Riprap and erosion control in Stuart, FL
Shoreline washing out in Stuart, FL? Get matched with a licensed Martin County marine contractor for riprap, erosion control and bank stabilization.
Not every waterfront lot has a seawall. Along parts of the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon, the bank is just soil, and wakes, tides and storms slowly carry it away. Erosion control is about slowing that down and keeping your land where it is.
What riprap is
Riprap is a layer of large stone placed along the shoreline. It takes the energy out of waves and holds the soil underneath. It is often installed over filter fabric so the soil does not wash out between the stones. It can also be added in front of an existing wall to protect the base of the wall.
Other erosion control options
- Living shorelines. Plants such as native grasses, sometimes with oyster reef material, that hold the bank and support wildlife. They work best in calmer water.
- Regrading and fill. Rebuilding the slope to a gentler angle before armoring it.
- Toe protection. Stone at the base of a seawall that has been undermined by waves.
Signs you need it
- A bank that drops off in steps or has fresh cut edges
- Tree roots hanging in the air along the shore
- Your yard getting smaller over the years
- Scour at the base of a seawall or dock piling
Permits
Work on a seawall or dock in Florida usually needs a permit. In Martin County that often means a county or city building permit, and in some towns the local government issues its own. Many projects also need authorization from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and some need the US Army Corps of Engineers as well. What applies depends on the waterway, the size of the job and whether you are replacing in place or building new. A licensed marine contractor knows which ones apply and files them, so you do not have to sort it out alone.
Shoreline work like this often draws extra attention from permit reviewers, because it affects seagrass, mangroves and nearby habitat. Placing stone on bottomland can need a permit, so do not start without checking.
What it costs
Price depends on the length of shoreline, the amount and size of the stone, access for trucks and barges, and the permits. It is usually priced per linear foot. A contractor who walks the site can give a real quote.
If you already have a wall that is failing, see seawall repair.
Related services
We refer homeowners in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Palm City, Sewall's Point, Port Salerno, Hobe Sound, and the rest of Martin County.