Northwest Environmental Training Center presents:

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Introduction to Engineered Log Jam
Technology and Applications for Erosion Control and Fish Habitat
 Course ID: HYD-501
September 17 - 21, 2007, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (5 Days)
Quileute Ocean-Side Resort
Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Instructors: Tim Abbe, Ph.D., L.H.G., L.E.G.; Jim Park, Washington Department of Transportation;
Jeremy Bunn, MS, ENTRIX, Inc. & Michael McHenry, Lower Elwha Tribe

Course Description: Engineered log jam (ELJ) technology offers an important tool for restoring fluvial ecosystems and solving traditional river management problems such as bank protection, debris retention, and grade control. This class will provide an overview of the principles, potential applications, and limitations of ELJ technology; spending approximately half the time in the field examining both natural and engineered log jams. The class will begin with a description of the characteristics and processes of natural wood accumulation and end with examples of how ELJ structures have performed, and an overview of design elements and costs.

Course Topics

Basic Elements of Fluvial Geomorphology
 iii. Sediment Transport
Patterns of Natural Wood Debris Accumulation in Drainage Networks
 iv. Channel Morphology (e.g., Blockage Coefficients)
Processes of Wood Recruitment, Transport, and Deposition
 v. Channel Response (e.g., Scour, Sedimentation)
Hydraulic and Geomorphic Effects of Wood Debris Accumulations
 vi. Debris Passage and Retention
Historic Changes in Wood Debris Loading
  • Structure Selection
Potential Applications of ELJ Technology
  • Structure Architecture
Types of ELJ Structures
  • Structure Materials
Examples of ELJ Applications and their Performance
  • Structure Locations
Site Assessment for Potential ELJ Projects
  • Habitat Goals
Laying Out an ELJ Project:
  • Public Safety
  • Objectives, Constraints, and Opportunities
 Cost Elements
  • Reach Analysis
 Risk Assessment
  • Physical Processes
Stakeholder Engagement
i. Hydrology and ELJ Structures Regulatory Issues
ii. Hydraulics (Flow Separation, Constriction) ELJ Case Studies

*Several field trips will be taken during the week, including hikes to natural log jams, constructed valley jams, and the world's largest ELJ project on the Hoh River.

Participants will finish with an understanding of the following:

  • The types, applications, and limitations of ELJ technology;
  • The variations, patterns, and effects of natural wood accumulations;
  • Processes of wood transport and deposition;
  • Assessment of potential ELJ applications; and
  • Potential hazards and liabilities.

Intended Audience: Managers in public work restoration such as transportation, surface water, flood protection, watershed management, and river professionals seeking a solid understanding of potential applications of ELJ technology applications.

Prerequisites: Experience in river management / restoration is required. Working knowledge of fluvial geomorphology, engineering mechanics, and open channel flow is helpful but not required.

Credit: 3.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Registration: $1,950 (includes accommodations, all meals, and transportation). Space is limited to the first 30 people, so early registration is recommended. You may register online via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.

Registration and Cancellation Policy: All registrations cancelled before 5 P.M. on August 31, 2007 are fully refundable. All registrations made between August 31, 2007 and September 11, 2007 must be paid in full at the time of registration and are 50% refundable until 5 P.M. on September 11, 2007. The registration fee becomes 100% non-refundable on September 12, 2007. Registrations may occur up to the day prior to the course provided that space is available. Maximum number of attendees is limited to 30.

*Note: Participants will meet in Seattle at NWETC Headquarters (directions link above) then load vans and travel to the Olympic Peninsula. We will be staying in cabins on the beach, attending lectures, and going on field trips throughout the week. Registration includes transportation, all meals, and accommodations - each participant will have their own bedroom in a 2 bedroom ocean view cabin.

Course Catalog | Directions | Accommodations | Register Online
Downloadable Registration and Information Packet (click here)

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Northwest Environmental Training Center
A nonprofit 501(c)(3) program of the Northwest Environmental Education Council
650 S. Orcas Street, Suite 220, Seattle, Washington 98108
Phone: (206)762-1976, Fax: (206)762-1979
www.nwetc.org