RIVER AND STREAM BANK RESTORATION/STABILIZATION
An unexpected result from urban sprawl in many cities across the United States is stream bank erosion. These streams located in a close proximity to suburban neighborhoods, businesses and roads, exhibit large fluctuations in flow resulting from runoff derived from rain events (i.e. parking lots, roof drains, etc.) These urban streams usually have very low base flow during dry periods, but become raging torrents during significant rain events. These rain events are what cause significant bank erosion and can endanger any structure located near the bank. Traditionally, engineered solutions including gabion retention walls, concrete pilings, and sheet piling have been utilized for stabilization. However, these solutions are expensive and detract from the "natural" look of the stream. T. M. Gates, Inc. solves these problems by using the modified Palmiter Method. This method involves the placement and/or removal of natural objects (trees, and rock) to redirect the streams channel away from the bank that is being eroded. The modified Palmiter Method achieves the same results as engineered solutions, while maintaining a "natural" appearance. Additionally, the cost to implement the modified Palmiter Method is over half the cost to implement most engineered solutions.
T. M. Gates, Inc. has used the modified Palmiter Method at several streams with various flow ranges with a high degree of success. An example of the Palmiter method is contained within.