does not contain substances harmful to plants nor does it contain parasites as its origins were not used
for agricultural purposes.

CHIMICALS ADVANTAGES

• High absorption capacity to regulate pH levels or salt water retention for irrigation
• No herbicide/pesticide
• No azote link

Peat moss is simple to use and that is why it is ideal for plants, since it is the principal ingredient in the composi-
tion of horticultural substrates. Lambert’s peat moss is top-quality and always available.

DISADVANATAGES

• Evolutionary structure created by the decay of organic matter.

 THE CSPMA PRESERVATION AND RECLAMATION POLICY

Lambert Peat Moss are members of the Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association.
This members have adopted a Preservation and Reclamation Policy that sets out the
procedures for opening a bog, harvesting a bog and closing a bog. Highlights
of that policy are:

Before harvesting

• Reduce impact on environment

• Record flora, fauna
• Cooperate with environmental groups
• Choose bogs for reserves

During harvesting

• Minimize acreage
• Leave buffer zone
• Leave layer of peat moss
• Design drainage so water can be restored

After harvesting

• Restore to peatland
• Reclaim to berry or agricultural crop
• Reclaim to forestry
• Reclaim to functioning wetland and/or wildlife sanctuary
PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF ENVIRONMENT AFFECTED
BY REPORTED SPILLS IN QUEBEC

• Waterways are second to land as the environmental medium most often

affected.

• Quebec and Ontario have a higher number of pills affecting freshwater

environments, which can be explained by the density of human population
and activities adjacent to the St.Lawrence River, the Great Lakes and other
fresh water bodies.

• The majority of spills impacting saltwater are oils. The saltwater and
groundwater environments are, in the majority of cases, also impacted
by oils and hydrocarbons.

• The freshwater medium, on the other hand, is mostly impacted by

wastes and effluents (52%).
 Compared to other absorbent products,
CLEAN SORB offers the following advantages:

• Absorbs up to 13 times its own weight

• Non-toxic
• Non-abrasive
• 7000 BTU per lb
• 100% natural organic matter
• Neutralizes 90% of explosive vapors
• Floats on water and absorbs chemical waste
• Reduces site decontamination costs
• Accelerates the biodegradability of hydrocarbons

100 % natural environmental alternative

Clean Sorb is composed of screened sphagnum peat moss, carefully selected, in which its chemical and physical
characteristics allow a very high capacity of moisture retention (or absorption) such as: fuel, hydrocarbons solvents
and the majority of chemical liquid products.

CLEANSORB is ideal for... It can be used by or for:

• Hazardous material • Water filtration plants

• Environmental spills • Seaports
• Petroleum refineries • Ships and small boats
• Service stations • Marinas
• Heating oil suppliers • Railroads
• Trucking companies • Automobile manufacturers
• Machine shops • Aviation & Bus companies
• Tool and dye makers • Transport authorities
• Parking lots • Firefighters
• Parking garages • Armed force
• Food industry • Paint & dye workshops
• Waste management

Clean Sorb is available in 3 pratical sizes:

• 1 peck compressed bags (8.8 liters)
• 8.8 liters loose bags
• 27.4 qt loose bags (31 liters)
ABSORPTION TIME is approximate:

Petrol/Gasoline 2 seconds
Gas-Oil 5 seconds
Motor Oil 20 seconds
Blood 30 seconds
Light Crude 60 seconds
Heavy Crude 90 seconds

Substances that CLEANSORB easily and safely encapsulates:

Animal Fats Avgas 100/130 Isobutanol

Blood Benzene Isoprene
Bunker C Oil Butanol Isopropanol
Crude Oils Butyl Acetate JP/7
Cutting Oils Butyric Acid Methanol
Cyanide Wash 2-Butanone Methylene Chloride
Diesel Fuels Bromodichloromethane Methyl Ethyl Keytone
Dyes Bromoform Methylphenol
Gasoline/Petrol Canola Oil Methyl Methacrylate
Heavy Metals Carbon Disulphide Naphthalene
Herbicides Carbon Tetrachloride 2-Nitroaniline
Inks Chloroform Nitrobenzene
Jet Fuels Chloromethane Pentane
Kerosene/Paraffin Chlorobenzene Pentachlophenol
Motor Oils Corn Oil Phenol
Oil Base Paints Cyclohexane Phenol (48% in acetone)
PCBs Dichlorobenzene Petroleum Ether
Pesticides Dichloromethane Propanol
Styrene 1,2-Dichloroethane Scintillation Liquid
Solvents Ethanol Silicon Oil (100 CS)
Varsol Ethyl Benzene Tetrachloroethane
Vegetable Oils Ethyl Ether Tetrachloroethylene
Acetone Ethylene Glycol Tetrahydrofuran
Acetone Cyanohydrins Heptanes Toluene
Acrolein Hexane Triethylamine
Alcohols Hexachlorobenzene Trichloroethylene
Allylchloride Hexachlorobutadene Trichlorophenol
Acetonitrile Hexachloroethane Vinyl Acetate
Amyl Acetate Hexane (97%) Vinyl Chloride
Xylenes
 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Product Information

Sphagnum Peat Moss

Official Designation: Clean Sorb
OTAN/NATO Code: L0668

Manufacturer's name: Lambert Environment

Address: 106 Lambert Road
City: Rivière-Ouelle
Province: Québec, CANADA
Postal Code: G0L 2C0
Emergency phone no: (418) 852-2885

HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Partially decomposed vegetation (sphagnum mosses) material.

Contains no contaminant.

PHYSICAL DATA

Physical state: Solid

Color and appearance: Brown, granular or fibrous
pH: 3.5 - 4.5 (water saturated paste)
Specific gravity: 60- 95 g/L (on dry weight basis)

FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA

Flammability: Low when material is dry and ignited Lambert

Flash point: N/A
Auto ignition temperature: 260°C
Hazardous combustion products: None known UA
OR
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ONTROL L ABOR
AT

Means of extinction: Standard firefighting agents

 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

REACTIVITY DATA

Chemical stability: Stable

Incompatibility: Strong acids
Hazardous decomposition product: None

TOXICITY

Exposure limit: TWA 10 mg/m³

Skin contact: No known hazard
Eye contact: Dust particles may cause minor eye irrigation
Inhalation: Dust particles may cause slight irritation when exposed to high concentrations
Ingestion: No known hazard
Does not contain endocrine disruptors

PREVENTIVES MEASURES

Skin protection: Not necessary

Eye contact: Safety glasses with side shields are recommended when exposed
to very high dust concentrations.
Inhalation: An approved dust respirator should be worn when dust concentrations
exceed limits set by Health & Safety regulations.
Ventilation: Ventilation should be available to keep dust concentration below exposure limits
Spill: Sweep up and containerize if needed.
Disposal: No particular safety precautions needed
Storage: No particular safety precautions needed

FIRST AID MEASURES

Eye contact: Flush eyes with running water to remove particles

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air

Lambert
PREPARATION DATE OF MSDS

Prepared by : Peat Research and Development Center Inc.

UA
Phone no: (506) 336-9719 OR
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ONTROL L ABOR
AT

Date: Septembre 2005

Note: We believe that the information contained herein is current as of the date of this Material Safety Data
Sheet. Since the use of this information and the conditions of use of the product are not within the
control of the PRDC Inc. It is the user's obligation to determine the conditions of safe use of the product.
 TEST OF THE CLEAN SORB

Procedures:

1 Sterilization of all working tools

2 Quantification of liquid chemical products tested in beakers or vials
3 Transfer of products tested into 400 ml of water
4 Addition of a mesured quantity of Clean Sorb into each of the beakers
5 Individual calculation of the process of absorption of Clean Sorb
6 Removal of the peat in each beaker
7 Transfer of Clean Sorb into a dry container
8 Waiting period of 24 hours for Clean Sorb to be completely dry.

Paraxylene was tested in 400 ml of water. Its floats on water.

We added 4g of Clean Sorb into the beaker.
The peat moss absorbed the paraxylene immediately.
We then removed Clean Sorb from the beaker with a spoon.
It was easily removed-in one piece.

TESTED PRODUCT Tested in water Amount of peat moss added Absorption time Results

PARAXYLENE 400 ml 4g (instantaneously) Absorbs completely

and is easily removed

FUEL 400 ml 4g 1 seconde Is easily removed

DIESEL 400 ml 4g 3 secondes Accumulates in the

center of the beaker
MOTOR OIL 400 ml 4g 30 secondes Forms a mass
Presentation of the 4 tested products:

Fuel
Paraxylene
Diesel
Motor oil

Addition of paraxylene in 400 ml of water

Incorporation of Clean Sorb

Assimilation of paraxylene by Clean Sorb
instantaneous.

Withdrawal of Clean Sorb of water

Clean Sorb extracted, form a cluster.

 Addition of diesel in 400 ml of water

Incorporation and extraction of Clean Sorb

Addition of fuel in 400 ml of water

Incorporation and extraction of Clean Sorb

Addition of motor oil in 400 ml of water

Incorporation and extraction of Clean Sorb

 Resources

Gabriel Lambert President

Éric Bondeau Administrative of the Laboratory and Agronomist
Langis Charon Technician in laboratory
Maxime Drolet Agronomist

Bibliography

Web Site

http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accueil
(Wikipedia, free encyclopaedia)

http://membres.lycos.fr/aptq/cadregauchesphaigne.htm
(Informative site on the peat of sphagnum)

http://www.ec.gc.ca
(Canada environment, Statistics and national tendencies of discharges)

http://www.peatmoss.com
(Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association, The CSPMA preservation and reclamation policy)
106, Lambert Road, Rivière-Ouelle (Qc) G0L 2C0
Phone: 418.852.2885 Fax: 418.852.3352