Plaquemines Parish in the US state of Louisiana has begun work on the second phase of the Buras Boat Harbor Shoreline Protection Project, which will see a new matting product placed on the shoreline.

The mat will be installed across a raised berm at mean tide level. Over 600ft of material was installed in phase one with an additional 4,000ft currently being installed in phase two of the project.

The Vegetated EcoMatrix system, manufactured by Martin Ecosystems, is said to provide a cost-effective, scalable solution for shoreline protection and bank stabilisation. The patented design uses matrix sheets that are manufactured with recycled PET plastic. When secured in place, the matrix sheets provide stabilisation to shorelines, levees, berms and terracing.

“From the standpoint of function and protection, this project serves as a buffer against wind driven waves that have eroded marshes adjacent to the back levee. This system provides protection to the back levee that the adjacent marshes used to. The design uses a variety of methods and products to achieve the overall project goals,” said Billy Nungesser, president, Plaquemines Parish.

“Martin Ecosystems is excited to be a part of this project. We are committed to providing cost-effective, innovative solutions to protect and restore coastal Louisiana,” added Nicole Waguespack, president, Martin Ecosystems.

In addition, smaller strips of matrix are pre-vegetated and secured in place at mean tide. The vegetation provides immediate erosion protection from constant wave action. As the vegetation grows and spreads, it creates a living shoreline. The Vegetated EcoMatrix is lightweight, easy to install and requires minimal heavy equipment.

An 18-month study will be carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the Vegetates EcoMatrix at Buras Boat Harbour.

Martin Ecosystems is an environmental technology company which uses innovative design and patented products to improve water quality, restore habitats and protect shorelines.