Effects of bank stabilization on Regional Sediment Management : lessons learned from the Kansas River and Grand River Basins

Abstract

Accumulation of sediment has and continues to be a major problem facing reservoir managers and stakeholders. Sediment accumulation can be reduced by either preventing sediment from entering the reservoir or by removing it once it has been deposited, typically by dredging and upland disposal. Sediment transported into reservoirs generates from overland runoff and erosion of river beds and banks from upstream watersheds. This Regional Sediment Management Technical Note (RSM-TN) presents results of an analysis of bank stabilization as a means of regional sediment management within the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Kansas City District (NWK), and distills lessons learned from previous bank stabilization project successes and failures. INTRODUCTION: USACE has a long history of streambank stabilization. Section 14 of the 1946 Flood Control Act, as amended, provides authority for USACE to plan and construct emergency streambank and shoreline protection projects to protect threatened highways, highway bridge approaches, and other nonprofit public facilities. These and similar projects have not historically counted the reduction in sediment loading to the river as a benefit during alternatives analysis. However, in many cases downstream projects including reservoirs, actively maintained navigation channels, and sensitive floodplain habitats can substantially benefit from the sediment reduction. NOTE: The contents of this technical note are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such products.