BULKHEADS
What there is to know about these outdated – and harmful – methods against erosion.
Many marine waterfront properties along the Pacific Northwest have bulkheads or other types of shoreline armor that were installed years earlier. “Hard shoreline armor” refers to waterfront walls made from cast concrete, rock, creosote, piles of broken concrete, old tires, railroad ties, and other materials that were installed to slow or stop erosion. Â
Today, we know that bulkheads are not always the best (or only) option for dealing with erosion. This is good news for Puget Sound. We now understand that coastal erosion is actually a valuable process for maintaining the health of Puget Sound. Over time, erosion provides the sediment that creates and maintains the beautiful beaches that we enjoy so much.
However, shoreline armor like bulkheads interferes with the process of sediment deposition, “starving” beaches and changing their form – and even their ability to support marine species. Hard shoreline armor can also cause other unintended problems such as accelerated beach erosion, eventually undermining the stability of the armor itself. It also leaches toxic chemicals from creosote and heavy metals from pressure treated wood into the water.
What Options Are There For Waterfront Properties With Bulkheads?Â
In some situations, it may be possible to remove a bulkhead completely or to replace it with a “soft shoreline stabilization” alternative that slows down erosion – but also provides valuable habitat. In other cases, shoreline armor may be too risky to remove, but there are ways you can help to improve environmental conditions on your shoreline. Â
Your District can help you assess, or connect you with a geotechnical engineer who can assess,whether a bulkhead alternative – or even a removal project – might work for your waterfront. If such a project is feasible, they can discuss the options available to you, including potential sources of funding for removal. Even if shoreline armor can’t be removed, there are still steps you can take to support the health of Puget Sound.Â
Removing Hard Armor on a Shoreline
In some situations, it may be possible to remove a bulkhead completely or to replace it with a “soft shoreline stabilization” alternative that slows down erosion – but also provides valuable habitat. In other cases, shoreline armor may be too risky to remove, but there are ways you can help to improve environmental conditions on your shoreline. Â
Your District can help you assess, or connect you with a geotechnical engineer who can assess,whether a bulkhead alternative – or even a removal project – might work for your waterfront. If such a project is feasible, they can discuss the options available to you, including potential sources of funding for removal. Even if shoreline armor can’t be removed, there are still steps you can take to support the health of Puget Sound.Â
Options for Removing a Failing Bulkhead
Are you thinking about replacing a failing bulkhead? It may not be necessary to spend thousands of dollars to replace old, failing waterfront armor. Depending on site conditions at your specific property, you may simply be able to remove part or all of the armor and replant the bank. In other cases, a soft shoreline stabilization alternative might be combined with armor removal.
Where to Start with Removing a Bulkhead
​If you have an old bulkhead that isn’t necessary to protect your home and you want to explore options for removing it, let your District know. They will be able to assess your waterfront and discuss removal options, as well as funding opportunities and other resources to help you achieve your goals.
What Do Bulkhead Alternatives L​ook Like?
​Alternatives to bulkheads and other types of hard shoreline armor are called “soft shore protection” or “soft shoreline stabilization” methods. These engineered projects are installed where site conditions are appropriate and where erosion poses a risk to a home or critical infrastructure, but can be addressed using alternative methods. These methods were developed and refined by coastal engineers to maximize protection from erosion and minimize environmental impact on natural processes and habitats. Such projects are appropriate for sites where the conditions for success are right – and should only be installed when important infrastructure or homes are at risk.Â
Options for Undeveloped Land with a Bulkhead
Undeveloped waterfront properties with old shoreline armor are often ideal locations for removal projects. In such cases, the bulkhead can be removed with ease because of a lack of structures. These sites have an additional genuine advantage: you can plan ahead and locate future buildings at a safe setback distance from the water’s edge, avoiding the need for future shoreline modification entirely – and saving thousands of dollars.
Options for Undeveloped Land with a Bulkhead
Undeveloped waterfront properties with old shoreline armor are often ideal locations for removal projects. In such cases, the bulkhead can be removed with ease because of a lack of structures. These sites have an additional genuine advantage: you can plan ahead and locate future buildings at a safe setback distance from the water’s edge, avoiding the need for future shoreline modification entirely – and saving thousands of dollars.
