Back to C Session Agenda

All Woody Streambank Stabilization Restoration on HOA Budget Presentation

Alexander Ottley
River to Tap, Inc
Dunwoody, GA

A community pool located within Sandy Springs, Fulton County, Georgia, requested to stabilize streambanks along Heards Creek adjacent to the community pool and community pool house. Downstream of the proposed streambank stabilization Heards Creek confluences with the Chattahoochee River at an upstream angle to the Chattahoochee River. Due to the upstream angle, high waters from the Buford Dam release on the Chattahoochee River have a strong “tidal” effect on this lower reach of Heards Creek for a pedestrian bridge approximately 125 linear feet upstream to the confluence at the Chattahoochee River. The combination of storm waters and the Chattahoochee “tidal” effect had eroded the left and right banks to a 1:1 slope and had destabilized the right bank to within approximately 10 feet of the pool’s concrete walkway, creating a danger for children and others. The community requested an inexpensive fix within this small urban watershed. Following Rosgen’s studies and studies on tree revetments, Mr. Ottley designed and permitted the project using medium to large hardwood tree revetments secured with T-posts and existing boulders along with heavy plantings along the bank and within spaces of tree revetments. In order to reduce cost and maximize local resources, trees for tree revetments were donated by a local arborist. Prior to stabilization of the bank, the reach was lacking shrubs and shading. Thus, the area lacked fish habitat for local trout. One of the results of stabilization was the use of root wads, and vegetating the lower banks resulted in an increase in fish habitat as well as reduction of streambed scour. The logs became further embedded within the banks due to deposition, and vegetation is thriving along the banks, creating more shade and fish habitat. A number of existing tree roots were protected, and trees continue to thrive in the area. Since project implementation, the streambank has stabilized and continues to vegetate and strengthen banks within this highly urbanized area.