Erosion Control

Erosion is unsightly and speeds up eutrophication (the aging process of your aquatic ecosystem) by adding large amounts of sediment which reduces water depth and promotes algae and aquatic weed growth. Every shoreline is exposed to natural events and human activities that can lead to erosion. A small amount of soil erosion may occur and not be a cause for concern, but intervention may be needed on some shorelines. ABI recognizes 4 methods of erosion control; biological, vegetated armoring, riprap and seawalls (also known as breakwaters). ABI works closely with work engineering and excavating firms as the situation warrants.

Biological Methods

Biological shore protection techniques use vegetative and natural materials for stabilization and protection. Biological techniques rely on plant materials as the main structural elements in a shoreline protection system. Biological shore protection techniques are comprised of living and/or organic materials, such as native grasses, sedges and forbs; live stakes and posts; jute netting; and coir fiber rolls and mats.

Vegetated Armoring Methods

The purpose of using vegetated armoring shore protection techniques in controlling waterward erosion is to combine the structural integrity of technical shore protection with the positive biological aspects associated with biological shore protection. Vegetated armoring techniques integrate biological and technical methods. Providing woody cover and vegetation is key in preserving and/or establishing critical habitat regardless of the biotechnical shore protection technique.

Traditional Riprap Erosion Control Methods

Riprap is a blanket of appropriately sized stones, fitted to the slope and shape of the shoreline, extending from the toe of the slope to a height needed for long term durability. It is appropriate where long-term durability is needed, design discharge is high, and there is no practical way to otherwise to use vegetation in the design.

Other stabilization techniques and vegetation plantings are used as appropriate to stabilize the upper bank and to ensure a source of shoreline vegetation.

Seawall Methods

Seawalls are near-vertical structures commonly constructed of timber, concrete, steel or aluminum sheet piling.

The structure is installed parallel to the shore and is intended to retain or prevent the sliding and slumping of land, while protecting the adjacent upland area from wave action. Seawalls are not used where wave action will overtop the structure, causing bank erosion to continue as if the bulkheads were not there.