Benefits of Using Repurposed Concrete
- Concrete and steel are highly durable and stable
- Repurposed materials have been conditioned by the environment.
- Proprietary demolition techniques are used to create desired sizes and configurations.
- Repurposed materials provide excellent surfaces for habitat creation and organism recruitment.
- Sequestered CO2 mitigates the emission of CO2 from newly manufactured materials.
There are benefits for restoring oyster reefs to the Chesapeake Bay and other coastal ecosystems. Oysters filter and clean the water, provide habitat for their own young and for other species, and sustain both watermen and seafood lovers.
Oyster Reefs
Oyster reefs are also an excellent environmental solution to boost resiliency and protect coastal areas and ecosystems.
These reefs combined with breakwaters, provide ecological benefits by improving water quality, reducing coastal erosion and attenuating wave energy.
Ocean Equities and CoastWatch are actively promoting subtidal oyster reef restoration in Chesapeake Bay.
Recruitment on Concrete Structures
About Us
Dot Leonard
Dorothy Leonard is an internationally recognized expert in best management practices (BMPs) for restoring shellfish reefs and shellfish populations. As a pioneer in the assessment of shellfish declines and methodology to restore reefs for ecological services and commercial harvest, she developed a BMP approach to reef restoration that uses repurposed materials such as rock, limestone, concrete and other available materials to reduce costs and ensure sustainability. Ms. Leonard has over 40 years of research and management in the fields of coastal management, estuarine dynamics, water quality assessment and public health.
John Klein
Charles J. Klein is a registered professional engineer with over 40 years of experience. His tenure as federal civil servant involved work with USACE, USEPA, and NOAA and focused on various estuarine and coastal assessments. Upon federal retirement in 2003 Mr. Klein started Coastwatch Engineering which specializes in the development of coastal infrastructure, shoreline protection and restoration. He continues to expand his interest in the development of innovative approaches which integrate living components to develop sustainable and resilient solutions