Floating Cover Systems

A floating cover is a geosynthetic membrane that floats directly on the surface of a lagoon, pond, or reservoir. The cover rises and falls with the liquid level, providing continuous contact with the surface for odor control, evaporation reduction, algae prevention, and in some cases biogas capture. EFI designs and installs custom-engineered floating covers for municipal, industrial, and agricultural applications.

Permeable floating covers allow rainwater to pass through the cover surface into the lagoon below, eliminating the need for rainwater management systems. Impermeable covers block all liquid and gas transfer, making them essential for biogas capture, complete odor containment, and evaporation prevention. EFI helps you select the right cover type based on whether your primary objective is odor control, gas capture, evaporation reduction, or a combination.

Floating covers typically last 15 to 25 years depending on material selection, UV exposure, chemical conditions, and maintenance practices. EFI uses UV-stabilized geosynthetic materials engineered for long-term outdoor exposure. Proper maintenance including periodic inspections, debris removal, and drainage system cleaning helps maximize cover lifespan. EFI offers O&M contracts to ensure covers reach their full design life.

Floating covers require minimal but regular maintenance. An annual detailed inspection of the cover surface, seams, and anchor points is recommended, along with periodic debris removal and drainage system clearing. Most systems need only a few hours of attention per quarter. EFI offers comprehensive O&M contracts that include scheduled inspections, preventive maintenance, and priority repair services.

Yes. Impermeable floating covers with integrated gas collection systems capture biogas (methane) produced by anaerobic decomposition in the lagoon. The cover traps biogas in the headspace between the cover and the liquid surface, and a piping network directs the gas to flaring or energy recovery equipment. EFI has installed 500+ biogas capture cover systems and is the nation's most experienced biogas cover contractor.

Floating covers can be installed on lagoons of virtually any size. EFI has covered lagoons ranging from under 1 acre to over 50 acres. Covers are fabricated in panels at EFI's manufacturing facility and field-seamed on site to fit the exact lagoon geometry. Larger lagoons may incorporate multiple cover sections with intermediate support systems. EFI's engineering team designs each cover system for the specific lagoon dimensions and site conditions.