Bank Stabilization in Susquehanna River Basin

Streambank erosion is a major problem in the Susquehanna River Basin and results in continual losses or deterioration of productive lands through progressive scouring or natural channel relocations across oxbow bends. The major erosion problems within the Basin occur above Sunbury, Pennsylvania, the confluence of the West Branch and main stem of the Susquehanna River. These problems include erosion to farm lands and erosion that causes structural damage to bridge abutments, retaining walls and buildings. The study of streambank stabilization within the Susquehanna River Basin, was limited to the continuous type of protection such as riprap or a flexible, durable relatively impermeable mattress. Riprap and gabions were found to be the most economical means of providing protection against caving streambanks.