Atlanta

From the outsiders flying into Atlanta-Hartsfield Airport, Atlanta is defined by its downtown skyline with the Georgia Aquarium, Mercedes Benz Stadium, and the World of Coca-Cola.  For the people living here, Atlanta is where we tell the rest of the world we live even if we are from Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Duluth, or even as far as Buford.  Fortunately, our facilities and trucks are able to provide and deliver one ton of sand or truck loads of topsoil to all of “Atlanta” whether you are downtown, uptown, or nowhere near town.

Everyone in Georgia knows that Georgia Tech is a known for engineering.  Most people don’t know that dirt can be “engineered” though.  The architects and engineers working in downtown Atlanta know that stormwater treatment and greenspace are valuable assets to a campus like Georgia Tech.  One project involved stripping the contaminated soil from an existing portion of the campus and replacement with greenspace planted upon fertile soil.  Engineered Soil, or Engineered Topsoil, refers to a soil that has specifications that outline its contents and the characteristics desired for a specific purpose.  In this case, the plans called for a specific soil with a particular texture (% of sand, silt, and clay), infiltration rate, low pH, and high organic matter content. Also, it could not contain rocks, sticks, trash, or other debris.  The combination of all the factors makes blending the soil a tedious process, especially to keep the large bulk amounts consistent and homogenous. The contractor was an elite landscaper known throughout the country that knew how to complete the work.  The only question that remained was, “Where do I buy soil from in Atlanta?”, so they needed a source to buy the soil from.  Fortunately, a previous client working alongside the contractor has purchased some Bio Soil for a bioretention area in Atlanta at Georgia Tech the previous year.  So, this contractor knew River Sand could provide the right soil for this project as well.  A few conversations later a plan was developed to blend a soil to spec.  After the perfect soil sample was sent and tested in a soil lab the soil was approved for use.  Over a few months, load after load of dark, rich, soil was placed into the heart of Atlanta to improve the landscape.  Many people appreciate this new look but may never know how detailed dirt can be.

Willie B captured the hearts of many Georgians for decades at Zoo Atlanta.  Since then, Zoo Atlanta has continued to educate and entertain all ages with many more animals.  A few years back, they decided to improve the elephant habitat.  River Sand was contacted about a specific type of sand for the elephants.  The design called for a coarse to medium grain sand that provided cushion and support for the large animals, as well as drainage for proper sanitation.  We have supported farmers with specific sand for dairy bedding and equestrians for horse footing, but this was a first to make sure elephants were in good health.  After reviewing a variety of options, River Sand was able to provide just the right type of sand for the new elephant habitat, and make Atlanta feel like home.  Later, we were able to provide sand for a new bird sanctuary, the rhino exhibit, and even some special dirt for meercats to dig in.  This project was exciting to the team at River Sand to support the conservation at an iconic Atlanta location, and the health of their animals.  Not too many people end up with a zoo, but the point to consider is that if you need any type of sand near Atlanta we can supply it.