Thanks for the prompt help with our dock.

Aug 19, 2021

Thanks for the prompt help with our dock. Looks Great. Guys were very efficient. Hope to continue your services going forward.

Jim G. Door County

Plan an EROSION CONTROL Project

Aug 17, 2021

How to Plan an EROSION CONTROL PROJECT

Part 2 of a series discusses FAQ about erosion control – The signs to look for and steps to take. See part one for more information.

Before beginning any actions to correct erosion, determine why the erosion is occurring. Without understanding the problem, any steps taken may waste time and money and may cause or worsen the situation.

Decide if the problem is severe enough to warrant correcting. Is the erosion more than in undisturbed reaches?

What are the threats to private property?

Even though there have been numerous studies and publications on this topic, each problem is unique. There are no manuals with generic plans for bank protection projects which are guaranteed to work.

Although installing a simple erosion control structure yourself may be possible, most techniques have technical standards for size, height, shape, and underlayment. These do not even include the legal requirements of the DNR.

It is best to consult with a resource professional experienced with various techniques when planning the installation of erosion control structures. Thanks to Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council for the use of the above information.

PWS handles all the applications, permits, and drawings from the beginning to the end. PWS does all the work for you. Sit back and relax.

To start the process:

Call Dave @ 920-905-4406 or email dave@wisconsinpws.com.

You can also use this convenient form.

Does controlling the erosion help my property values?

Shoreline erosion creates issues for property owners, aside from hurting the lake environment. Property value is exceptionally dependent on controlling shoreline erosion. “One of the most apparent impacts, and perhaps that most significant concern to many shoreline property owners, is the loss of valuable waterfront property. Given the high value of shoreline property, a loss of just one foot of shore along a 100-foot lot can represent a loss of more than $9,000 on a cost-per-square-foot basis.

These thoughts do not take into account potential damage to, or loss of, near-shore buildings and structures,” according to WatershedCouncil.org.

In recent years, we’ve seen beaches all but disappearing. When property owners try to control shoreline erosion with the wrong methods, they can actually make the problems worse for themselves and their neighbors. That’s why you should leave rip-rap construction up to the professionals at Pier & Waterfront Solutions.

Will my landscaping be destroyed?

Enlarged 36′ x 45′ Barge

PWS can access your shoreline by land. This is the easiest method.

At the same time, we understand the destruction of some landscaping can be a great loss.

PWS has a second method – our 36′ x 45′ barge can do all the work from the lake side. There is no damage to your landscaping.

What can I expect for costs?

The costs vary by what solution is needed. The more complex the solution, the higher the price. A homeowner can expect to spend an estimated $45 – $90* per linear foot on materials. However, if a site is challenging to access, it may cost more.

*Permit fees, design, and installation fees not included. An estimate from PWS includes ALL costs you will encounter. No surprises.

How will I get to the beach with the rip rap in place?

PWS has faced this question numerous times. We install rock steps when requested to make it easy to access the remaining beach, as shown here.

Grouted stairs

In this series of articles, we’ve:

1. Walked you through some of the leading causes of shoreline erosion:
2. What’s happening currently with shoreline erosion and the Great Lakes:
3. How to prevent shoreline erosion, and
4. What steps you can take to fix it the right way.

Can’t find the answer to your question? Email Dave @ dave@wisconsinpws.com

How does rip-rap work?

Properly installed rip-rap absorbs the energy from the waves as shown in this video. Watch closely at 40 seconds to see the rip-rap doing it’s work. By removing the wave energy, the shoreline stays in tact.

The water drops down into the crevices and dissipates in all directions. See this article for more information.

Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right side, one mile north, at the next corner (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).

Is PWS OPEN?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open.” We have implemented measures to help ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. PWS continues to work to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.

PWS implemented these preventive measures:

1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.

2. Site visits will continue. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.

3. Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.

What can YOU do to help us?

1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.

2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.” Remain outside at a safe distance.

Thank you for allowing us to work with you.

YES – PWS is OPEN and waiting for you!

Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.

Let’s all stay safe!

CAUSES OF SHORELINE EROSION

Aug 10, 2021

WHAT CAUSES SHORELINE EROSION?

Lakeshores are areas of constant dynamic energy. Powerful waves, high water, and ice move soil particles away from shorelines. In more severe cases, small pebbles and eventually rocks begin to wash out. When the water reaches far enough up the shoreline, erosion of lawns and exposing tree roots start.

We’ll try to answer some of your questions today.

What are the leading causes of shoreline erosion?

On open water like Green Bay, the three leading causes of erosions are:

1. Wave action;
2. High water; and
3. Ice movement.

The ice on frozen lakes or the Bay can expand towards the shore with a force of many tons per square foot. The ice will destroy most obstacles in its path. Masses of ice put in motion by winds can push trees or buildings over, as exhibited here.

Ice vs deck erosion

Shoreline tree roots exposed

Ice also pushes embankments, uprooting trees and lawns on small inland lakes. No matter how massive a tree is, the ice won’t slow down for it.

Ice Shove uprooting trees

In relatively small inland lakes, breaking waves can erode lawns away.

Headlands (points) usually have relatively high erosion rates. The waves, currents, and the ice will attack from all three sides. These attacks eventually transport the sediments to a new location where they settle in calmer weather.

Erosion is a normal process of nature.

Erosion and the redistribution of sediments is a natural process along shorelines. Typically, natural erosion proceeds very slowly. The plants and animals that live along the shore can adjust to these slow changes. They maintain a stable, healthy, productive ecosystem.

Accelerated erosion results when natural or human disturbances cause this equilibrium to be upset. Examples of this are higher than normal water levels and intense storms.

Human disturbances include vegetation removal, dredging, filling, or construction near the shoreline.

Another example of natural disturbances is large trees uprooted by a windstorm or a flood. When the soil becomes saturated with water, it weakens the soil around tree roots. The winds may uproot that tree.

IDENTIFY SERIOUS EROSION PROBLEMS

These are several signs of severe erosion problems. (Number one and three are significant)

A large area of bare soil on a steep, high shoreline bank;
A measurable change of the shoreline over time;
Leaning or downed trees with exposed roots; and
Large patches of muddy water near a lakeshore during periods of high water or following a rainstorm.

3 TYPES OF REACTIVE EROSION CONTROL METHODS:

Vegetative/No Mow: This method involves encouraging or planting trees or woody shrubs for the soil binding properties of their root systems. Grass and other plants will protect against raindrop impact and scouring from surface runoff.

Structural: This includes protective structures. The placement of rock of various sizes (rip-rap) has traditionally been the most effective and least expensive method.

Other structural methods include bulkheads, gabions (rock-filled baskets), and railroad ties. However, these methods are visually unappealing. They require more heavy equipment and technical expertise. These systems are more prone to failure than simple rip-rap. In addition, the DNR has disapproved of these methods in the past.

Manipulative: Mostly used on streams, this includes:

1. 1. Removing streamflow obstructions;
  2. Grading shoreline banks, or, in exceptional circumstances;
  3. Rerouting a stream channel.

Are there new techniques developed to prevent erosion?

A new soil preservation method called bioengineering has been proven successful.

Soil bioengineering combines mechanical, biological, and ecological concepts. These methods arrest and prevent shoreline erosion. An example is planting willows interspersed with rip-rap, where the rock provides immediate resistance to decay.

As the willows become established, roots invade and permeate the rock and underlying soil. They bind them together into an erosion-resistant mass. The willows also impart a more “natural” look to the shoreline.

Water levels are down; I don’t have to worry – Right??

This year, people do see water levels about 18-24″ less than in 2020. High water levels are the most significant contributing factor to shoreline erosion.

Will it stay down next year or in the years after? No one knows. In Las Vegas, that’s called a crapshoot.

What other factors affect my shoreline?

The next factor is the intensity of the storms. The Door County Peninsula had numerous high wind storms this year with up to 70 MPH winds.

A popular Marina in Sturgeon Bay: Skipper Bud’s Harbor Marina, located at the foot of the Michigan St. bridge, was a victim of a recent storm.

The marina had two of its five floating docks torn loose during a strong storm. Two tub boats quickly moved in place to prevent them from swinging into the bridge.

Are there other contributing factors to shoreline erosion?

You can expect water levels to rise rapidly when winds blow from the NW – NE direction for prolonged periods. This is despite the lower water levels this year. The stronger the winds, the higher the water will go. Waters south of Sturgeon Bay are particularly affected by these winds. In those areas, there are no other large outlets for the water to escape.

DO YOU NEED AN ESTIMATE FOR RIP-RAP?

Contact Dave@ 920-493-4406 or email at Dave@wisconsinpws.com.

What comes next?

Next week (on Aug 10, 2021), we will cover:

1. 1. 1. 1. Planning an erosion control project;
      2. Does erosion hurt my property values?
      3. What to expect for the cost of rip-rap.