How to Grow a Little Green and Save Some Green

ScourStop transition mats are an engineered, bio-technical alternative to hard armor. Landmark Earth Solutions mats combine natural vegetation with modern polymer technology to mechanically protect soil from scour and erosion.
Courtesy of Landmark Earth Solutions

Landscape professionals often face erosion control challenges. A drainage ditch had fallen victim to worsening soil erosion caused by scouring from high stormwater runoff volume and velocities. This undermined the integrity of the associated box culvert that was the responsibility of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Even with light rainfall, washouts were common due to the area's topography. Traditional methods weren't working.

Four components were used in the solution: ScourStop transition mats, sod, geotextile material and turf reinforcement mats. The mats were installed over the geotextile, sod and TRM soil-cover system at the highest energy areas. The slope was backfilled and shaped to the original flow line. Transition mats were installed in critical areas, from across the channel bottom and up each side slope four feet.

As a result of these steps, stabilization was achieved. The channel has even withstood peak rain events, including a flash flood and a separate rainfall in which 2.19 inches came down in 24 hours. ODOT hydrologist and engineer Leslie Lewis said, "The ScourStop engineered system is a smart, simple solution. It reinforced the natural ground, and it's easier to transport and install."

This performance-tested biotechnical mat replaces rip rap and other hard armor. It provides impact resistance, high tensile strength, and permanent durability against highly erosive forces. Applications include culverts, overflow structures, stream banks, and transition zones.