Bluff erosion happens 3 ways:

1. Toe Erosion from the beating waves of Lake Michigan
2. Sub Surface water traveling through underground sand layers flowing east from the continental divide and exiting out the face of the bluff
3. Surface Erosion from water traveling over the top of the crest of the bluff and eroding the surface on it's way down the slope

Problem 1 is solved with a rock or stone revetment installed at the toe of the bluff. Although this is not something USI does, we would be happy to make recommendations of where to go for more information.

Problem 2 is solved with Wick Drain installations. Wick drains are installed via directional drilling to intercept this sub surface water before it exits the bluff face, and redirects it to exit the bluff at a safe location. Wicks have NO maintenance, no visibility, and have been scientifically proven to continue to work over many years of use. Wicks installed in the early 2000's are still draining today. And with USI's experienced crews, wick installations over an entire property has little to no impact on existing landscaping.

Problem 3 is solved by engineering a safe path for a solid pipe, usually 6" in diameter, and installing under the surface of the bluff via directional boring. The HDPE pipe is fused together creating a solid length from top to bottom with no couplers to come apart with intermittent bluff movement.  Underground Specialists, has completed thousands of feet of surface drains, some complete with rock splashes, catch basins, and concrete anchoring ballasts.