Kalamazoo River Erosion Sites
Streambank erosion sites were identified by KIESER & ASSOCIATES field personnel during three float trips in the Summer of 2003. Characteristics of each site, including dimensions of area of erosion, position in relation to the river channel, georeferenced coordinates, soil type, amount of vegetative cover and apparent cause of erosion, were documented in the field. Annual sediment and phosphorus loading values were estimated for each site. Click on a date or series of triangles to view information on erosion sites identified during each trip.

 
July 10, 2003July 10, 2003June 9, 2003June 9, 2003June 17, 2003

Methods

Sediment loading estimates were calculated for each site by multiplying the estimated recission rate by the length and height of the eroding slope. The lateral recession rate was estimated by determining the erosion severity, using slope angle, vegetative cover, river current, problem trend and degree of foot/animal traffic. A volume of annual sediment loading was calculated and multiplied by the soil dry weight density in order to compute a weight of sediment loss. Soils were identified as sand, silt, clay or loam. Phosphorus loading was calculated by assuming 0.8 pounds of Total Phosphorus per ton of sediment.

A complete dataset of loading estimates from streambank erosion on the Kalamazoo River will help provide a clear picutre of phosphorus loading to Lake Allegan. This information is cititical to planning efforts associated with watershed management, particularly the ongoing Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) efforts.

Recession rates and soil bulk density values were obtained from the MDEQ Pollutants Controlled Manual for Section 319 Watersheds (PDF). Click here for erosion quantification forms and instructions.

Streambank Erosion Education