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Original Concept Sketch

 

MARSHYHOPE LIVING SHORELINE DESIGN/BUILD, FEDERALSBURG, MD
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Duffield Associates, Inc. and its construction arm affiliate, Limestone Construction, LLC, were hired for the design, permitting and subsequent construction of a “Living Shoreline” for the stabilization of approximately 1,000 feet of the tidal Marshyhope Creek.  The Marshyhope, the only true “river” on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, is a wide creek with an abundance of recreational use.  The project site is adjacent to public boat dock and ramp. As such, wake action from that use has deteriorated the banks along that portion of the river.  The Town of Federalsburg applied for and was granted funds from the State of Maryland, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as part of their proactive measures to limit further wake erosion along a portion of the creek.

Prior to bidding the project, Duffield Associates contacted DNR to discuss viable approaches for living shoreline projects. At that point, the primary approach used in Maryland was constructing a revetment in the tidal zone and planting behind the revetment.  DNR admittedly indicated that they would be interested in “greener” alternatives.  Duffield Associates’ offered a new approach that, in essence, created a tidal mudflat edge as apposed to using a stone revetment.  In addition to being “greener” this approach was also more cost effective.  DNR embraced the approach and ultimately the Town of Federalsburg selected Duffield Associates to design the project and construct it.  

The project is still in the design phase with the expectation of going to construction later in 2011.  The vegetated buffer will consist of a lattice structure of anchored logs with the spaces partially filled with soil and planted with indigenous plants adaptable to the wet conditions.  In general, the vegetated lattice structure will provide energy dissipation cells that will allow suspended sediment to accrete out along the creek’s edge.  In other words, Duffield Associates’ design is going to let “Mother Nature” stabilize and enhance the bank.  This solution will also provide for a much “softer” and aesthetically pleasing “green” look compared to the conventional rip-rap approach.
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