Waterfront Stabilization using Vegetated Riprap Techniques

DRAZDOFF PROPERTY PROJECT

Location: Thrums, British Columbia

Client: Columbia Basin Power Corporation

Objective: The objectives were to provide erosion protection of the bank due to fluctuating water level and to enhance and create fish habitat.

The Drazdoff property is located in Thrums, which is within the Brilliant reservoir area east of Castlegar, British Columbia. This vegetated riprap project was built on 40 metres of waterfront along the Kootenay River. This work was carried out for the Columbia Basin Power Corporation in the spring of 2001.

Rick Rodman, P.Eng. of Klohn Crippen Consultants Ltd., produced the engineering design for the riprap. Paul Grutter, B.Sc. Biological Technician of RL&L Environmental Services Ltd., carried out the environmental monitoring and fish habitat design. The vegetated riprap and riparian planting was prescribed and implemented by Pierre Raymond of Terra Erosion Control Ltd. A total of 27 pockets of live cuttings, in conjunction with the placement of riprap revetment, were installed. Each pocket included 9 cuttings, composed of three species; willow (Salix spp.), black cottonwood (Populus balsamiffera ssp. trichocarpa) and red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea).

The establishment of these riparian species will increase fish habitat by creating shade and small organic debris input into the Kootenay River. The site was monitored during the summer of 2001 and 2002. The increased stability of the bank is preventing further erosion. The survival and growth is considered excellent.