US Patent 7980791 Earthen containment reinforcement system

An earthen containment reinforcement system has a plurality of connected panels containing recycled rubber vehicle tire material forming a retaining or barrier wall. The panels are connected by interlocking joints and include a rodent barrier for deterring rodent burrowing. An erosion shield having a proximal end connected to the top edge of each of a topmost panel of the interconnected panels, and a distal end extending away from the top of the interconnected panels toward a side of the earthen containment that is opposite a side in contact with water, wherein the distal end comprises an upwardly curved toe to prevent erosion at the base of the levee.