Beyond Riprap: Bioengineered Approaches to Hybrid Stabilization
Jesse Dorais
Hunter Pates
George Fitch
SOX Erosion Solution
Philadelphia, PA
Stream restoration practitioners are often challenged to balance immediate bank stability with long-term ecological function, public infrastructure protection, and site-specific design constraints. While conventional approaches such as riprap, retaining structures, and biodegradable bioengineering techniques remain important restoration tools, some projects may benefit from alternative hybrid stabilization strategies. This presentation examines two streambank restoration projects that utilized permanent fabric-encapsulated soil lift systems as part of broader restoration designs. Case studies from the Bear River in Utah and Cheney Run in Indiana demonstrate how soil-retention frameworks can be integrated with vegetation, grading, terraces, benches, and Post-Assisted Log Structures (PALS) to create stable growing zones that support long-term ecological recovery while maintaining structural performance.
Through these contrasting projects, attendees will explore design considerations, implementation lessons learned, and situations where permanent soil-retention systems may complement conventional stabilization approaches, particularly in constrained urban corridors, high-use recreational settings, and areas requiring ongoing protection of public infrastructure. Rather than advocating for the replacement of traditional methods, this presentation examines how hybrid stabilization approaches can expand the restoration toolbox and help practitioners bridge the gap between structural performance and ecological function, creating streambanks that become more stable, resilient, and ecologically productive over time.
About Jesse Dorais
Jesse Dorais is a Regional Technical Expert serving the Mid-Atlantic, with a focus on helping contractors, golf courses, municipalities, and land developers implement effective erosion and sediment control solutions. Representing SOX Erosion Solutions, Jesse works closely with project teams to deliver scalable, environmentally responsible systems from jobsite stabilization to long-term stormwater management.
With hands-on experience supporting complex field applications, Jesse brings a practical, solutions-driven approach to every project, helping clients improve performance, reduce risk, and meet regulatory requirements. He works to advance sustainable construction practices and building strong partnerships across the industry.
About Hunter Pates
Hunter Pates is the Environmental Regulatory & Advocacy Manager at SOX Erosion Solutions, where he works with public agencies and restoration partners to advance hybrid nature‑based erosion control and shoreline stabilization systems. Drawing on his experience at the USEPA implementing Clean Water Act programs, he bridges technical teams and regulators to integrate bioengineered shoreline tools into policy and public projects. Hunter frequently collaborates with watershed groups, municipalities, and academic partners to develop pilot projects that improve water quality and community resilience.
About George Fitch
George Fitch is the Engineering Vertical Manager at SOX Erosion Solutions, where he works with engineering firms and project teams to integrate hybrid stabilization and soil-retention systems into stream restoration, shoreline, stormwater, and coastal resilience projects. Drawing on his background in soil science, erosion processes, and environmental monitoring, George helps bridge design objectives with practical implementation by supporting technical evaluations, system selection, constructability considerations, and long-term performance planning. He frequently collaborates with engineers, regulators, and restoration practitioners to advance stabilization approaches that balance structural performance with ecological function.