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Demonstration Erosion Control Project
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 The Demonstration Erosion Control Project (DEC) addresses problems associated with watershed erosion, sedimentation, flooding, and environmental degradation. Initiated by the federal government in 1984, DEC activities are targeted at 16 watersheds comprising 7,600 sq. km within the Yazoo River Basin of northwest Mississippi. These watersheds have suspended sediment yields about three to six times greater than the national average for similar-sized watersheds.

        DEC watersheds are plagued with accelerated channel erosion caused by poor watershed management practices and channelization. Stream channels tend to deepen as small waterfalls or knickpoints migrate upstream from the mouths of the larger channels to the upstream end of even the tiniest tributaries. After channel depth exceeds a critical threshold, explosive widening often occurs. Erosion, sedimentation, and changes in streamflow patterns associated with channel incision degrade and destroy fish and wildlife habitats.



 Channel bed erosion by upstream progressing knickpoint  DEC low-drop structure used to control bed erosion
Channel bed erosion by upstream progressing knickpoint DEC low-drop structure used to control bed erosion

 

Objectives

 

DEC is conducted through cooperative efforts of several agencies and institutions.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (CoE), Vicksburg District

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service

USDA Agricultural Research Service National Sedimentation Laboratory

CoE Waterways Experiment Station

Center for Computational Hydroscience and Engineering at the University of Mississippi

U.S. Geological Survey

Stream corridors respond to inputs of runoff and sediment from upland areas as well as to conditions in the channels themselves. Accordingly a systematic approach is required to diagnose and treat problems associated with watershed degradation due to channel incision. Notable advances in land treatment and soil erosion conservation practices, stable channel assessment, streambank erosion, stream habitat restoration, physical and computational modeling of rivers and watersheds, sediment transport mechanics, and grade control structure design have resulted from NSL research sponsored by DEC.

 Eroding channel bank destabilized by bed erosion  Bank protection measures used by DEC
 Eroding channel bank destabilized by bed erosion  Bank protection measures used by DEC

 

 

Completed DEC structures include (approximate)


 

Contacts of DEC - Technology Transfer Activities

DEC -developed technology is available for transfer to other agencies and institutions in the United States and around the world to address watershed and channel erosion problems as well as enhance the conservation of natural resources.

Selected National Technology Transfer
International Technology Transfer
Mississippi Technology Transfer