Big Bags USA

Big Bags USA® barrier systems can help in a variety of engineering projects, including shoreline stabilization.   Shoreline engineering refers to any method of changing or altering the natural shoreline system in order to stabilize it. Methods of shoreline stabilization can range from simply planting dune grass to the more complex placement of large seawalls. There are 3 major ways by which shorelines can be stabilized: 1. Beach Replenishment The most gentle approach to shoreline stabilization is replenishment. This method consists of pumping sand onto the beach and building up the former dunes and upper beach. Sufficient funds to replenish the entire beach are never available, so only the upper beach is covered. This creates a very steep beach, which often increases the rate of erosion. Beach replenishment upsets the natural system, is costly and temporary, requiring subsequent projects to remain effective. The Corps of Engineers refers to beach replenishment as an "ongo...

Each year, floods cause a considerable amount of damage and affect millions of people worldwide. With a proper flood mitigation plan in place, some of the losses can be avoided. While some things may seem like common sense, there's a lot to think about after a flood occurs. Here are 10 things to make sure you do not do after a flood: 1. Using Electricity.  While most people know its not a good idea to mix electricity and water, sometimes its hard to tell if a line is dead. Do not stand in water and attempt to remove electrical wires. Even if you don't have power, that doesn't mean the wire does not have electricity flowing through it. 2. Handling Animals.  After a flood, snakes, rodents and stray animals can be extremely dangerous. From bites to diseases, never handle or approach animals after a flood. Keep in mind that insects can also carry diseases and are a huge nuisance after a flood. 3. Misunderstanding Dangers of Mold & Mildew.  Even years aft...

Last week, Big Bags USA ® team members traveled to Omaha, Nebraska. During their time there, the area experienced heavy rain that caused some major flooding in areas. The team was able to meet with planners, contractors and Army Corps personnel to give them a better understanding of the Big Bags USA ® mission and how the flood barrier systems can save them time and money on a multitude of federal projects. Big Bags USA ® would like to say thank you to all of the SAME (Society of American Military Engineers) that attended Industry Day in Omaha last week!  About SAME The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), the premier professional military engineering association in the United States, unites architecture, engineering, construction, facility management and environmental entities, and individuals in the public and private sectors to prepare for and overcome natural and manmade disasters, and to improve security at home and abroad.  With a membership that in...

Heavy rain fell in parts of Lancaster, Saline and surrounding counties of Nebraska overnight. Flooding has caused road closures and evacuations of many areas. The flooding is due to heavy rains, part of a violent storm system that flung tornadoes from Texas to Nebraska last night. The Nebraska State Patrol is urging drivers to use caution. By this morning, the threat of urban flash flooding was subsiding, but the risk has shifted to stream flooding . Scattered showers and storms are in the forecast for the rest of the day and into tonight. while intermittent storms could continue through the weekend. Salt Creek - Lincoln, Nebraska Tom Spalj and Pat Rehmer of the Big Bags USA team arrived in Lincoln, NE last night, when the city was undergoing the flash flood event. Here are a few photos of the flood waters caused by the heavy rainfall. Some places got up to 9" of rain. Don't wait for something like this to happen in your area! Grant money and programs are avail...

When coastal erosion occurs, there is a widespread perception that it is always irreversible, especially right after a storm when erosion is more evident. There is also little public awareness of the physics behind coastal processes that causes the difference between structural and episodic erosion. Erosion can be followed by coastal accretion when boundary conditions change, either at a seasonal, annual or much longer, geological time scale. People need to be aware of the problems associated with coastal erosion and Big Bags USA® is here to help! What is Coastal Erosion?  Coastal Erosion is the loss of shoreline, beach and/or dune sediments, caused by wave action, tidal currents, drainage or high winds. Understanding coastal erosion processes requires an insight into all the factors that interact along the shoreline and an awareness of different time scales. On geological time scales, coastal evolution in sedimentary environments is governed by the demand and supply of sedi...