a narrow ledge or shelf typically at the top or bottom of a slope
<noun.object>
a narrow edge of land (usually unpaved) along the side of a road
<noun.artifact> the car pulled off onto the shoulder
Berm \Berm\ Berme \Berme\, n. [F. berme, of German origin; cf. G. brame, br["a]me, border, akin to E. brim.] 1. (Fort.) A narrow shelf or path between the bottom of a parapet and the ditch.
2. (Engineering) A ledge at the bottom of a bank or cutting, to catch earth that may roll down the slope, or to strengthen the bank.
After finally getting approval from the state, workers piled the oily material on top of a storm berm, high at the back of the beach, where Exxon said it would be safe from normal tides.