Stream Bank Erosion Stabilization and Protection Measures
This streambank has been stabilized and protected from erosion by riprap. Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.
There are a variety of stream bank stabilization and protection measures that can be used. One or a combination of these measures may be needed, depending on the particular site and erosion situation. The proper design and installation of stream bank erosion control measures is dependent upon the flow characteristics (i.e. velocity, discharge, etc.) of the stream, the soils, the slope and the current land use. Some stream bank stabilization measures include:
Obstruction Removal
Removal of fallen trees, stumps, debris, sand and gravel bars that may cause local current turbulence and deflection.
Bank Sloping
Grading of banks to a stable slope, so structural or vegetative measures can be effectively installed.
Riprap
Placed or dumped heavy stone, properly underlaid with a filter fabric, to provide armor protection for stream banks.
Jetties
In-stream deflectors commonly constructed of posts, logs or rocks, which project into the stream to protect banks at curves and areas subjected to high velocity currents.
Revetments
Pervious or impervious structures built on or parallel to the stream to prevent scouring streamflow velocities adjacent to the stream bank.
Vegetative Controls
This can range from complicated methods to simplified methods. A complicated method would be the "Palmiter Method" which uses felled or fallen trees placed on eroding banks and secured with cables sunk into the bank or on the top of bank slopes. A simplified method is using existing native plant materials or grass seedings to cover and stabilize exposed soil.