Emergency Bank Stabilization - Buffalo Bayou, Cane Island & Willow Fork

David Heilman

Hurricane Harvey caused massive flooding in the Houston area. The Cane Island & Willow Fork of the Buffalo Bayou watershed experienced erosion and soil saturation during the storm. Afterward, groundwater escaping from the saturated soils cause extensive collapses and further erosion along the banks. Fort Hood County, in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, constructed extensive retaining structures to shore up the banks and prevent further erosion. The course will explore the problem, the design approach, the approval process, the installation and the results.

• Understand what solutions others are implementing to stabilize river banks and stop soil erosion.
• Understand the challenges the project faced through the design, approval process and implementation.
• Understand the innovative approach the project took to ensure extend service life for the bank stabilization structures.

Presented by David Heilman – CEO, Jet Filter System

David Heilman is the CEO of Jet Filter System which provides solution for drainage & soil filtration/erosion control of earth retaining structures. Mr. Heilman specializes in innovative approaches to dewater retaining structures while ensuring soils do not erode from behind the structures. Mr. Heilman works with engineers and agencies to extend the service life of new and existing structures. Mr. Heilman presents professional development training to engineers, agencies, inspectors and others who are responsible for the design, build and maintenance of seawalls, bridge abutments, stormwater channels, culverts, bank stabilization walls and more.