Seawalls and Riprap on Lake Martin
Boat wakes and changing water levels wear away a bank. Here are the ways to hold it in place and what Alabama Power allows.
Around Dadeville, Alexander City and nearby
Calls are recorded for quality assurance.
Riprap first
Alabama Power's guidelines name riprap, which is a layer of large rock along the bank, and natural bank stabilization as the preferred ways to control erosion. Seawalls are reviewed case by case.
Riprap absorbs wave energy instead of bouncing it back, and it can be added to over time. Adding rock beyond an existing riprap footprint still goes through Alabama Power.
When a seawall is approved
An approved seawall is built as close to the existing shoreline as possible, to stop the bank from eroding. New creosote-treated material is not allowed.
Alabama Power may require riprap at the base of new and rebuilt seawalls, reaching two feet up from the lakebed and two feet out from the bottom of the wall.
Timing
More of the bank is exposed when the lake is at winter pool, which gives a crew room to work. See Lake Martin water levels.
Questions to ask
- Riprap, a natural approach or a seawall, and why for this bank?
- What size rock is used, and what goes under it?
- Is riprap at the toe of the wall part of the price?
- Who prepares the permit request? See permits.
Seawall questions
Can I extend my neighbor's seawall onto my lot?
Adding length to a seawall is new construction under Alabama Power's fee schedule and needs your own permit.
My old seawall is cracking. Is that a repair?
Possibly a substantial repair. Call the shoreline office before work starts, as the repair page explains.
Ready when you are
Call now, or send the form. A local pro calls you back, usually the same business day.
Calls are recorded for quality assurance.