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  January 2006 nine weirs are in place, and construction has started on the tenth. As we succeed in stabilizing sections of the channel, we develop additional riparian and wetland habitat. The erosion control structures 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. We then plant these cleared areas with native wetland, riparian, and upland species.

Achieving Equilibrium
The conditions of increasing and variable daily flows, highly erodable soils, water quality concerns, the need to protect wildlife habitat, and other environmental concerns present formidable challenges to controlling erosion in the Wash. However, efforts are currently under way to promote channel stabilization by decreasing channel bed downcutting, reducing stream bank erosion, armoring the channel with vegetation, balancing sediment transport and enhancing the ecosystem.