Regional Sustainability Options

Barr Engineering was contracted to conduct a literature review that explores bioengineering alternatives to riprap for erosion control at the Syncrude Mildred Lake site. The review evaluates technologies like reinforced coir logs, vegetative sod mats, and the “Building with Nature” approach, focusing on their suitability for northern climates and sand/silt/clay stream substrates. Drawing from global sources and expert consultations, the project identifies channel stabilization methods based on plant-based systems that require strategic design to withstand variable flow regimes. It also collates water resource design standards and risk-level frameworks from North America and Europe to inform future regulatory engagement and mine closure planning.

While bioengineering techniques offer viable, nature-based alternatives to hard structures for streambank and channel stabilization, their success depends heavily on site-specific design, flow conditions, and ongoing maintenance. These plant-based systems can reduce lifecycle costs and adapt well to changing environmental conditions, but often require structural support below water level and thoughtful integration with floodplain and watershed design strategies. While acceptable design risks in Europe generally align with those in North America, there are subtle differences in methodology