The Hidden Dangers of Shoreline Erosion
When we think about healthy lakes and ponds, we typically imagine clean, gorgeous water that is free of algae and weeds. The shoreline is often an afterthought, but in reality, it plays a vital role in supporting a balanced, beautiful aquatic ecosystem. Keeping your shoreline in optimal condition is essential for protecting the health of your entire waterbody.
Erosion occurs naturally due to weather and wildlife, but human activities accelerate the process. Not only can erosion increase safety risks and expose vital stormwater structures or encroach on home foundations, but it also can cause a waterbody to “age” faster than normal through loss of depth and nutrient enrichment.
Early Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore
Shoreline erosion may present in different ways—some more noticeable than others. Signs can range from bare patches and small drop-offs to large slopes, sediment islands, and deep fissures in the earth. You might notice muck build-up and increased flooding during rainstorms. Water quality can also be affected by erosion; when water quality conditions are imbalanced, nuisance aquatic weeds and algae are more likely to develop.
The strategies used to protect and restore shorelines have come a long way. Modern technologies have replaced many traditional approaches, though the best solution largely depends on your unique goals and how the waterbody is used:
Bioengineered living shorelines
Geotextile material filled with sediment, shaped to the desired slope, and securely anchored to the bank.
Rip rap
Large rocks that are strategically stacked along the shoreline protect against wave action.
Bulkheads
Solid vertical structures often used in waterbodies with heavy wave action or limited horizontal space.
Erosion control logs
Long tubes made from natural fibers that help improve stability while promoting the growth of native grasses and vegetation.
Silt fences
Temporary fabric barriers that help capture eroded sediment and other organic materials.
Which Erosion Solution Is Best for You?
So, what are your erosion control goals? Do you simply want to stop further erosion and secure your remaining shoreline? Or, are you hoping to rebuild lost land and restore your shoreline to its former size?
Each of these erosion control options comes with trade-offs in appearance, investment, and maintenance requirements. However, SOLitude most often recommends bioengineered living shorelines. In addition to being highly secure for many years after installation, bioengineering techniques ensure the system blends into the surrounding property for a visually seamless look. In many cases, several feet of lost land can be restored.
Furthermore, native beneficial vegetation can be directly planted into the system to cultivate a robust buffer around the water. In addition to further stabilizing shoreline sediment, vegetative buffers help support healthy water quality by filtering stormwater runoff.
The Benefits of a Natural, Long-Term Fix
No matter what’s driving your erosion problems, quick intervention will help you avoid more serious and potentially costly issues associated with sediment loss. Regular inspections by an Aquatic Expert help ensure erosion issues are caught and corrected early, so your waterbody can keep looking and functioning at its best.
Shoreline Maintenance Best Practices
SOLitude Lake Management is a nationwide environmental firm committed to providing sustainable solutions that improve water quality, enhance beauty and preserve natural resources.
SOLitude’s team of aquatic scientists specializes in the development and execution of customized lake, stormwater pond, wetland and fisheries management programs. Services include water quality testing and restoration, algae and aquatic weed control, installation and maintenance of fountains and aeration systems, shoreline erosion control, muck and sediment removal and invasive species management. SOLitude partners with homeowners associations, golf courses, private landowners, businesses and municipalities. SOLitude Lake Management is part of Rentokil, a leading business services company, operating across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
For more information, visit SOLitude Lake Management at solitudelakemanagement.com, and connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
