How long will a BioHaven last?
Our oldest BioHavens have gone through eight Montana winters and are doing just fine. There is no reason we know of why they should not last indefinitely. The BioHaven in effect “seeds” a natural system. As the growing cycle causes plants to mature, die off and leave their detritus; and as biofilm grows on and within the islands, giving rise to all kinds of life; this process of life releases gas as a by-product, thus ensuring the buoyancy of the BioHaven in the long term. We recommend that when launching a BioHaven, care is taken to completely cover the plastic matrix with plants, BioMix or sod to minimize UV exposure. It is well known that plastics represent a disposal challenge in waste collection settings since, as long as they are protected from UV exposure, they last indefinitely. Our design for BioHavens takes advantage of this feature. When a BioHaven is launched, it is covered with a UV protection substrate. This may be BioMix, a peat based bedding mix, coir or jute, or gravel
