Development of Biotechnical Methods to Control Shoreline Erosion
Abstract
Erosion causes many environmental and property damage problems along the shorelines of natural and man-made lakes. The research reported here was conducted at the Walter F. George Reservoir which lies between Georgia and Alabama. The lake is characterized by water level fluctuations of 5 or more feet and occasional strong wave actions. Beginning in 1994, several experiments were conducted using biotechnical methods to control damage from wave action. Coconut fiber logs, straw bales wrapped in poultry netting, large round hay bales, and bundled logs anchored to the shoreline were all evaluated for their potential to control wave damage to the shoreline. While these materials were effective at normal water levels in calm weather all eventually failed either because of excessive flooding or storm driven wave action. Several species of wetland and terrestrial plants were planted behind the breakwaters with short term success but all were destroyed by wave action when the breakwaters failed. A greenhouse experiment using substrate from the site showed a strong response to fertilizer nitrogen by both wetland and terrestrial plants.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA371414
Entities
People
- D. A. Mays
- K. R. Sistani
Organizations
- Alabama A & M College