How to Repair Streambank Erosion, Legally!

What is Streambank Erosion?

The erosion of creek banks and stream edges is a result of Mother Nature’s winter acts and is completely natural. As winter storms dump large amounts of rainfall, creeks and streams swell in size, and the forces of these large volumes of water are no match for saturated soils sitting on the edge of the waterways. The constant flowing water force and heavy rainfall against the exposed soil causes it to erode and fall into the waterways. Once a stream bank begins to erode and lose vegetation, such as trees and shrubs, the loss of soil can accelerate very quickly.   

Why is Streambank Erosion Bad?

When a stream or creek bank erodes, property is literally eaten away by the watercourse, leaving behind a void or pit when the water flows subside. This loss of land can create property and environmental damage. Valuable land including vineyards, buildings, and the like can be swept downstream with the soil as it erodes, creating financial damage to properties. Sediment and debris from a bank eroding can create environmental issues for biological habitats or block waterways and lead to flood danger. 

Addressing Streambank Erosion

Erosion of creek or river banks can be stopped, repaired, or mitigated with conventional earthwork and construction practices. These restoration practices typically include installation of in-channel revetment, such as large rocks or retaining walls to prevent water forces from encountering erosion susceptible soils, and drainage run-on diversion to prevent saturated soil conditions. 

Fixing It Right, and Legally!

Most stream bank erosion has environmental and safety concerns associated with it. Because of this, any restoration of erosion in watercourses must involve the agencies with jurisdiction of the elements affected. These agencies typically include:

• California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• United States Army Corps of Engineers
• California Regional Water Quality Control Board
• Local Permitting Agency (County or City)

Obtaining permits to restore stream bank erosion can be a lengthy process, however, in critical situations these agencies typically allow for an emergency permitting option. To avoid potentially major legal issues, stream bank repairs should always be performed with the oversight of governing agencies and consultants. Additionally, the permitting requirements can vary drastically from project to project. 

Let BC Engineering Group Guide You

BC Engineering Group is very experienced with erosion prevention, mitigation, and repair projects. Our engineers have successfully guided many environmental permitting projects through local, State, and Federal agencies to completion. If you need support for any erosion related project, please contact the experts as BC Engineering Group. Contact us online or call us at 707-542-4321, or you can find us on Facebook. You can also stay up to date with civil engineering and land planning topics by subscribing to our blog. ​