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8 min read

Worried about Environmental Compliance? Here's Why You Need Temporary Access Mats

July 31, 2025 at 1:30 PM

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working to address some of the biggest sources of pollution that impact health and climate. The initiatives affect several sectors, including: 

Compliance is increasingly critical for these industries as the EPA proceeds with new regulatory measures. Stricter environmental regulations and heightened scrutiny on construction activities increase the need to ensure job sites adhere to specific standards.

Using temporary access mats is an efficient and reliable way to improve compliance.

 

How do you keep construction sites environmentally compliant? 

Temporary access mats reduce ground disturbance, manage sediment flow, and shield delicate areas from the damaging impact of heavy machinery, all of which contribute to environmental compliance.  DiamondTrack™, MegaDeck® HD+, SignaRoad®, Matrax®, and DuraDeck® help construction sites meet regulatory standards, avoid fines, and minimize remediation costs. Each one is versatile and compliant for specific applications.

Why Temporary Access Mats?

Temporary access mats offer a versatile and environmentally responsible solution for protecting sensitive terrain from the impact of heavy machinery and vehicular traffic. 
Made from durable composite materials, the mats are a recyclable and  environmentally-friendly solution that provides a stable surface that: 

  • reduces ground disruption
  • significantly minimizes soil erosion 
  • reduces sediment runoff
  • reduces cross-contamination

The EPA specifically highlights sediment runoff as a primary concern, including pollutants such as:

  • Sediment
  • Solid and sanitary wastes
  • Phosphorus
  • Nitrogen
  • Pesticides
  • Oil and grease
  • Concrete truck washout
  • Construction chemicals
  • Construction debris

Industry-Specific Challenges and Solutions

Transmission, oil and gas, and government relief each face distinct industry challenges. Yet all three demand safe, stable, and environmentally compliant solutions for remote or unstable terrain.

Utility crews reaching hard-to-access grid infrastructure, oil and gas teams operating in sensitive environments, or relief workers navigating disaster zones – all require reliable temporary flooring that:

  • Protects personnel and equipment
  • Preserves the integrity of the land
  • Enables fast, effective deployment and mobility

Transmission and Distribution

In an industry that faces mounting pressure from rising energy demand and aging infrastructure. Projects often take place in remote locations with difficult terrain and strict environmental requirements, and often under tight deadlines. 

Temporary access mats such as MegaDeck® HD+ and SignaRoad® help utility companies quickly build safe and stable accessways across soft or sensitive ground. Using composite mats reduces the need for soil remediation and keeps job sites compliant with stormwater and erosion control standards.In fact, trackout mats like DiamondTrack™ are specifically designed to meet SWPPP standards and outperform traditional rock exits.

Oil and Gas

Operators in the oil and gas sector must deal with volatile environments, labor shortages, fluctuating fuel costs, and tough safety and environmental regulations. Most drilling and pipeline projects are often located in environmentally sensitive or undeveloped areas. Protecting the job site and staying on schedule can be a critical challenge.

SignaRoad® and MegaDeck® HD+ composite mats provide heavy-duty ground protection and help create safe staging areas and temporary roadways. The non-absorbent design eliminates the risk of cross-contamination, while the trackout option for DiamondTrack™ reduces post-project cleanup. 

Government and Relief Operations

Rapid deployment and mobility are critical during military or disaster relief missions. Infrastructure must be established quickly over damaged, soft, or unstable terrain, often without pre-existing roads or facilities.

SignaRoad® and MegaDeck HD+ mats deliver immediate access for emergency vehicles and mobile units, while Matrax® and DuraDeck® offer lightweight, fast-deploy flooring for tents, medical stations, and pedestrian walkways. These modular systems are easy to transport, quick to install, and durable enough to support repeated use in harsh conditions – the best way to ensure faster response times, safer operations, and long-term logistical efficiency.

How Temporary Access Mats Can Help Solve the Problem

MegaDeck® HD+, SignaRoad®, Matrax®, DiamondTrack™, and DuraDeck®  improve safety and environmental compliance across sectors. 

Whether you're energizing a grid, extracting resources, or saving lives, these mats provide versatile ground protection and access solutions.

MegaDeck® HD+

Ideal for heavy-duty applications like substation builds, drilling platforms, basecamp logistics, oil rigs, laydown yards, and heavy equipment access – MegaDeck® HD+ supports 4,500 tons / 600 psi and features the MDX and S2 Lock™ connection systems.

  • Engineered for extreme loads → perfect for cranes, rigs, and military vehicles
  • Provide non-absorbent protection and reduce environmental contamination risk
  • Fast installation to keep operations on schedule even in remote, rugged terrain
  • Long lifespan (10+ years) supports repeated use across multiple job sites and industries

SignaRoad®

A great option for temporary roads, work platforms,, staging areas, and mobile clinics – the mat’s composite construction supports 1,950 tons / 400 psi, and is sized 6.8 ft x 10 ft for efficient transportation. 

  • Lightweight and efficient to install, these mats reduce labor needs and setup time for tight schedules
  • Excellent for medium-duty applications like vehicle movement and supply transport
  • Useful in both temporary and semi-permanent setups – from drilling to disaster recovery
  • Reusable across multiple sites with minimal maintenance to support sustainability and cost control
  • Provide clean, stable ground to protect equipment and reduce erosion

Matrax® 

The ideal temporary access mat for tent flooring, pedestrian walkways, event staging, and crew accommodations, it is available in light—and heavy-duty 4x4 ft panels and is ADA-compliant.

  • Creates clean, level surfaces quickly – ideal for storage facilities, staging areas, and medical shelters
  • ADA-compliant options support accessibility in public or emergency environments
  • Lightweight panels allow for manual installation and are perfect for remote or harsh locations
  • Panels are easy to sanitize, remove, and reuse for better health compliance

DuraDeck®

The go-to mat for near-instant site access, vehicle paths, landscape protection, and emergency routes – options include 4 ft x 8 ft HDPE mats, supports up to 80 tons, and has dual traction. 

  • The affordable, lightweight alternative for quick access or protection over soft ground
  • Flexible enough for use in oil, energy, and relief deployments
  • Minimizes site damage and allows equipment to travel efficiently and safely
  • Withstands frequent use in diverse climates and terrains

DiamondTrack™

An efficient trackout solution engineered with a unique diamond-shaped surface that maximizes performance in dislodging sediment through effective tire deformation. Each diamond mat is rated to withstand 800 psi and is engineered with 30% more surface area and 12% more perimeter contact than competing mats for enhanced stability and load distribution.

  • Effectively removes dirt, mud, and debris from vehicle tires to reduce cleanup costs and prevent sediment trackout
  • Near maintenance-free after installation – no need for frequent replenishment like traditional rock exits
  • Reusable for up to 10+ years – a cost-effective and sustainable solution
  • Can be installed over various substrates, including unexcavated soil, concrete, pavement, or asphalt

Key Takeaways:

  • Stay compliant with reduced sediment runoff.
  • Protect sensitive terrain from heavy machinery damage.
  • Deploy quickly in remote or unstable environments.
  • Temporary access mats cut costs and minimize environmental impact.
  • Increase safety for crews and equipment access.
  • Versatile solutions for utility, oil and gas, and relief operations.

Stay Compliant with Signature Systems

Managing a remote utility upgrade, drilling in a sensitive ecosystem, or building emergency shelters in a disaster zone? Temporary access mats represent a proactive approach to staying compliant. If your organization is worried about meeting stringent environmental compliance standards, it’s time to invest in temporary access mats – a solution that protects your people, equipment, projects, and the planet.

Signature Systems is a leading global manufacturer specializing in innovative composite matting, turf protection, and portable event flooring solutions. Products like MegaDeck® HD+, SignaRoad®, DiamondTrack™, Matrax®, or DuraDeck®, deliver safety, speed, and efficiency when it matters most. To future-proof your project and meet compliance standards head-on, contact us for a consultation with one of our experts.

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