Seawalls and riprap
Waves, wakes and the yearly rise and fall of the lake wear at the bank. Alabama Power favors riprap and natural fixes and reviews seawalls one by one.
A bank that's losing ground can undercut the shore end of a gangway, drop trees into the water and slowly shrink a yard. An old seawall that's cracked or leaning can fail the same way. Either fix needs Alabama Power's approval before work starts.
Riprap or seawall?
Alabama Power's guidelines prefer riprap and natural stabilization. Seawalls are reviewed case by case. When a seawall is approved, it should go as close to the existing shoreline as possible, and riprap may be required at the toe of a new or rebuilt wall, two feet above the lakebed and two feet out from its base.
Rules that shape the work
| Item | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Preferred method | Riprap and natural stabilization |
| Seawalls | Reviewed case by case, close to existing shoreline |
| Backfill | Only to the natural slope, with approval; no debris |
| Treated wood | No new creosote products |
| Toe riprap | May be required, 2 ft up and 2 ft out |
Dredging along the shoreline
Dredging needs Alabama Power's approval before anything is removed. The spoil site has to be approved and named in the application, and spoils can't go in wetlands, bottomland hardwoods or adjacent waters. Federal and state permits, including from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, may also apply.
Signs your shoreline needs help
- Bank edges that are undercut or slumping
- Roots exposed along the waterline
- A seawall that's cracked, leaning or open at the joints
- Soil washing out from behind a wall
- The gangway's shore anchor moving
Timing
The winter drawdown exposes more of the bank and lakebed, which is why Alabama Power encourages doing shoreline work then. Get the permit request in early so the work can happen while the lake is down.
The builder prices the job after seeing your lot, the water in front of it and any structure that's already there. We don't quote prices, and a number given before a site visit is only a rough guess.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Will Alabama Power approve a new seawall?
Seawalls are evaluated case by case. Riprap and natural stabilization are preferred, and a new wall may need riprap at its toe.
Can I fill behind my seawall to level the yard?
Backfill can only follow the natural slope contour and must be approved. Debris can't be used as fill.
Related services
More background: Lake Martin dock permit guide.
Want the dock done before summer pool comes back?
Call now and a dock builder who works on Lake Martin will call you back to talk through your lot, the drawdown and the Alabama Power permit.