RIP RAP
Description:
Rip Rap is a common shoreline type along many parts of the Burlington waterfront. As an armored erosion control mechanism used to prevent runoff, Rip Rap is a common application on medium and small slopes with stable soil. Often, the preferred method of construction involves layering filter cloth over soil before topping with rocks2. Depending on the size, these Rip Rap retaining walls are often cheaper than traditional retaining walls while also allowing for the integration of vegetation for aesthetics and ecosystem health3.
Despite its efficacy in controlling erosion, Rip Rap does not reflect the natural landscape and contributes dramatically to the habitat loss of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems 4,5. It is important to use local rocks (but not ones from the lake or river bed) when constructing rip-rap, in order to maintain natural sediment composition in water bodies6.
Improvements:
Simple
Integrate native vegetation around the perimeter of Rip-Rap.
Moderate
Construct using live staking.
Integrate native vegetation within Rip-Rap.
Intensive
Entirely replace Rip-Rap through bioengineering:
Replacing rip rap can be beneficial long term, specifically if your rip rap already needs repairs. Bioengineering can help to create a shoreline that closely resembles the natural ecosystem, maintaining erosion prevention while improving lake health. One example of bioengineering to promote shoreline stability is contour wattling. The complexity of rip rap removal and bioengineering will require a licensed contractor and specific permitting procedures 7.