Glossary

As bank slope angles increase, crimping techniques are replaced by viscous oversprays, which are used to anchor the mulch fibers to themselves and to the ground. These oversprays, called "tackifiers," generally are composed of asphaltic emulsions; petroleum distillates; emulsions of co-polymer acrylates, latexes and polyvinyl acetates; and dry powdered vegetable gums derived from guar, psyllium and sodium alginase. Tackifier application rates vary depending on the type of product, severity of site conditions, climate and desired longevity of the installation.

Planting rapid-growth annual grasses, small grains, or legumes to provide initial, temporary stabilization for erosion control on disturbed soils that will not be brought to final grade for more than approximately one (1) month. Seeding is facilitated by fertilizing and surface roughening. Broadcast seeds must be covered by raking or chain dragging, while hydroseed mixtures are spread in a mulch matrix.

Flexible tubing or conduit extending temporarily from the top to the bottom of a cut or fill slope for the purpose of conveying concentrated runoff down the slope face without causing erosion.

A bridge, ford, or temporary structure installed across a stream or water course for short-term use by construction vehicles or heavy equipment, intended to keep sediment out of the stream and avoid damage to the streambed.

A flat bank, adjacent to the river in alluvial valleys created by the abandonment of the floodplain.

A line following the deepest part of the bed or channel of a stream.

The periodic rising and falling of the water that results from gravitational attraction of the moon, the sun and other astronomical bodies acting upon the rotating earth.

A variety of techniques used to secure the bulkhead, seawall, or revetment in place against the bank.

An expression used to indicate that a revetment or dike is constructed to prevent or minimize streamflow between the structure and the bank.

Where the streambank meets the streambed.

Sand or gravel beaches which connect one (1) or more offshore islands to each other or to the mainland. The terms connecting bar, tie bar, and tying bar are synonymous.

Preserving and subsequently re-using the upper, biologically active layer of soil to enhance final site stabilization with vegetation. Topsoiling should not be conducted on steep slopes. Stockpiled soil should be contained with sediment barriers, and temporary seeded for stability. Surfaces which will receive topsoil should be roughened just prior to spreading the soil to improve bonding. Spread topsoil should be lightly compacted to ensure good contact with the subsoil. Topsoil can act as a mulch, promoting final vegetation establishment, increasing water infiltration, and anchoring more erosive subsoils.

Walls constructed at the entrances of estuaries and rivers to improve navigability.