Streambank Erosion Control Materials Suppliers

Introduction

In addition to threatening infrastructure, such as buildings and roads, streambank erosion can be a significant source of sediment pollution to streams. High concentrations of suspended sediments reduce the diversity and abundance of aquatic organisms, increase the need to dredge lakes and reservoirs, increase drinking water treatment costs, and serve as a carrier for contaminants such as phosphorus, bacteria, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides.

Streambank erosion is frequently addressed by reducing the steepness of streambanks and establishing native forest vegetation on the banks. Erosion control materials, such as straw mulch, are used to protect the soil surface from erosion due to raindrop impact until vegetation can be established. However, streambanks can be exposed to high flows that will remove commonly used erosion control products (Figure 1). This fact sheet lists potential suppliers of biodegradable materials for use in erosion control along small streams. This list is created as a convenience for Virginia landowners and does not constitute commercial endorsement of any organizations or businesses listed here by Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Recommended Erosion Control Materials

When working adjacent to flowing water in a channel, it is important to use materials that cover the soil surface, hold straw mulch and seed in place, withstand the force of flowing water, and do not pose a risk to wildlife. Straw mulch, covered by coir fiber matting, is commonly used to protect streambank soils until vegetation can be established (Figure 2). This biodegradable netting is commonly made from coconut fibers but can also be made from other plant fibers, such as jute. These mattings perform well in both dry and wet conditions and will naturally degrade over several years.

In addition to the coir fabric and straw mulch, wooden stakes are needed to hold the material in place during storms (Figure 2). Square, 1- to 2-inch hardwood stakes, 18 to 24 inches long, are recommended. While both plastic and metal stakes or staples are readily available, wooden stakes are recommended, as they are more durable, fully biodegradable, and not hazardous to people or wildlife if they are dislodged. Although some plastic stakes and nets are advertised as “biodegradable,” these materials do not biodegrade, but physically degrade in sunlight to become microplastics, which are considered a contaminant.

Some commonly used erosion control materials contain plastic, which degrades slowly and can harm wildlife by trapping or killing them (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, n.d.). When these plastic mats degrade, the small pieces of plastic are washed into the waterway or infiltrate into the soil. Microplastics are becoming increasingly common and have numerous adverse health effects for people and the environment (Yee et al. 2021). Note that even erosion control mats made from a plant-based material can have plastic netting around them.

Coir Fiber Suppliers

Be sure to reach out or check the websites to ensure you have the most up-to-date information, such as whether you must order in advance or can purchase from their current product inventory. Also note that some suppliers may have minimum orders.

• Ecofabriks (https://www.ecofabriks.com/coir-matting) specializes in and sells a wide range of all-natural, biodegradable erosion control solutions.
• Sand Baggy (https://sandbaggy.com/collections/erosion-control-blankets) sells a wide variety of biodegradable erosion control blankets in addition to many other erosion control products.
• Paramount Materials (https://www.paramountmaterials.com/collections/coir-matting) sells three distinct densities for coir matting. Note that they have a minimum order.
• One Clarion (https://www.erosioncontrol-products.com/coirerosioncontrolmats.html) sells coir mats as well as erosion control logs.

Wooden Stake Suppliers

Hardwood stakes are readily available at most local garden/home stores and lumber suppliers.

References

Glossary of Terms

• Biodegradable – A material that bacteria or other microorganisms can decompose.
• Channel – An area with distinct banks where water flows.
• Coir Fabric – A woven mesh constructed using the outer shell of coconuts and other similar plants.
• Contaminant – Any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance not naturally found in water.
• Erosion – The displacement of soil by water, ice, wind, or gravity.
• Sediment – The soil particles that are displaced by erosion.