Riprap Installation

Riprap, also known as “stone revetments,” is loose stone or rock used to protect shorelines from erosion. The stones absorb some of the energy of turbulent, moving water, minimizing the effects of erosion. A riprap installation can be both cost-effective and more environmentally-sensitive than bulkheads or retaining walls.

Riprap Installation Project Details

Permits and Authorizations You’ll Need

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps)

Permits needed

If your riprap installation does not exceed 500 feet in length and does not exceed one cubic yard per running foot, it may be eligible for authorization under the Army Corps Nationwide Permit #13 (“Bank Stabilization”). A Nationwide Permit generally takes less time to process than a standard individual permit.

First steps

Regardless of project scope, applicants planning a new riprap project should first submit a Joint Application to the Army Corps so that reviewers can determine: a) whether your project meets the Nationwide Permit thresholds, or b) whether an individual permit is required.

Learn more: Army Corps permitting

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC)

Permits needed

Some combination of the following NYS DEC permits are generally required for riprap projects:

Tidal Wetlands or Freshwater Wetlands
Protection of Waters – Excavation & Fill in Navigable Waters
Section 401 – Clean Water Act – Water Quality Certification
Coastal Erosion Hazard Area – depending on location

First steps

Obtain or update an existing site conditions map or property/site survey of the property. See NYS DEC’s Drawing Checklist for Riprap Revetment Projects for recommended survey content.
Check on the legal status of all existing shoreline structures and resolve outstanding issues/disputes.
Prepare and submit a Joint Application with required NYS DEC materials. To find out what to include in the application, see NYS DEC’s Waterfront Activities Application Checklist. Note that application document and drawing requirements are the same for all riprap projects, regardless of whether it is a new installation or a repair.
If your riprap installation is part of a more complex project with other structural components, DEC recommends you contact them to discuss your project scope.

Learn more: NYS DEC permitting

New York State Department of State (NYS DOS)

Review needed

A NYS DOS Coastal Zone consistency review is required for a new riprap installation

First steps

Submit a Joint Application with required NYS DOS materials

Learn more: NYS DOS Coastal Management Program

New York City Department of City Planning (NYC DCP)

Review needed

A Waterfront Revitalization Program (WRP) consistency review is required for a new riprap installation.

First steps

A copy of the permit application materials, as well as a consistency assessment for the WRP policies, should be sent to the NYC DCP.

Learn more: NYC DCP Waterfront Revitalization Program

Related Permits

Riprap installation projects may require other permits, such as:

Waterfront Construction Work Permit – NYC Dept. of Small Business Services

For more information, see: Related Permits

Project-Specific Application Requirements

The following are specific application requirements for new riprap projects.

Project Description

Your project description must explain why it is necessary to build in the chosen area, and include:

Proof that the protective measures of the riprap installation have a reasonable probability of controlling erosion on the immediate site for at least 30 years
A long-term maintenance program
Proof that the construction of the riprap is not likely to cause any measurable increase in erosion at the development site or other location; and that it prevents or minimizes adverse effects to natural protective features, existing erosion protection structures, and natural resources such as significant fish and wildlife habitats.

Supporting documentation for your application must also include:

Historic and current erosion rates on the property
Historic and current photography
Historic and current surveys or site plans

Guidelines on Drawing Information/Content for Riprap Projects

See NYS DEC’s Drawing Checklist for Riprap Revetment Projects for a list of what to include on each drawing listed below:

Drawing Set Cover Sheet (recommended for projects with numerous drawings)
Site Location & Vicinity Map
Site Photos and Photo Location Map
Existing Site Conditions Map
Proposed Site/Project Plan
Cross Sections and Details

Agency Contacts

Army Corps

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NY District
Regulatory Branch, Room 1937
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278-0090

Phone: (917) 790-8511
Fax: (212) 264-4260

NYS DEC

Regional Permit Administrator
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Region 2
1 Hunter’s Point Plaza
47-40 21st Street
Long Island City, NY 11101-5401

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (718) 482-4997
Fax: (718) 482-4975

NYS DOS

Consistency Review Unit
Office of Planning and Development
New York State Department of State
Suite 1010
99 Washington Avenue
One Commerce Place
Albany, NY 12231-0001

Email: [email protected]
Phone (518) 474-6000
Alternate: (518) 474-6572

NYC DCP

Michael Marrella
Director of Waterfront and Open Space
New York City Department of City Planning
120 Broadway, 31^st Floor
New York, NY 10271

Email: [email protected]
Phone (212) 720-3626

Resources

Project Design

Guidelines for Design of Structures along NYS Coastlines
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
General guidelines

Protection against Wave-based Erosion
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
A technical guide

Urban Waterfront Adaptive Strategies
New York City Department of City Planning
An in-depth study on alternative approaches to shoreline stabilization in New York City