Engineered solutions

Engineered solutions for aquatic ecosystems involve the placement of engineered structures into, or near aquatic ecosystems, resulting in modification of components and processes to deliver desired ecosystem services. Application of engineered solutions often results in a rapid reduction in the degrading process and is typically necessary where the risks (e.g. human health, critical infrastructure, cultural sites, ecological processes or components) from a disturbance are too great to be dealt with by systems repair. For example, a rock chute installed in a river may quickly halt the migration of head-cut erosion and reduce channel incision and enlargement upstream that could otherwise impact infrastructure.

Engineered solutions can re-establish processes within aquatic ecosystems and restore the services and values of the landscape through the reduction or removal of degrading processes, or an adaptation of the system to altered drivers such as a different hydrological regime. They encompass a range of approaches and different solutions are appropriate for different aquatic ecosystems.

The solution chosen will depend on the pressure/issue to be treated, the landscape context, land availability and cost. Engineered solutions are often expensive and require diligent monitoring and maintenance. During installation there may be added disturbance from construction machinery that needs to be weighed against the risks of not undertaking the works. Engineered solutions require a balanced approach between engineering, ecology, landscape design and natural resource management.

Some engineered solutions intervention options can be viewed through the Intervention options page using the filter.

Last updated: 30 June 2022