Streambank and Shoreline Protection
Streambank and Shoreline Protection
The information presented here is based on the USDA-NRCS Conservation Practice Standard 580. Additional information can be found in the SERA-17 Fact Sheets Riparian Buffer Zones, Erosion Control Systems, and Filter Strips.
Definition
Structural and/or bioengineered measures implemented to stabilize and protect banks of streams or constructed channels and shorelines of lakes or reservoirs susceptible to erosion.
Purpose
Protection measures are needed to prevent the loss of soil or damage to land adjacent to banks and shorelines. The implemented measures should reduce downstream effects of sediment, such as the loss of phosphorus and other nutrients and the storage capacity of lakes and reservoirs while preserving the flow capacity of streams and constructed channels.
How Does This Practice Work?
A variety of structural and vegetative measures are
available for controlling erosion on streambanks and shorelines. The appropriate measures are determined by site-specific conditions. This practice often performs better when it is combined with other in-field and edge-of-field best management practices, such as those outlined in the Fact Sheets mentioned above. Consider changes that may occur in the watershed hydrology and sedimentation when designing and implementing this practice. Use vegetative species that are native or compatible with the local ecosystem, and, include diverse species to avoid loss of function due to species-specific pests.
Where This Practice Applies and Its Limitations
This practice applies to in areas where the banks of streams and excavated channels and the shorelines of lakes and reservoirs are susceptible to erosion. The goal is to control bank erosion with structural and vegetative measures that protect and stabilize banks, as well as influence stream form and sediment transport characteristics. Vegetation is important for the biological, physical, and chemical health of the stream. Failure of erosion control measures should not create a hazard to life or result in property damage. Structural practices with limited or minimally functional vegetation, such as hard-armoring streambanks and shorelines (e.g., use of riprap), are discouraged as these methods generally do not improve the quality of aquatic habitat and may contribute to erosion in other areas. Hard armoring may be necessary, however, for protecting infrastructure if that is the objective.
Effectiveness
Streambank and shoreline erosion control measures have been successfully used to reduce bank erosion and sediment transport for many years. Because phosphorus is attached to soil particles, control of streambank and shoreline erosion can decrease phosphorus delivery to streams, lakes, and reservoirs. Using streambank and shoreline erosion control measures to protect riparian areas can also significantly reduce phosphorus transport by capturing surface runoff containing phosphorus from adjacent agricultural fields. Still, this practice can encompass many control measures which likely have different phosphorus loss reduction potential.
Causal linkages of streambank P loading with water quality remain poorly defined, and establishing these linkages will require integration of multiple disciplines. Directly linking streambank erosion with downstream P loads is challenged by redeposition of sediment during events, as well as P release from bed sediments and thus lag times. Given the high spatiotemporal variability of streambank erosion at sub-decadal timescales, capturing the flashiness of streambank erosion that leads to the majority of P loading is important for accurate assessments. The high resource cost of such assessments is a challenge.
Cost of Establishing and Putting the Practice in Place
The establishment and construction cost of streambank and shoreline erosion control measures vary greatly and depend on the availability of equipment, materials, and labor. Cost-share funds may be available for many of the control measures. Technical assistance is available from local, state, and federal resources, such as the NRCS.
Operation and Maintenance
The vegetative and/or structural measures used to control erosion must be maintained to extend the life of the practice. It is important to develop an operation and maintenance plan. The plan should include:
- periodic inspections and prompt repair or replacement of damage in accordance with the original specifications;
- maintaining healthy vegetation;
- maintaining fences;
- removal of debris that may damage the streambank protection measures;
- repair of animal or livestock damage.
References
Fetter, J. et al. (2021). Simple solutions for your eroding backyard stream. Penn State Extension. Available: https://extension.psu.edu/simple-solutions-for-your-eroding-backyard-stream
Fox, G. A., Purvis, R. A., & Penn, C. J. (2016). Streambanks: A net source of sediment and phosphorus to streams and rivers. Journal of Environmental Management, 181, 602–614. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.06.071
MacGregor, L. (2011). Streambank and shoreline stabilization – Techniques to control erosion and protect property. Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Available: https://epd.georgia.gov/sites/epd.georgia.gov/files/related_files/site_page/Streambank_and_Shoreline_Stabilization_Guidance_Book_Revised_April_2011.pdf
Margenot, A. J., Zhou, S., McDowell, R., Hebert, T., Fox, G., Schilling, K., Richmond, S., Kovar, J. L., Wickramarathne, N., Lemke, D., Boomer, K., & Golovay, S. (2023). Streambank erosion and phosphorus loading to surface waters: Knowns, unknowns, and implications for nutrient loss reduction research and policy. Journal of Environmental Quality, 52, 1063–1079. https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.20514
Miller, R.B., Fox, G.A., Penn, C., Wilson, S., Parnell, A., Purvis, R.A., & Criswell, K. (2014). Estimating sediment and phosphorus loads from streambanks with and without riparian protection. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 189, 70-81. 10.1016/j.agee.2014.03.016
USEPA. (2005). Pollutants controlled calculation and documentation for Section 319 watersheds training manual. Available: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-01/documents/region5manual.pdf
For Further Information
USDA-NRCS technical references and standards may be available at local county offices or from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov.
Contact your local soil and water conservation district, USDA-NRCS or Cooperative Extension Service office. Find Your Local USDA Service Center
Current Authors
| John Kovar USDA Agricultural Research Service john.kovar@usda.gov Keith Schilling |
Peter Moore Iowa State University pmoore@iastate.edu Thomas Isenhart |
Previous Authors
| Bruce Wilson Natural Resources Conservation Service bwilson@wcc.nrcs.usda.gov |
Editing and Design
| Deanna Osmond NC State University |
Forbes Walker University of Tennessee |
Funding for layout provided by USDA-NRCS Grant 69-3A75-17-45
Published: May 8, 2025