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• Wash Weir Construction

Wash Weir Construction

Some weirs are constructed using concrete
debris from hotel implosions.

Erosion is perhaps the greatest threat to the Las Vegas Wash, and therefore is one of the biggest challenges being addressed by the Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee.

One way to deal with erosion is by placing erosion control structures (which are also known as grade control structures or weirs) throughout the Wash. In total, 22 structures are planned for the Wash. As of May 2011, 12 weirs are in place.

The weirs are constructed using concrete debris (referred to as riprap) from hotel implosions. Portions of the Stardust Casino, the El Rancho Casino, Desert Inn Hotel, MGM Hotel, Castaways and Westward Ho have been used to stabilize the wash. Demolished hotel material acquisition has proven to be an invaluable method for meeting ecosystem restoration goals along the Wash.

As sections of the channel are stabilized, additional riparian and wetland habitat are developed. The weirs help slow the water, creating a pond behind the structures in which wetland plants can establish. Weir construction activities also clear acres of invasive plants such as tamarisk from the banks of the Wash. These cleared areas are then revegetated with native species.