May 5, 2020
Sturgeon Bay business installs Rip-Rap
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has expanded its Sturgeon Bay rip-rap business to handle the increased installation demand on Lake Michigan and the Bay of Green Bay. Installing rip-rap has prevented further destruction due to the high water levels. Pier & Waterfront Solutions has kept its excavators working through the winter to meet the demand.
PWS Co-owner, Dave Kalista, has been coordinating the work for the last two years. Dave recently reported that “As the waters continue to rise, the demand has risen with it. We recently added another excavator to handle the demand.” Dave went on to say, “With the additional excavator, we can better serve our customers in a timely fashion.”
As of Jan. 2020, local waters in Sturgeon Bay and the whole of the Door County Peninsula have risen 39,” year-to-year. 39″ exceeds records set back in 1986. Some experts predict water levels will increase by an additional 20″ by the end of summer.
Rip-rap could prevent this.
As a result, beaches are eroding at an alarming rate. The erosion is due to record-setting water levels and intense storms. Typical damage includes eroded beaches, lawns, and uprooted trees and vegetation.
How can you protect your Property?
Experts agree – rip-rap and seawalls are the best methods to protect against erosion. Of the choices, rip-rap is the least costly by far.
Contact Dave at (920) 905-2588 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 intersection (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
ARE WE OPEN?
During this time of uncertainty, Pier & Waterfront Solutions is staying “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 that you have come to expect.
We are implementing these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue but with limited in-person meetings. 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.
Is there More?
4. Some employees will be working remotely, but they are always available by phone.
5. Any employee with symptoms or illness is sent home.
6. We continue to provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless.
7. Crew starting times are being staggered to limit social interactions.
8. We keep the same crews together to limit cross interactions.
With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
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.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
So – YES – ARE WE OPEN?
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
Contact:
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Commercial work & new/used Sales.
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com – Erosion control & shoreline work.
John @ (920) 493-4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com – Scheduling & Service work
Mar 3, 2020
WILL RIP-RAP PROTECT MY SHORELINE?
Headline – Lake Michigan’s water level rose 2 inches in the final week of January alone. And – it’s still rising!
So what?
A 2-inch rise in water level doesn’t seem like a whole lot, But, did you know it takes 778.4 BILLION
(that’s Billion with a B) gallons of water to do that.
DID WE GET YOUR ATTENTION?
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District:
“Lake Michigan-Huron is starting well above its 2019 starting levels. The 2019 levels were already at their highest in years. (The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers treat Lake Michigan-Huron as one body of water.)”
The rise in water levels placed Lake Michigan well above where it started last year. It’s fair to say that with this start, we will likely see worsening erosion in 2020.
Here’s a quote from the Army Corps of Engineers –
“The current water level for Lake Michigan-Huron is 581.69 feet. That is 3 inches higher than one month ago, 20 inches higher than where it was just a year ago and 39 inches higher than where the lake typically is in January!”
Put in simplest terms, Lake Michigan and the Bay of Green Bay are very high.
ARE WE AT RECORD LEVELS?
If the month ended on January 24th, the answer would be a resounding yes. The lake level is a whopping 5 inches above the record highest monthly average, observed in 1987!
The water not only filled the Great Lakes, but it also saturated wetlands and swamps in the watershed. Those areas have served as “sponges” to absorb the excess water in the past.
After a few wet seasons, those areas can’t hold any more water. Any rain or snow that falls now ends up pushing lake levels even higher.
When lake levels rise, the rivers and tributaries feeding the bay begin to swell with the excess water. The extra water means flooding in any low-lying areas. Remember -Those areas are also saturated.
The reality of the situation is that lakes Michigan and Huron are full. The lakes are beyond full. Don’t forget – Lake Superior is also at an all-time high.
The excess water means land that has been dry for decades is now wet. Soils that haven’t seen lake levels this high since 1986 are suddenly saturated.
THE SECOND FACTOR – WIND
The wind is the second-factor driving erosion of your shoreline.
If you have a 30 mile per hour wind (especially from the NW, in our case), on top of the high water, you get a three or 4-foot wave. The water begins to slam into the shorelines at a higher level, not seen since ’86. To make matters even worse, NE winds cause a surge in water depth.
In the past, the upper levels of your shoreline only saw waves during a few storms each year. Today, the waves are pounding the shores at much higher levels on a daily basis.
Wind-driven waves batter the shoreline – one wave after another, around the clock, day in and day out. There’s nothing unusual about continuous waves. Except, now they are battering much higher on the shoreline.
The record levels of water and strong gusty winds create a lot of energy in the form of wave action.
Rip-rap helps reduce the effects of the waves.
The waves scrub the shoreline and batter the substrate. Waves loosen the once stable and dry shore over time. Now, throw in the occasional storm, and the impact intensifies even more.
SAND BEACHES
If you have sand as your predominate substrate, the waves loosen it. Eventually, the substrate breaks down and moves with the waves. The water takes away a lot of the base that’s on your shore.
Someone once said, “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Well, here’s the picture – link. This is in Lower Michigan but the same thing is happening to the Door County peninsula shorelines. Note the protection from the rip-rap areas.
HIGH EMBANKMENTS
Shoreline Erosion without rip-rap
If you have a high embankment, the situation is similar to a sand beach. With higher water and saturated ground, the waves pound against the raised embankment. Only roots, weeds, and small rocks hold the soil in place.
Now wash away the soil from the embankment, and the roots can no longer hold the ground in place. The rocks become dislodged and wash away.
BEDROCK?
With high water levels, many people have no shoreline left. The waves continuously batter the bedrock walls. Every small piece dislodged from the bedrock exposes a new surface for the waves to attack.
Moisture gets into the small fissures, and the freeze-thaw cycle begins. The freeze-thaw cycle is widespread in early spring and late fall. Once the rock loosens, the waves can remove the pieces. It’s a natural cycle. Remember, the freeze-thaw period happens to roads every winter – they are called “potholes”.
WHEN WILL THIS STOP?
It will need a drop in lake levels before you don’t have to worry about losing your shoreline.
WHAT ABOUT THE WAVES?
Waves are the result of the friction between the water and winds. Mankind has no control over wind-driven waves. There is no way to control it.
Since we haven’t mastered the art of controlling rainfall or winds, there are limited things we can do to save our shorelines.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Since we can’t control the rain or the waves, experts say the best solution is either a seawall or rip-rap.
Seawalls are the more expensive option.
Rip-Rap is the alternative to a seawall. Rip-rap will reduce or eliminate the damage caused by high water and waves.
HOW DOES RIP-RAP WORK?
As waves move towards your shore, they absorb energy. When the waves get closer to shallow water, that energy causes the waves to rise and “curl”. This action generates turbulence at the leading edge.
Rip-rap breaks the energy of the waves by absorbing and deflecting the power across the pile. We add a permeable barrier under the rip-rap to prevent the soil from washing out under it.
WILL RIP-RAP WASH AWAY?
A “toe stone” at the bottom of the rip-rap solves this problem. The “toe stone” consists of partially buried two-ton, up to 8 1/2 ton, boulder at the leading edge of the rip-rap. They help hold the rip-rap in place during wave action.
WHO DOES RIP-RAP IN DOOR COUNTY?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) has installed many rip-rap installations to save properties like yours. Shouldn’t they be doing yours?
IS IT COST-EFFECTIVE?
Yes, Remember, your property values decrease if people see the shorelines washed out or if your lawn was carried away by the waves. First impressions are crucial to any sale.
WANT THE WORK DONE RIGHT?
PWS has dedicated teams who do nothing but rip-rap. Contact Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com for your erosion control and shoreline work.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this link and – Thank you!
Don’t Forget
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in:
- ShoreMaster docks, lifts, and jet ski lifts;
- Lift Boss boat lift motors;
- Accessories for docks and lifts;
- Marina construction and repairs; Plus
NEW!! Shoreline erosion control and waterfront work
Visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook also.
PWS is located at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57. Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. It’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile beyond the intersection of Cty MM (heading north).
Contact:
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com for erosion control and shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for commercial work and new & used Sales.
John @ (920) 493- 4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com for Scheduling & Service work
Feb 4, 2020
THE PUSHER BOAT HAS ARRIVED!!
What is a “Pusher Boat”? Read on to find out.
Here’s something we can all agree on – the seasons have changed. Typically, at this time of the year, both the Bay of Green Bay & Lake Michigan are a frozen mass of ice. Not this year.
Here’s an example. This year, the Bay has not frozen over completely. In some cases, even the northern lakes are not safe to travel across. Wisconsin has had unseasonably warm weather so far.
ICE FISHING & ICE SHOVES
People who love ice fishing have seen their dreams of fishing upended. Even walking on the ice is not safe. Some fishing tournaments and charity walks had to cancel or establish a new route due to unstable, thin ice.
Ice shoves had occurred on several inland lakes and the Bay in December and January. Ice shoves usually don’t happen until late February or March as the ice begins to break up.
HERE’S THE BRIGHT SIDE
On the other hand, the warm weather allowed our excavators to continue working on rip-rap and seawalls. There have been only a few delays. (See our newly updated January 7th post and also the January 21st post for more information.)
There have been no real weather-related interruptions even in the typically “coldest” months of the year. Our biggest problem has been a lack of rip-rap. The quarries are having difficulty keeping up with the demand.
TA-DAH!!
WHAT’S NEW?
PWS is expanding into several areas in response to customer demands. The expansion required large investments in equipment and crews.
Here’s our latest news – Pusher Boat
Pusher Boat
The new PWS “pusher” or “tug boat” has arrived. We have yet to mount the motors and “knees,” but, it will be ready for the open-water season in plenty of time.
WHAT IS A “PUSHER BOAT”?
According to Wikipedia – “a pusher craft, pusher boat, pusher tug or towboat is a boat designed for pushing barges or car floats… These vessels are characterized by a square bow, a shallow draft, and typically have “knees,” which are large plates mounted to the bow for pushing barges of various heights.”
Have we “wet” your appetite for more information? Follow this link for additional information. The new services keep coming!
Don’t Forget
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in:
- ShoreMaster docks, lifts, and jet ski lifts;
- Lift Boss boat lift motors;
- Accessories for docks and lifts;
- Marina construction and repairs; Plus
- NEW!! Shoreline erosion control and waterfront work
PWS can solve your problems
PWS can be found at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57. Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles to the south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile beyond the intersection of Cty MM (heading north).
Our staff looks forward to serving your waterfront needs.
Contact:
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com for erosion control and shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for commercial work and new & used Sales.
John @ (920) 493- 4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com for Scheduling & Service work
Jan 7, 2020
Shoreline and Waterfront Solutions for 2020
The focus of Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) has always been “Waterfront Solutions.” Initially, that meant – Piers and Boat Lifts, – along with a wide variety of services surrounding those two items. As a result, PWS quickly gained a reputation as the Leader on the Door County Peninsula.
As the Leader, PWS gets requests for many unique situations throughout the year in both the residential and commercial areas.
PWS hasn’t been sitting on their proverbial – laurels. PWS has been instrumental in solving problems for many people. We always keep our eyes open for additional ways we can help with issues vital to you.
We looked around until we saw the next problem was actually right in front of us every day – Eroding Shorelines.
Shoreline tree roots exposed
How long will this continue?
2020 Forecast
The high water you have experienced in recent years will continue into 2020 – and for the foreseeable future. In fact, the 2020 projections are for another 10″ of depth on top of the already high water depths this year. (We’ll keep you updated on the situation as we get closer to Spring).
How has this Affected Door County?
As property owners, most of you have already seen the damage to your shoreline. The entire Door County Penninsula has seen significant damage. Naturally, the losses are extensive along the Lake Michigan side of the peninsula. However, the Green Bay side of the peninsula has not been spared, as shown.
As the demand for help grew, PWS realized we had to step-up to help our customers and fulfill our commitments to them.
Additionally, the shoreline damages and deep water has slowed our operation down. High water exposes our crews to deeper water on a daily basis. In some cases, they can no longer walk to the ends of the dock without having their waders swamped. The wet suits they wear do not adequately protect them from the frigid water temperatures.
Therefore, PWS has made several significant decisions for 2020. We have a series of announcements to make, beginning today.
What has changed?
Through much of 2019, we have been doing shoreline reconstruction and protection work. We expanded our line of excavating equipment, trucks, trailers, and track-mounted skid steers to accomplish this work.
We’ve trained operators, and they are currently completing jobs with the favorable weather we are having. This work will continue until the ground is frozen harder than the excavating equipment can handle. Even then, we will continue to bring in boulders and rip-rap for shorelines where excavating is not required.
Shoreline work
The project starts with obtaining the needed state permits. Next, we mark out the sites and deliver the required rock, ranging from rip-rap (around 1 ton) to boulders (from 2 ton and up to 8 1/2 tons).
Heavy excavation equipment is necessary to dig into the ground and/or move these multi-ton boulders.
The boulders & rip-rap form a barrier to the high water and the turbulence from storms. It’s the turbulence that undermines and washes away the shoreline, uprooting trees and destroying buildings, as shown.
Shoreline Erosion
As you can see, the scars are significant and can adversely affect your property value.
In the coming months, we will continue to show “before and after” photos of the work we have completed.
Who is your contact for all shoreline work?
Dave Kalista (920) 905-2588 has taken the lead on the shoreline work with our remaining staff as support staff. Contact Dave at dave@wisconsinpws.com.
Dave is very knowledgeable and ready to handle your shoreline work from beginning to end.
We will feature more examples in the coming weeks. Follow this link for additional information.
More announcements will follow.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions can help you. Give us a call today!
Don’t Forget
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in ShoreMaster docks, lifts, accessories, and now, shoreline and waterfront work!
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, just south of Sturgeon Bay, PWS can be found at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57. Our staff looks forward to serving all of your waterfront needs.
Call Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Email Dave@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
