Battery Spencer Erosion Repair

Golden Gate National Recreational Area, CA

National Parks Service
Fall 2006

Drainage from the Battery Spencer historic site had created several large gullies from an overlook down a cliff, with the Golden Gate below. This project involved a soil bioengineering repair to rebuild the slope in the gullies and stabilize highly erosive conditions. The field crews were presented with hazardous conditions including steep slopes and high winds.

The gully repairs consisted of several stabilization methods, including drain inlets at the top of the slope connecting to a system of sub drains, which conveyed runoff to catch basins at the base of the slope. This stopped further surface erosion. Soil lifts were installed to fill the gullies to grade and stabilize the area. The entire area was then covered with coir fabric, staked and planted.

This was a high profile project with a short window of time to complete due to late season installation. Recreational access had to be maintained during construction. Hanford ARC completed the repairs prior to the winter rains and withstood the heavy wind and rains of January 1, 2006.