Mission
About Emriver
For over twenty years, Emriver, Inc. (formerly Little River Research & Design), has been at the forefront of designing and manufacturing high-quality stream tables and flumes. Engineered for durability and precision, our models provide sophisticated, hands-on tools for exploring fluvial, hydrologic, and geomorphic processes. Used across a wide range of educational and professional settings–including schools, universities, conservation districts, civil engineering firms, fisheries, and museums–our stream tables offer a unique, interactive experience that brings the dynamic interaction of water and earth to life.
Like many small businesses, Little River Research & Design, was started in order to fulfill a need. Steve Gough, our founder, was a fluvial geomorphologist who sought a way to convey the complex dynamics of river processes and management to his clients and the general public. He began building stream tables in his garage, and soon recognized the broader need for science education and the tools to facilitate it. In 2007, he and his wife, Katherine, opened the business and began manufacturing and selling Em2 Stream Tables. Steve continued to innovate and expand the company’s offerings over the years, while maintaining his role as a professional consultant and educator.
After Steve’s passing in 2020, we changed our name to Emriver, Inc., and have continued to add new products, such as the EmFlume1.5, and expand our sales domestically and internationally.
Steve Gough
Fluvial Geomorphologist and Founder
1958–2020
Applying his experience in fluvial geomorphology and biotechnical engineering, Steve produced award-winning assessments and designs that restored environmental value and saved municipalities hundreds of thousands of dollars. Steve helped municipalities solve urban storm water problems using environmentally and economically sound alternatives. He also studied historic hydrology on the Cache River in southern Illinois, and produced educational videos on fluid mechanics and geomorphology.
Steve was co-awarded the Outstanding Civil Engineering Design Award in 2000 by the St. Louis Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers for a project in Maryland Heights, St. Louis County, Missouri. He was also a co-recipient of ASCE’s Engineering Achievement Award for work on the Mississippi River near St. Louis in 2003.
Steve was widely recognized as a leader in teaching applied fluvial geomorphology in the midwestern United States, having produced and delivered more than 30 short courses on river process and management for a variety of private and government organizations. Most of these workshops were developed in cooperation with local experts and were customized to include presentation of regional case studies. Primary topics were fluvial geomorphology, hydraulics, hydrology, river management policy and bioengineering methods. Audiences included lay people and landowners, resource management professionals, researchers and civil engineers. Steve was familiar with the diverse perspectives and knowledge typical of these groups.