Project Overview

The Muscatine Island Levee Improvement Project consists of 1,100 linear feet of hardened, controlled overtopping reach, protected with 175,000 square feet of HydroTurf® advanced revetment system. This project was designed to enhance flood protection along the Mississippi River by providing a robust erosion control solution capable of withstanding extreme hydraulic forces.

Project Development & Approval Process

In February 2023, Klingner & Associates contacted Watershed Geo to discuss the use of HydroTurf as a viable alternative to traditional riprap and articulated concrete block revetment systems. Following multiple project meetings with Klingner, Watershed Geo hosted a presentation and project meeting with the Rock Island District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to gain approval for the HydroTurf® technology, a requirement for the Muscatine Island Levee District.

With USACE approval secured, the project was put out for bid in February 2024 and was officially awarded in March 2024. Construction completed in the summer of 2024. 

Challenges Addressed

• Erosion Control: The levee faced significant risks from storm surges and river flooding.
• USACE Approval Process: Required rigorous technical validation to ensure HydroTurf met federal standards.
• Rapid Installation: A solution was needed that minimized environmental impact and expedited construction.

HydroTurf® Solution

Watershed Geo’s HydroTurf was selected due to its:

• Exceptional hydraulic performance, resisting wave overtopping and high-velocity flows.
• Long-term durability with a functional life of 50+ years and minimal maintenance.
• Cost-effectiveness, reducing both installation and lifecycle maintenance costs compared to riprap and concrete solutions.
• Aesthetic integration, blending with the natural environment while providing superior erosion resistance.

Project Outcome

The Muscatine Island Levee Improvement Project provides a low-maintenance, high-performance flood protection system that enhances levee stability while significantly reducing erosion risks. With HydroTurf’s proven success in high-velocity hydraulic environments, this project will serve as a model for future levee armoring initiatives.