One of the best tools for protecting streambanks and channels from the negative consequences of sedimentation and bank sloughing is the application of bioengineering techniques. Bioengineering is the combination of biological, mechanical, and ecological concepts to control erosion and stabilize soil through the use of vegetation or a combination of vegetation and construction materials.
There are at least five relevant documents/products in existence for planning and designing projects around streams and streambanks. Below is the citation for each, in approximate chronological order, and instructions on how to obtain the information. Some of the background of the documents is provided to reduce confusion about which document is being accessed. An abbreviated table of contents is included to help users in selecting the best product for their needs.
1. Allen, Hollis, H. and James R. Leech. (1997). Bioengineering for Streambank Erosion Control; Report 1, Guidelines. TR EL-97-8. 90 pp.
This document was prepared under the Environmental Impact Research Program (EIRP) and dated April 1997. It is in .pdf format on the Environmental Laboratory Web site http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/homepage.html. From there, follow the pages to Publications, Publications On-Line, EL Technical Reports, Wetlands, and Report number EL-97-8. The direct page for the report is http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/wetlands/pdfs/el97-8.pdf.
CONTENTS:
1—Introduction
2—Bioengineering Design Model
3—Plant Acquisition, Handling, and Timing of Planting
4—Monitoring and Aftercare
5—Costs of Bioengineering
6—Summary and Recommendations
2. Muncy, Joy. (1998). Illustrations of Environmental Engineering Features for Planning. IWR Report 98-R-8.
Various environmental engineering features or management measures (including several bioengineering features) are illustrated here, to stimulate planners and others as to the types of measures that are available in planning a restoration project. This is not intended as a design manual, but rather to provide sufficient information to stimulate plan formulation and assist planners in visualizing how a feature might be applicable to their project. The report can be found at http://www.wrsc.usace.army.mil/iwrnew/pdf/98r08.pdf.
CONTENTS:
1—Introduction
2—Engineering Features
Bank Treatments
Instream Practices
Structures in Ponds, Lakes, and Wetlands
Coastal Measures
3—Other Techniques
4—Conclusions and Recommendations
3. Biedenharn, David S., Charles M. Elliott, and Chester C. Watson. (1999). StreamBank Stabilization Handbook. Version 1.0, Jan 99. Veri-Tech, Inc., Vicksburg, MS.
This is a streambank protection manual written initially as a training notebook for workshops, sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and dated October 1997. It was prepared by Waterways Experiment Station Coastal and Hydraulics personnel and contractors, and includes the Allen and Leech document cited above as Appendix B. It has been updated and reformatted into an electronic format. This is being marketed as a CD-Rom by Veri-Tech, Inc. Contact them at e-mail info@veritechinc.com.
CONTENTS:
1—Introduction
2—Fundamentals of Fluvial Geomorphology and Channel Processes
3—Geomorphic Assessment of Channel Systems
4—General Approach to Bank Stabilization
5—Selection of Site-Specific Stabilization Techniques
6—General Principles of Erosion Protection
7—Surface Armor for Erosion Protection
8—Indirect Techniques for Erosion Protection
9—Vegetative Methods for Erosion Protection
10—Construction of Stabilization Works
11—Monitoring and Maintenance of Stabilization Works
12—Grade Stabilization
Appendix A. Design Procedure for Riprap Armor
Appendix B. Bioengineering for Streambank Erosion Control
4. Federal Interagency Stream Restoration Working Group. 1998. Stream Corridor Restoration: Principles, Processes, and Practices. By the Federal Interagency Stream Restoration Working Group (FISRWG)(15 Federal agencies of the US government). GPO Item No. 0120 A;
Su Docs No. A 57.6/2:EN 3/PT.653.
This document originally came in a three-ring binder and was then sold as a CD-Rom by NTIS. This is a multi-agency product from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and 14 other Federal agencies. The restoration document is found directly at http://www.usda.gov/stream_restoration/ An alternate route is via http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/TechRes.html, which is the NRCS home page for technical information. Click on Technical References, then Technical Resources, and page down to the title.
CONTENTS:
1—Overview of Stream Corridors
2—Stream Corridors: Processes and Characteristics
3—Disturbance Affecting Stream Corridors
4—Getting Organized, Identifying Problems and Opportunities
5—Developing Goals, Objectives, and Restoration Alternatives
6—Implement, Monitor, Evaluate and Adapt
7—Analysis of Corridor Condition
8—Restoration Design
9—Restoration, Installation, Monitoring, and Management
5. Fischenich, J. Craig, and Hollis Allen. 2000. Stream Management. Special Report ERDC/EL SR-W-00-1, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Environmental Laboratory, Vicksburg, MS.
Dr. Fischenich and Mr. Allen of the Environmental Laboratory of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center have authored a Stream Management Handbook that is found at http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/elpubs/wq.html. It was produced under the Water Operations Technical Support (WOTS) Program, which can accessed at http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/wots/wots.html. This is the most comprehensive document to date, covering stream management from an ecological perspective.
CONTENTS:
1—Introduction
2—Stream Form and Fluvial Processes
3—Ecological Functions of Streams
4—Analyzing Streambank Erosion
5—Soil BioEngineering
6—Planning and Alternative Selection
7—Design
Appendix A: Stream Restoration Glossary
Appendix B: Reach Assessment - Physical