Tag Archive: straw wattle

Straw Wattle – Stream Bank Restoration – Utah

February 2, 2025 0 Comments

Straw Wattle - Stream Bank Restoration - Utah

A picture of straw wattle placed along a stream in northern Utah, to prevent erosion, and restore vegetation to the stream bank.

Straw wattles are an effective tool in stream restoration projects, helping to stabilize banks, reduce erosion, and promote vegetation growth. These biodegradable, tube-shaped bundles of straw are placed along streambanks and slopes to slow water runoff, trap sediment, and encourage the establishment of native plants. By reducing soil displacement, they prevent further degradation of stream channels and contribute to improved water quality.

In stream restoration efforts, straw wattles are commonly used in combination with other erosion control measures, such as native plantings, rock reinforcements, and bioengineering techniques. They are particularly useful in newly restored or disturbed areas, where soil is vulnerable to erosion. As the wattles decompose over time, they enrich the soil and provide a stable foundation for long-term ecological recovery. Their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation make them a practical choice for conservationists, engineers, and land managers seeking to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems.

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Straw Wattle – Erosion Control – Construction Site – Fairbanks, Alaska

January 22, 2025 0 Comments

Straw Waddle - Erosion Control - Construction Site - Fairbanks, Alaska

Straw wattle placed around street storm drain in Fairbanks, Alaska, to prevent soil erosion, adjacent to a construction site with loose disturbed sediment.

Erosion control measures are essential at construction sites to prevent soil erosion, sediment displacement, and environmental damage. Common erosion control features include:

  1. Silt Fences: Temporary barriers made of geotextile fabric that trap sediment while allowing water to flow through. Installed along site perimeters or downslope areas.
  2. Sediment Basins and Traps: Structures designed to collect and settle sediment-laden runoff, preventing it from entering waterways.
  3. Erosion Control Blankets: Biodegradable mats or nets that stabilize disturbed soil and protect against water and wind erosion.
  4. Straw Wattles (Fiber Rolls): Cylindrical rolls of straw, coconut fiber, or similar material placed on slopes to slow water flow and trap sediment.
  5. Check Dams: Small, temporary barriers placed in drainage channels to slow water flow and reduce erosion.
  6. Vegetative Cover: Planting grasses or other vegetation to stabilize soil and minimize erosion. Often used for long-term control.
  7. Riprap: Layers of large stones or rocks placed in areas of high water flow to reduce erosion and stabilize slopes.
  8. Diversion Channels: Trenches or channels that redirect stormwater away from vulnerable areas to minimize erosion.
  9. Dust Control Measures: Spraying water, using mulch, or applying soil binders to reduce wind erosion.
  10. Gravel Construction Entrances: Stabilized entry points for vehicles to reduce the tracking of sediment onto nearby roads.

These measures are often used in combination to create a comprehensive erosion and sediment control plan for construction sites.

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