Hey Everybody,

We’re thinking of doing a series of posts about different Erosion & Sediment Control and various Streambank techniques.  Kind of a basic knowledge, information-rich, get-to-know-your-tools type of thing.  So, let’s give it a go shall we?

Let’s talk Live Silitation! 

TWO QUICK NOTES

• The above video clip is a part of our Willow Creek Project DVD.  Would you like to use Dirt Time video in your training or presentations.  Get it touch with us here.
• All of this information below is taken from, and is covered in more depth, in our Erosion Software program ESENSS (check it out here).

DESCRIPTION

 Live siltation (also known as Vertical Brush Layering) is a revegetation technique used to secure the toe of a streambank, trap sediments, and create fish rearing habitat. The system can be constructed as a living or a non-living brushy system at the water’s edge.

PURPOSE

Live siltation helps to secure the toe of a streambank, and trap sediments.

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES:

Live siltation is an appropriate practice along an outer bend with sufficient scour or toe protection.

PLANNING

Useful for Erosion Processes:

• Toe erosion with upper bank failure
• Scour of middle and upper banks by currents
• Local scour
• Erosion of local lenses or layers of noncohesive sediment
• Erosion by overbank runoff
• General bed degradation
• Headcutting
• Piping
• Erosion by navigation waves
• Erosion by wind waves
• General bank instability or susceptibility to mass slope failure
• Erosion by ice and debris gouging 

Spatial Application:

• Instream
• Toe
• Midbank
• Top of Bank

 Hydrologic / Geomorphic Setting

• Resistive
• Redirective
• Continuous
• Discontinuous
• Outer Bend
• Inner Bend
• Incision
• Lateral Migration
• Aggradation

Design Guidelines / Typical Drawings:

Cuttings should be placed adjacent to the water’s edge to ensure effective sediment trapping and velocity reduction at the toe of slope. At least 40 branches per m (12 branches per ft) should be installed.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS / BENEFITS

This is a very effective and simple conservation method using local plant materials. This technique is particularly valuable for providing immediate cover and fish habitat while other revegetation plantings become established. The protruding branches provide roughness, slow velocities, and encourage deposition of sediment. The depositional areas are then available for natural recruitment of native riparian vegetation.

HYDRAULIC LOADING

This technique may be used for velocities up to 2 m/sec (6.6 ft/sec), but velocities should be at least 0.25 m/sec (0.8 ft/sec) for the system to function properly.

COMBINATION OPPORTUNITIES

Live siltation techniques can be constructed in combination with rock toes, Rootwad Revetments, Coconut Fiber Rolls, Live Fascines, and Brush Mattresses.

ADVANTAGES

This is a very effective and simple conservation method using local plant materials. This technique is particularly valuable for providing immediate cover and fish habitat while other revegetation plantings become established. The protruding branches provide roughness, slow velocities, and encourage deposition of sediment. The depositional areas are then available for natural recruitment of native riparian vegetation.

LIMITATIONS

If using a living system, cuttings must be taken during the dormancy period.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

Natural stone, willow wattles, logs or root wad revetments are needed for toe and scour protection. The live siltation will require live branches of shrub willows 1-1.5 m (3.5–5 ft) in length. The branches should be dormant, and need to have the side branches still attached. Any woody plant material, such as alder, can be installed for a non-living system.

CONSTRUCTION / INSTALLATION

Construct a V-shaped trench at the annual high water (AHW) level, with hand tools or a backhoe. Excavate a trench so that it parallels the toe of the streambank and is approximately 0.6 m (2 ft) deep. Lay a thick layer of willow branches in the trench so that 1/3 of the length of the branches is above the trench and the branches angle out toward the stream. Place a minimum of 40 willow branches per m (12 branches per ft) in the trench.

Backfill over the branches with a gravel/soil mix and secure the top surface with large washed gravel, bundles/coir logs, or carefully placed rocks. Both the upstream and downstream ends of the live siltation construction need to transition smoothly into a stable streambank to reduce the potential for the system to wash out. More that one row of live siltation can be installed. A living and growing siltation system typically is installed at AHW. A non-living system can be constructed below AHW during low water levels. If it is impossible to dig a trench, the branches can be secured in place with logs, armor rock, bundles made from wattles, or coir logs.

COST

0.7-2 work hours per linear m (0.2-0.6 work hours per linear ft), plus willow stock if not readily available on site.

MAINTENANCE / MONITORING

During the first year, the installation should be checked for failures after all 1-year return interval and higher flows, and repaired as necessary. During summer months of the first year, ensure that cuttings are not becoming dehydrated.

COMMON REASONS / CIRCUMSTANCES FOR FAILURE

Cuttings will not promote siltation as well if not located at the water’s edge. If located further up the bank, cuttings may dry out, and will only trap sediments and slow velocities during high flows. Cuttings may not grow well if not handled properly prior to installation. See The Special Topic: Harvesting and Handling of Woody Cuttings for proper handling instructions.

For more information, pictures, diagrams and examples, sure to check out our erosion software program E-SenSS (click here)