After Cyclone Gabrielle wreaked havoc on the region, the stop banks protecting vital areas suffered extensive erosion. The traditional erosion control measures were insufficient to address the scale of damage, leading to a heightened risk of flooding and environmental degradation.

The affected area spanned several kilometers along the riverbanks, impacting critical infrastructure, agricultural lands, and natural habitats. The severity of the erosion demanded a comprehensive solution that could efficiently cover large expanses while ensuring long-term stability.

Hydro Mulch

• With New Zealand wooden fibre and Site Loc Polymer. Application rate 2,500kg/ha. To provide stabilisation while the grass germinated and vegetation succession underway.

 
Seed blend used was our Erosion Control seed blend. Deep rooted species that thrive in poor quality soils. 12 months after application some species can have a root structure up to 30cm deep!

The project posed several challenges, including coordinating logistics on a large scale, ensuring uniform coverage across varied terrains, and adapting the hydromulching process to meet the unique demands of the post-cyclone landscape. Additionally, adverse weather conditions added complexity to the execution, requiring adaptive strategies to navigate unforeseen obstacles.

Despite the challenges, our hydromulching solution yielded remarkable results. The stop banks were not only stabilized quickly, preventing further erosion, but the vegetation growth surpassed expectations, enhancing the ecological resilience of the area. Flood risk was significantly reduced, and the visual impact of the rejuvenated landscape contributed to the overall recovery of the region. This project stands as a testament to the effectiveness of innovative solutions in addressing large-scale environmental challenges.