Two Shoreline Erosion Control Projects to Feature Smith-Midland’s Beach Prisms

April 10, 2007 | Beach Prisms

MIDLAND, Va. – Two shoreline erosion control projects currently underway in Maryland and Virginia will feature Smith-Midland Corporation’s award-winning product, Beach Prisms.

The first project, located near Ocean City, Md., will provide a mainland community protection in two erosion-prone areas from the damaging effects of boaters who do not adhere to posted speed limits. Such practices can accelerate shoreline erosion, according to Jay McKenna, Beach Prisms regional sales manager for Smith-Midland. This project, which includes 40 prisms, will result in the formation of an artificial reef, which will immediately provide a sanctuary for small marine life, will slow or stop erosion and will contribute to the overall improvement of water quality.  Funding for this project is being provided by the Assateague Coastal Trust, and the progress of the installation will be featured on the organization’s web site at www.actforbays.org.

The second project, located in the Northern Neck of Virginia north of Kilmarnock, will help a private property owner protect his property from the effects of erosion.  The wave action from Hurricane Ernesto and a subsequent Noreaster filled the homeowner’s pool with sand.  The installation of 40 prisms will reduce the energy of incoming waves and protect the shoreline.       
“Our experience has proven that Beach Prisms either slow the rate of shore erosion, stop erosion or reverse erosion by replenishing sand in front of and behind the Prisms,” says Ashley Smith, Smith-Midland’s vice president for sales and marketing.

Beach Prisms are permeable, precast concrete products that work by reducing the amount of energy in incoming waves before the waves reach the shoreline. Waves pass through the specially designed slots in the triangular 3- or 4- foot tall, 10-foot long Beach Prisms.

Beach Prisms are for river- and bay-front property owners who want an alternative to traditional armor stone, or groins and jetties.  They are jointly permitted by state and federal agencies, including the Department of Natural Resources and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Smith-Midland Corporation is a publicly traded company (OTC BB:  SMID, SMIWC; Boston Stock Exchange: SMM, SMM/W). Smith-Midland develops, manufactures and sells a broad array of precast concrete products for use primarily in the construction, transportation and utilities Industries. Smith-Midland has two manufacturing facilities located in Midland, Va. and Reidsville, N.C.  Easi-Set Industries, a wholly owned subsidiary of Smith-Midland Corporation, licenses the production of Smith-Midland developed products around the world. For more information please call (540) 439-3266 or visit www.SmithMidland.com or www.BeachPrisms.com.