10 Mile Creek, Florida and Alabama

North of Interstate 10, in Central Escambia County lies Ten Mile Creek. Ten Mile Creek is part of the Perdido Bay watershed which spans through parts of Florida and Alabama. Major restoration was needed due to flood waters associated with historic rain fall in April of 2014. Flooding caused significant damage to approximately 1,900 linear feet of the active stream. In addition to the 1,900 linear feet of stream bank repairs there were also, repairs to multiple storm water outlets.

70,900 square feet of Flexamat was chosen to be installed along the streambank and storm water outlets to stabilize the area. Flexamat is a permanent erosion control mat utilized for stabilizing slopes, channels, low water crossing and shorelines. It consists of concrete blocks locked together and embedded into a high strength geogrid. There is 1.5˝ spacing between the blocks that gives the mat flexibility and allows for optional vegetation growth. Installed under, through and around the Flexamat are live staking, native seeds, plugs and wetland trees, this vegetation growth will increase soil stability. Due to high flow and wet soil conditions throughout parts of the streambank intimate contact is critical for a successful streambank restoration. In order to insure intimate contact between the Flexamat and the soil, Gripple Terra Lock Systems were installed. Using Gripple Installation tools the contractor installed over 1,000 TL4CRS-TLA3-6FT-3MM-Z to achieve the intimate contact desired. The Gripple Cross Plate and Anchor used provides a firm and intimate contact between the Flexamat and the soil, this is critical in ensuring a stable area. The use of Gripple Terra Lock Systems allow for a fast, efficient and safe installation.

Gripple Terra Lock Systems helped secure over 70,000 square feet of Flexamat quickly and effectively. The system significantly reduced installation time while delivering the intimate soil contact needed for a durable, long-term restoration solution.