Martin Ecosystems

Baton Rouge, LA

225.292.6750

environmental solutions

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.

What is EcoBale?

EcoBale was created to provide a cost-effective solution for protecting shorelines. It is a lightweight breakwater that reduces waves and collects sediments and is durable enough to withstand high energy environments.

Because it’s not a wall, it’s a great product for this application because waves can penetrate it. The cylinder shape of EcoBale gives it the advantage of having an open structure while retaining strength. It is strong enough to reduce erosion by performing as a breakwater.

The 96% void space also provides shoreline stabilization through the collection of sediments. This facilitates the growth of natural marsh, vegetation, and ecological habitats. It is also effective at creating a visible protective boundary for pipelines.

Beyond Shoreline Protection

While this was the original application, EcoBale can be used to serve a variety of purposes because of the flexibility of installation. We are working on projects now in which it is being used to solve unique challenges in a cost-effective way. Using EcoBale rather than other solutions such as rocks can be 25-30% less expensive!  With the proper design, it can also meet the challenges of sea level rise.

It’s all in the installation: Vertically, EcoBale can be installed in a zig-zag pattern to dampen waves without blocking them. But it can also be installed in a tight format for the opposite effect, to create a wall. It can be used to block boat traffic for private waterways and create boundaries depending on how closely they are installed. Horizontally, it can be installed to contain sediments and/or dredge material for marsh creation projects.

Benefits of EcoBale

  • Wave Dissipation
  • Lightweight
  • Cost-Effective
  • Installation requires minimal equipment and no subgrade improvements

Installation

EcoBale is manufactured off site, delivered to the landing area, and loaded onto barge for delivery to the project site with minimal labor and equipment. The lightweight design of EcoBale allows for maximizing the barge load, which minimizes the number of trips. The need for dredging to allow access in shallow project areas is all but eliminated. These characteristics allow for decrease in both equipment and personnel for mobilization of the material.

EcoBale’s modular design provides a standard approach to installation. Vertically deployed to meet design depths, it is also lightweight with minimal loading of the sub grade. This mitigates the need for sub grade improvements such as geo-textiles.

Contact us directly at 225-292-6750 for more information about this cost-effective, sustainable coastal solution!

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:

Our Solution for Stormwater Treatment

Martin Ecosystems Floating Treatment Wetlands stormwater research

We’re already off to a very rocky start for this year’s hurricane season. As we track storms and prepare ourselves for the season, we want to bring to your attention the tremendous effects that stormwater has on our environment when left untreated. In this blog, we’ll explain the challenges that our planet is facing and how Martin Ecosystems is a part of the solution.

The Challenge

Stormwater is water that originates during precipitation and is soaked into the soil or held on the surface in streams, rivers, and other waterbodies, creating a challenge for communities everywhere. Many of our coastal waters, estuaries, rivers, streams, and lakes are defective as a result of pollution and/or physical alterations, with phosphorus and nitrogen pollution being just one of the problems.

This problem is so bad that the EPA reports that 55% of our nation’s rivers and streams do not support healthy populations of aquatic life. The demand for clean water continues to increase, therefore increasing the demand for cost-effective solutions to improve the environment.

The Solution

Floating Treatment Wetlands are a part of the solution. FTW is an innovative green infrastructure tool that provides stormwater treatment, value to communities, and cost competitiveness. With a strong background based on science and independent research, the FTW system improves stormwater naturally, while also improving habitats and aesthetic value.

Studies Prove that FTW are Highly Effective in Stormwater Treatment

 

  • Pasco County Master Reuse System

Pasco County, in Florida, has a vision to serve over 25,000 residential reclaimed water customers, and they are currently serving 12,000. The County is facing the challenge of lowering total nitrogen concentrations in their reclaimed water. One strategy they have pursued is to passively use storage facilities to reduce total nitrogen.

As a possible storage system enhancement, our Floating Wetland Islands (FWI) were studied in an 18-month controlled study. The results revealed that total nitrogen treatment was superior with the presence of Floating Wetland Islands! Removal efficiency for total nitrogen was measured to be approximately 63% during the study. Average total nitrogen concentrations were reduced on average from 6.4 mg/L to 2.4 mg/L.

Source: CH2MHILL  

 

  • Field Study Trial

A field trial study with side-by-side monitoring of two parallel stormwater treatment ponds, one of which contained a floating treatment wetland (FTW), was carried out to assess the benefit of retrofitting a conventional retention pond with a FTW. Inflow and outflow event mean concentrations (EMCs) were quantified and used to assess the overall pollutant removal efficiency of each system.

Findings show that a FTW can significantly improve the runoff water quality and thus reduce the impact on the receiving environment! The present study reveals that a pond retrofit with a FTW would be more efficient than a conventional retention pond, exhibiting a 41% (for total suspended solids – TSS), 40% (for particulate zinc – PZn), 39% (for particulate copper – PCu) and 16% (for dissolved copper – DCu) lower effluent EMC.

Source: Ecological Engineering

 

Floating Treatment Wetlands (FTW) are an innovative solution engineered to enhance the natural processes that occur between water, plants, and micro organisms in order to remove contaminants from wastewater and stormwater in a passive and natural way. Click here to read in depth more about how this product works to clean water beneath the surface.