Riprap
Riprap, also called gabion rock, helps to slow down incoming stormwater as it enters your facility. Maintain riprap during summer months when the weather is dry. Regular maintenance is possible with common tools, but bigger jobs, often the result of delayed maintenance, may require an excavator. Keeping riprap maintained will reduce channeling in your facility and can prevent costly damages caused by erosion.
Where to find it:
Riprap is typically located just after the inlet. The rocks may be buried under sediment and vegetation if not maintained for extended periods.
When to maintain it:
Maintain riprap in summer months when the weather is dry and sediment begins to cover riprap.
What you'll need:
- shovel
- rake
- bucket lined with trash bags.
- work gloves and PPE
Additional riprap, pruners, weed eater, pressure washer or excavator may also be needed in some cases.
Tools you'll need:
Before:
in vegetation.
After:
and riprap replaced.
Step 1
Clear vegetation and sediment off the top of the riprap with a rake, shovel or by hand.
Step 2
Take rocks off one at a time, remove sediment and set aside.
Step 3
Shovel accumulated sediment into a trash bag for disposal.
Step 4
Replace riprap so multiple layers of rock cover native soil. Dispose of sediment in regular trash.
Stormwater facilities where riprap is commonly found:
