Martin Ecosystems

Baton Rouge, LA

225.292.6750

Martin Ecosystems

What is EcoShield™?

EcoShield

Vegetated EcoShield™ is a green infrastructure product that protects earthen shorelines and stabilizes banks while promoting vegetative growth to create a “living shoreline.” It is a cost-effective, sustainable solution for shoreline erosion.

EcoShield™ was designed as a protective medium for vegetation to establish, grow, and spread. We like to think of it as a pre-vegetated “armoring”; this layered vegetated system provides protection for earthen berms, dikes, terraces and levees while promoting growth for additional protection from waves. Scientific research found that one layer of the base matrix layer WITHOUT vegetation is effective at reducing wave run up heights by 40%! With multiple layers and vegetation, an even more significant reduction can be expected.

EcoShield™ serves two purposes: it compliments flood protection by reducing wave energies and extending the life of shorelines, levee systems, berms, and terraces. It also enhances the natural processes of the ecosystem by creating shoreline habitats for waterfowl, wildlife, and aquatic life.

Benefits of EcoShield™

  • Reduces Erosive Waves
  • Stabilizes Loose Soils
  • Promotes Vegetative Growth
  • Significant Cost Savings
  • Provides Installation Flexibility
  • Lightweight & Easy to Install
  • Minimal Environmental Impact 

Successful EcoShield™ Projects

Buras Boat Harbor: Decades of marsh erosion and subsidence along the levees near Joshua’s Marina in Buras, Louisiana, have compromised the integrity of these levees, which protect the coastal community of Buras against storm surge. This project was designed to protect this important infrastructure. Funding for the project was provided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) and Plaquemines Parish Government.

Martin Ecosystems was subcontracted to install 660 feet of Vegetated EcoShield ®  on the south berm in July 2014. Within a week of project completion, a storm came through the area causing damage to the remaining unprotected 4000 feet of earthen berm. High winds caused waves to erode the berm five feet in some places. Martin Ecosystems was again subcontracted to install EcoShield™ on the remaining 4000 feet of unprotected berm. Construction of this phase was completed on September 11, 2014.

Daniel Duhon, of Manchac Consulting, said:

Due to the nature of the borrow material, I think the EcoShield™ served an important role in stabilizing the unstable material. If nothing was done to stabilize the new berm there was the potential to lose a significant portion of the seaward face of the berm due to wind and wave action.

EcoShield
Photo taken April 2016.
EcoShield
Photo taken August 2017.

Delta Farms: The America’s WETLAND Foundation (AWF) brought together public and private partners to create the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) Shoreline Stabilization and Restoration Project in Lafourche Parish, LA. America’s WETLAND Foundation contracted Martin Ecosystems to install 1 mile of EcoShield to protect the levee where the embankment has been eroded.

Since the installation of EcoShield in November of 2015, the landowner has not had to perform annual lifting or rebuilding of the levee as he has had to do previously. The levee remains in tact where EcoShield was installed.

Ethan Miller, Project Landowner and Owner of Delta Farms, said:

I have to admit, I was skeptical at first. Over the years we spent hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to stabilize that berm. But looking at the results today, I am impressed. Two years later, the berm is holding and the ecosystems is flourishing.

EcoShield

EcoShield

Bayou Monnaie: A large portion of the marsh in the area near Bayou Monnaie had eroded away, resulting in areas of turbid, open, saline water that provide little value to migatory birds and other wildlife. Earthen terraces were constructed to lessen the erosion, create marsh habitat, and restore water quality. However, the terraces were also susceptible to erosion. Ducks Unlimited contracted Martin Ecosystems to install EcoShield™ along the sacrificial terraces to protect them from erosion. Vegetated EcoShield™ remained in place even following Tropical Storm Cindy and most importantly protected the shoreline from erosion, while the areas unprotected by Vegetated EcoShield™ eroded significantly.

EcoShield

EcoShield

Pre-Grown Vegetation

Vegetated EcoShield™ is pre-grown with native vegetation such as wetland sedges, rushes, and grasses before it even arrives on site. These plants are preferred because they are able to develop superior root structure and the ability to spread. Vegetated EcoShield™ is an important tool for shoreline protection of earthen structures, especially where soils are organic and soft and vegetation has nothing to hold onto. Because the vegetation is grown beforehand, the plants are pre-established and have a chance to grow into the material, take root, and spread.

Installation

The earthen structure must be smooth in order for EcoShield™ to lay flat onto the earthen surface. A 1:4 slope or greater is preferred for optimal performance. Vegetated Ecoshield™ can be installed in 2, 3, or 4 layers determined by the slope and amount of protected coverage required.

Vegetated EcoShield™ requires minimal maintenance with quick and easy installation. To secure the earthen berm in place we use rebar anchor staples and semi-flexible wire mesh. Staple pins may need to be adjusted for initial earthen structure settling and compaction.

Endorsement by The Water Institute of the Gulf

In June of 2015, The Water Institute of the Gulf endorsed Vegetated EcoShield™ as being consistent with the goals and objective of the Coastal Master Plan for Bank Stablization and Shoreline Protection.

For more information about Vegetated EcoShield™, contact our office at 225-292-6750.

Wastewater Treatment Success Across the Globe

Wastewater Treatment

Our counterparts in New Zealand and Australia have seen great success in wastewater treatment on their side of the planet. Their stories inspire us and our vision to see the same wastewater treatment success here in the United States.

What can we learn from wastewater treatment operations in New Zealand?

Wastewater Treatment in New Zealand

Waterclean Technologies has introduced Floating Treatment Wetlands to New Zealand, becoming an industry leader for municipal wastewater treatment.

Waterclean states that Floating Treatment Wetlands are a low-cost choice for wastewater treatment: “The low-tech, biological nature of Floating Treatment Wetlands makes it a true low cost option. Compared with other water treatment solutions, very little capital expenditure and up skilling is required and the floating treatment wetlands has nominal maintenance costs.”

Waterclean is currently helping municipalities extend the productive life of existing assets by retrofitting floating treatment wetlands.

They’ve partnered with Spel Environmental, a family owned business across Australia, that specializes in stormwater and water quality improvement.

Spel has also found Floating Treatment Wetlands to be efficient and a low-cost means to enhance municipal wastewater treatment plants. Spel says, “You can retro-fit it to existing facilities with minimal cost or long-term overheads- or work the media into the design of new facilities with low operational costs… It also offers a truly environmentally-sound and sustainable way of cleaning water- something increasingly important to councils and municipalities.”                                                                              

Spel Waterclean Floating Wetlands Applications

These two companies have worked together to see a dramatic effect on municipal wastewater and stormwater applications.

They have found that Floating Wetlands can be positioned in loaded “hot-spots” in natural waterways to improve water quality. Beyond stream and lake restoration, they also make beautiful environmentally-enhancing features in waterbodies in facilities such as parks and zoos. Because they are so visually appealing, they make stunning landscaping features for private residential projects as well.

 A Solution to Cleaning Wastewater for Communities Everywhere

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, America’s wastewater infrastructure was recently given a grade of D+, and the cost to fix this problem has been estimated to cost $271 billion over 20 years. As seen in New Zealand and Australia, Floating Treatment Wetlands are a green, innovative, and cost-effective solution for cleaning wastewater everywhere that can save thousands of dollars in capital and operational costs.

Contact us to learn more about this innovative solution to your wastewater treatment needs!

 

Public Private Partnerships for Conservation

Public Private Partnerships

The America’s Wetland Foundation is working to create a registry in an effort to increase private investment to help restore the coastline of Louisiana.

Why is there a need for such an effort? Less than half of the expected funds in federal offshore oil money will go to the state this year for coastal restoration. Therefore, America’s Wetland is seeking ways to pay for smaller projects to help the coast until larger public works can get started.

In a news release, a Houma native and the foundation’s managing director Val Marmillion said, “Coastal land loss isn’t waiting for adequate funding for projects… Private-sector-sponsored projects can be realized now to sustain wetlands in areas where freshwater marshes are subject to saltwater intrusion and eventual land loss.” (Source: dailycomet.com)

We have worked with America’s Wetland Foundation for years as landowners have invested in coastal restoration and water treatment. For example, earlier this year we completed a project to stabilize a mile of the bank along the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway near Larose, LA. We provided the materials for this project years ago, and the funds for the work were provided by a variety of public and private organizations.

After the state’s announcement that the revenue from offshore oil and gas through GOMESA with be half of what was expected, there is a sense of urgency to get the help of organizations to sponsor wetland restoration initiatives.

Marmillion continues, “Wetland restoration makes good business sense for companies with assets like pipelines in the wetlands or move commerce through navigable waterways that are feeling the negative effects or erosion…National conservation organizations also raise large sums of money for environmental or habitat sustainability and we encourage them to spend it here and include their ongoing projects in the registry.” (Source: dailycomet.com)

Environmental Stewardship

Some organizations and institutions have included environmental stewardship as a part of their business models, and this proves to be a perfect opportunity to play a part in coastal restoration, habitat restoration, and water quality improvement. We do however understand that despite their charitable donations, companies are not charities so we must work with them to further their goals with their bottom line in mind. Coastal restoration does make good business sense, and now the private sector can play a key role in saving our coast.

Public Private Partnership Projects

Martin Ecosystems has participated in several projects in which private funds were designated to further efforts to help the public. With these corporations, we have been able to work together to further corporate goals while improving the environment.

We have worked with NGOs such as America’s Wetland Foundation, Coastal Conservation of Louisiana, and Ducks Unlimited on restoration projects. For these projects, private companies such as Shell, Entergy and Citgo have provided the private dollar to fund public projects.

We have more projects in the planning stages for 2018 and we’re very hopeful for the future of public private partnerships! If you would like to continue this conversation and learn more about our partnerships for coastal restoration, habitat restoration, and water quality improvement, give us a call at 225.292.6750. 

The Double Impact Floating Islands Are Making Along the Chicago River Waterfront

This month we’re sharing a beautification case study of our floating islands at work in Chicago, IL. Once considered a grungy area of town, the Chicago Riverwalk is now an attraction that has added value to the windy city. Five areas were constructed, including the Marina, The Cove, Water Plaza, the Jetty and the Boardwalk through an initiative to improve the environment for the enjoyment of not only Chicagoans, but also for the inhabitants beneath the surface of the water. Along the Riverwalk you will find fountains, mists and sprays for children to play in along with seating and staircases, but the Jetty has an educational focus.

The Work of Floating Islands in The Jetty

This section of the Riverwalk includes floating wetlands and water gardens along the piers, providing an opportunity for people to learn about the river’s ecology and search for fish. Because of The Jetty the aquatic species beneath the surface now have better living conditions as floating islands work diligently to remove contaminants in the water. Sasaki Associates, one of the architect organizations that led this beautification project, says that floating Islands “provide a healthy habitat for the Chicago River’s diverse native fish population, as well as educational and recreational opportunities for visitors to observe and interact with the aquatic ecosystem.” We’re connecting people with the wonder of nature by bringing nature to them through floating islands.

Beyond Beautification

Sasaki Principal and landscape architect Gina Ford of ASLA started off with the thought of creating an experimental “fish hotel”. A critical element of the aquatic ecosystem are the plants in the floating islands whose roots enable biofilm to grow and filter river water. The Chicago Riverwalk’s “unique plant palette” was designed by Terry Ryan, ASLA, of Jacobs/Ryan Associates. What is so fascinating about this case study is that floating islands are a part of an elaborate design that provides aesthetic beauty to the Chicago River but also makes a huge impact on the environment. Sasaki says, “The Jetty falls in line with understanding that truly sustainable design accounts for the whole environment—not only for humans, but also for all species of wildlife and plants potentially impacted by a design.”

The Chicago River was once polluted and uninviting but it has come quite a long way. With the construction improvements, the mindset of the riverfront of Chicago has changed and it has become yet another place for Chicagoans to gather. We’re thrilled to play a role in this project by helping educate the public, improving water quality for aquatic life, and providing beauty that invites people to the waterfront. Click here to learn more about our floating islands and how they work both below and above the surface of the water.

Here’s a behind the scenes look at the installation process of our floating islands: