David C. Lager of NETCO Coastal Construction Gains Expertise of ELCOROCK Erosion Solution Systems

LEXINGTON, Mass. - May 9, 2016 - PRLog -- David C. Lager, President of NETCO Coastal Construction, a leading construction project management and coastal construction firm, recently traveled to the Geofabrics Australasia manufacturing operation, ELCO Solutions Pty Ltd, based in Queensland Australia to learn how their ELCOROCK Erosion Solutions Systems could be used in the United States.

Geofabrics Australasia is Australia's first non-woven geotextile producer supplying Australia, New Zealand and South East Asian markets with Erosion Solution Systems. Their ELCOROCK sand filled geotextile containers are manufactured for the growing need for environmentally friendly marine, coastal and estuarine solutions. The company has over 30 years of experience in the manufacture, installation and monitoring of geotextile sand containers, with staff focused solely on the development of this technology, including extensive research and development.

A resident of Lexington, MA, Lager visited the company's Center of Excellence in Brisbane to learn how to effectively use the ELCOROCK erosion solution here in the United States.  NETCO began utilizing the ELCOROCK system this year. The system is considered by many to be a soft erosion control system.  Increasingly, soft erosion control systems are replacing the previously-used "hard engineering structures", which included concrete retaining walls, steel sheet pile walls and rock revetments. Changes in regulatory thinking at the local, state and federal levels has moved coastal bank shoreline protection and stabilization  treatments away from hard structures due to increased wave reflection that such structures have on the beach. The concern is that hard engineering structures increase wave reflection which in turn accelerate the rate of erosion of the beach.

The newer "soft" coastal zone protection methods offer a way of protecting the shoreline that reduces the potential for erosion of the beach face in front of coastal protection structures.  Soft erosion control measures are primarily designed to allow natural coastal erosion processes to continue while still allowing some protection of private and public property.

The geo-synthetic bags absorb water during the up-rush of incoming waves and surf and are filled with beach-compatible sand.  The 2.5 meter/7 ton containers are tan colored with a natural look, permeable to absorb the uprush of storm and surf, and as part of the treatment indigenous grasses and shrubs are planted to grow over the containers and provide a completely natural look to the installation.  The smaller size containers are also constructed in a terrace fashion to create a slope revetment face which is better able to absorb the uprush of waves and surf.   The containers are also largely vandal proof.

"I was pleased to see firsthand the successful use of the ELCOROCK Erosion System throughout Australia and learn more about their 25 years of installations in harsh coastal environments," said Lager.  "I was impressed with the company's Research and Development Center and the proven success of their system. The ELCOROCK system offers us a shoreline protection system that is aesthetically pleasing and cost effective."

ABOUT NETCO

NETCO is a leading construction and coastal project management firm, which has provided services to clients across New England since it was established in 1991. In 1998 NETCO introduced its Coastal Construction division which has grown to become the mainstay of the company. The Coastal Construction division focuses on shoreline and inland marine projects. NETCO has pioneered soft solutions for shoreline and coastal bank stabilization through the use of biodegradable coir and jute fabrics, and recently added geo-bag containers to its product line. They have grown to become the one of the largest provider of soft solutions for coastal management across New England and beyond.  The Project Management division includes public and private building projects and has included town halls, libraries, schools, public safety facilities, multifamily housing and shopping malls. Their expertise includes the restoration and rehabilitation of historic structures.  NETCO was founded by David Lager and has a staff of 25 employees with headquarters in Lexington MA and has offices in Nantucket and Adams MA. For additional information please contact David Lager at 781-863-6270.