With the text on this page and your observations of the site, Answer the following questions to attain credit for this EC. 1: What are two types of erosion control methods used by the TVA where you are standing? 2:Looking across the water way, what implements could be used to control or slow down the erosion process with the elements that are around this area? Thank you for visiting the site and enjoy it while you are there. While pictures are not required, they are welcome to be posted. Just no pics that would be spoilers to the questions. When the reservoirs were filled many decades ago, a new waterline was created. The vegetation along the shoreline was exposed to flooding, and the trees and shrubs that could not adapt to wetter conditions began to die off. Without the root systems to help hold soils in place, shorelines are more vulnerable to water fluctuations, currents, and wave action from wind and passing watercraft. Lawns that are mowed to the water’s edge can speed up the erosion process by increasing runoff and removing the trees and shrubs that would have helped to hold soil in place.
Erosion of embankments can cause lots of problems when they are not properly taken care of. There are three general approaches you might consider: live planting, bioengineering, and hard armoring. The best technique will depend on your situation — the size and location of your stream or shoreline, and the cause and severity of the erosion. In many cases, the best approach is to use a combination of techniques.
Live plantings You may be able to stabilize shorelines or prevent erosion problems by planting appropriate types of vegetation, then allowing nature to heal itself. Costs of this approach are relatively low, and homeowners can implement this approach on their own. A small investment of time and money can prevent a serious erosion problem in the future that could be very expensive to correct. 
Bioengineering Bioengineering relies on a combination of structural components and plant material to produce a dense stand of vegetation that serves as a “living system” to protect streambanks and shorelines. This technique works to stabilize many, but not all, erosion problems. One challenge in bioengineering is protecting the bank from erosion until the vegetation becomes established. This could take one to two years. There are a number of structural components available to provide temporary protection while the plant growth becomes established. One example is the use of coconut fiber rolls (flexible “logs” made from coconut hull fibers). These can be effective in providing the structural component which protects the “toe,” or base of the streambank or shoreline most vulnerable to erosion. Another example is erosion control blankets, useful for protecting the slope of the bank above the toe. Bioengineering may require bank shaping to reduce the slope of the bank.
Hard armoring Hard armoring includes a variety of techniques, including rock riprap (large stones placed along the slope of a streambank or shoreline) and gabions (rock-filled wire baskets placed along a streambank or shoreline). Hard armoring typically involves grading the bank to a gentler slope. If done properly, these techniques provide very good protection and will work in more severe situations where bioengineering will not. However, hard armoring techniques can be relatively expensive, and may require professional assistance. These techniques are often used in situations where less expensive, more environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing alternatives would have been successful.
Stabilization techniques The following table presents a few examples of the many techniques being used as bank treatments for streams and reservoirs.
Stabilization projects in progress
Live stakes, coconut fiber roll, and erosion control blanket
Coconut fiber roll and erosion control blanket
Gabions and filter fabric
Gabions and rock riprap
Tree revetments
Rock riprap