EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber is a common term for a flexible thermo-plastic material. It has good resistance to many chemicals and is well-suited to lining or covering a manure lagoon. It is moderately reactive to oils or grease. It is important to "weld" seams carefully to prevent any leakage that may get beneath the liner. Organic material that leaks beneath the liner and decomposes will produce gas that may eventually "float" this type of liner to the lagoon surface. An alternative that overcomes this problem is a "GCL" or Geotextile Clay Liner fabric. As with all liners, care must be taken to avoid damaging the liner when agitating, pumping or cleaning out lagoon solids.
Mike Gamroth, Oregon State University
