The Lake Lanier Association (LLA) announced on October 20, 2016, news of a program to reduce shoreline erosion on Lake Lanier. Executive Director Joanna Cloud says LLA has raised enough funds to purchase $275,000 worth of riprap. That will provide 3,100 lineal feet of protection from erosion “occurring on the island shoreline in the lake south of Browns Bridge.”
The money has come from partnering with local governments, private businesses and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We extend our gratitude to one and all.
Riprap is defined by Merriam-Webster as ” a foundation or sustaining wall of stones” … or “similar material on an embankment slope to prevent erosion.”
Hall County voters approved a SPLOST Referendum in 2015 and shoreline protection was an identified project designated to receive funding.
Shoreline erosion is a serious problem for Lake Lanier.
“Boat wakes and waves driven by the wind eat away at unprotected shoreline and cause banks to collapse. This leads to increased siltation. As silt builds up on the bottom of the lake, it reduces the water storage capacity and also impacts water quality,” said Joanna Cloud.
The Corps of Engineers has issued permits to the Lake Lanier Association for the completion of four island shoreline riprap projects. The four permits include approximately 500 linear feet of riprap to be installed on island located at marker Six Mile 4, approximately 650 feet on an island at marker 18 just north of the Aqualand gas docks, 990 feet on an island near Van Pugh Park and 990 feet on Browns Bridge Island across from the northern part of Port Royale.
Once the competitive bidding process was completed, Marine Specialties, Inc. was selected as the prime contractor. They expect to have a large barge, related equipment and a crew working full time on this project until it is completed around March of 2017. All of the venders participating on this project– including Vulcan Materials, Inc. and Grizzle Trucking — have provided discounted pricing in support of this public service effort.
The LLA’s first project dedicated to reducing island erosion was completed in January of 2015. The island is located at the south end of the Three Sisters Island. More than 1,000 tons of stone were spread over approximately 600 linear feet. The entire cost was funded by contributions from The Chantal and Tommy Bagwell Family Foundation in Cumming.
Please consider joining the Lake Lanier Association.
