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!

BARGE UPDATES

Jul 28, 2020

BARGE UPDATES

                Barge updates

The Barge and the Pusher Boat, that moves it around, is unique in several ways.  It goes where other local barges can’t go. It’s versatile enough to fit into tight spaces where a traditional barge can’t.  Yet, it’s large enough to handle an excavator plus tons of rock and equipment.

In most cases, the Barge floats very close to shore, where it can unload the excavator and materials.  For protection during a storm, the jack-up legs raise the entire unit well above the waves.

Each of the (4) cables which raise the Barge are almost the size of a human fist.

The Barge and pusher boat have been in continuous operation since they were launched.  The crew has been installing docks, rip-rap, and hauling materials to job sites.

 

MORE BARGE UPGRADES

Recently, the Barge moved into a sheltered area south of Point Sable at the old Eagles Nest marina for additional updates. You may have seen it there.  Upon completion, it immediately got underway to the next job. It’s equipment and the way we use them, constantly evolves. 

To date, we have installed more than 1,500 tons (over 3,000,000 lbs) of rip-rap.

 

WHY IS THE BARGE USED SO MUCH?

The use of the Barge means less damage to landscaping when we do rip-rap work. Many property owners prefer the barge for less obstruction to their property, or when access to the shoreline is not available. Additionally, there is no need to empty boulders from the dump trucks on their property or the road for later dispersal. We’ll find the nearest, suitable location to load the materials and equipment to serve every job.

Once the rip-rap project ends, the excavator and skid steer are loaded back up to immediately move to the next project. By using the Barge, there is no need for the excavator or track-mounted skid steer to travel across a lawn during the project.  All work is completed from the shoreline.

          

                   Pusher boat

WHAT ABOUT THE PUSHER BOAT?

The pusher boat was made to not only move the barge but it will carry a skid steer and an additional 3 tons of rock at the same time.

           FURTHER UPDATES

With one excavator tied up working with the Barge at all times, PWS has acquired two additional excavators and track-mounted skid steers since the Barge came into service.

For more information or to get on the schedule, contact Dave @ (920) 905-2588 TODAY – or – fill out this simple quote request FORM.

 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 at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.

ARE WE OPEN?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions has remained “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service you expect.

We are conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. Site visits will continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE ITEM YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

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

We provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process faster. With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP OUR BARGE CREWS? 

Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. When you see our crews installing rip-rap, be sure to practice “social distancing.”

Call, message, or email us with any questions.

Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.

Let’s all stay safe!