Riprap or stone protection is often the easiest and least costly 

 technique for shoreline protection. This advantage is augmented by the 

 high permeability of riprap and its other ecological advantages. 



Although details may vary from case to case the principles concerning 

 shore and bank protection are relatively few and simple. Whenever possible 

 the existing shoreline should be preserved with natural erosion protection 

 measures such as planted marsh grasses, rather than structures. Bulkheads 

 should not disrupt the outward flow of groundwater or runoff nor intrude 

 into wetlands or other vital habitat areas. 



4.3.2 Location 



The location of a bulkhead is restricted to the particular site 

 already chosen for the overall project. However, placement can be shifted 

 within the project site to the most favorable situation, design remedies 

 made as a condition to the approval, or a new project design devised 

 which eliminates the need for bulkheading. 



When properly located, bulkheads will avoid any vital areas, includ- 

 ing wetlands, endangered species habitats, etc. Also, bulkheads should 

 be located a sufficient distance from vital areas because of the threat of 

 adverse disturbances from bulkhead placements such as the introduction of 

 resuspended sediments from wave reflections off the structure or anaerobic 

 conditions from disrupted water circulation. 



There are a number of reasons to require that bulkheads be built 

 above the annual flood mark. By definition coastal wetlands that should 

 remain undisturbed lie below this level (see Figure 12). In addition. 



Figure 12. Typical New England coastal wetlands with the one-year 

 or annual flood line (Source: Adapted from Reference 49). 



UPPER 

 BORDER 



UPPER SLOPE 



Low— Tide 

 Mark 



LOWER SLOPE BAY 



LOWER BORDER 



99 



