In Progress: Omi Devi Project- Micro Earthbag Dam at GWG Research Centre - Jamaica

Omi Devi is a micro earthbag dam project at the GWG Research Center, designed to create a water catchment system from a small natural stream to supply water to the on-site post-harvest processing building. The project demonstrates low-impact, regenerative infrastructure using natural and site-sourced materials.

Students from Evergreen University, through the Bittersweet Program 2025 during the PCD Course, in collaboration with the GWG Research Center, designed and built the earthbag dam system. Using earthbag construction techniques, students mapped and implemented compacted-earth walls formed in bags to create the primary structure of the dam. The system has a sediment catchment area that leads into a water storage zone with an overflow outlet. A pipe was installed beneath the structure to guide harvested water directly to the post-harvest processing site.

Clay was harvested from the riverbanks on site, with sand and natural fiber (coconut fiber) added to create a cob mix. The earthbags were anchored and secured using iron rods as staples, reinforcing the structure and tying it into the ground for added stability.

Through ongoing planned site visits, additional improvements were made to the initial form of the dam. Open days and volunteer workdays supported the continued evolution of the project; a buttress was installed at the front wall to help withstand heavy water flow during extreme weather events. Given Jamaica’s exposure to hurricanes, this reinforcement was designed to reduce the risk of forward collapse—an issue experienced during Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which led to the reconstruction and reevaluation of the dam design.

With the installation of the buttresses, earthen benches were also integrated into the sides of the dam, creating seating and interactive spaces. The dam is planned to serve as a featured destination for site hikes and educational tours.

To protect the earthbags from UV degradation, they were covered with a layer of silt. Ongoing experimentation with cob mixes helped refine the appropriate consistency for the site conditions. At the base of the benches, stonework set with lime mortar was used to prevent moisture from wicking upward and damaging clay plasters. In future phases, the earthbags will be fully sealed and finished with a lime plaster for long-term durability.

A roof structure is still planned to prevent falling bamboo leaves from entering the water system. The Omi Devi project remains an ongoing, evolving example of adaptive design, community participation, and resilient water-harvesting infrastructure.