Grade Stabilization Structure POLLUTANTS ADDRESSED: Nutrients and Organics, Salinity, Sediments
DESCRIPTION: Rock, alone or combined with brush or biologs, is used to control the grade and head cutting in natural and artificial channels, preventing the formation or advance of gullies.
Urban areas ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Rocks, brush, and biologs provide habitat for small wildlife species.
LOAD REDUCTION MECHANISM: Nutrients/Organics Management- If brush or biologs are used, plants will take up excess nutrient runoff.
POTENTIAL TREATMENT AREAS: Streamside
Salinity Reduction- If brush or biologs are used, plants will take up dissolved salts from water runoff.
ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT MEASURES: Brush Trench Erosion Water Management Irrigation Control Fabric
Sediment Reduction – Grade stabilization structures can reduce slope erosion thus reducing the amount of sediments carried into streams.
PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS: ACOE 401 and 404 permits may be required. Contact county regional flood control district.
LAND USE CLASSIFICATION: Grazing lands Agricultural lands Cleared areas
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Grade Stabilization Structure POLLUTANTS ADDRESSED: Nutrients and Organics, Salinity, Sediments
Level 400: MODERATE ENGINEERING LOAD REDUCTION POTENTIAL: LOW
MEDIUM
PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION:
HIGH
Grade stabilization structures are located so that the elevation of the inlet of the spillway is set at an elevation that will control upstream headcutting. A wide range of alternative types of structures are available for this practice and an intensive site investigation is required to plan and design an appropriate grade stabilization structure for a specific site.
ESTIMATED TIME FOR LOAD REDUCTION: IMMEDIATE
MONTHS2 YEARS
> 2 YEARS
EXPECTED MAINTENANCE: LOW
MEDIUM
Riparian Planting Zone: Toe & Bank Zones and Upland Zone
HIGH
ESTIMATED COST: LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Photo courtesy of AWPR 2007
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