Project Need Summary: stream remediation and floodplain re-connection (for ENSC 202 Spring 2016)
Client: Todd Menees, River Management Engineer, Vermont Southeast District #5
Association: VT DEC Watershed Management Division, Rivers Program
Phone: 802-345-3510
E-mail:
Need statement: An evaluation report of potential actions that may result in identifying remedial projects along an approximately 2-mile stream reach of Pinney Hollow Brook for pursuing funding and implementation of future remedial projects in the Towns of Plymouth and Bridgewater, Vermont.
Background: In the immediate aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene in September of 2011, the various flood recovery entities that altered Pinney Hollow Brook with heavy equipment (excavators and bulldozers) unfortunately altered about ½ to maybe ¾ mile of stream channel in the mistaken efforts to improve the stream channel. This work regrettably resulted in de-stabilizing the stream channel and adversely impacting fish and wildlife habitat and increasing future erosion and flood risks to local residents.
Statement of need: Identify locations in map and report form along Pinney Hollow Brook where the stream was heavily dredged, bermed, armored, and changed from a riffle-cobble stream to a plane-bed form, thus lacking in-stream habitat and riparian buffer habitat and various flood and erosion hazards.
Spatial extent: About ½ to ¾ miles of stream impacted along a 2 mile reach of Pinney Hollow Brook in the Towns of Plymouth and Bridgewater, Vermont.
Ideas/Resources to consider: Three categories of specific project questions for student selection:
· Completed Projects - Three properties were completed through the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Buyout, 1 upstream and 2 downstream and the infrastructure has been removed and the lots now vacant town properties. What's the benefit of completion and are there more opportunities and associated risks here? Any viablefuture projects identifiable?
· Currently in Design - One HMGP Buyout design and one private residential design for flood resiliency. Each project has 2 conceptual options (that have not yet been permitted)that students could evaluate the ecological risks and benefits before the options are selected for 2016 Fall funding applications and 2017 implementation of each project. What are the community benefits warranting these projects? Do the outcomes meet with policy objectives that drive the funding?
· Future Projects- Floodplain restoration (maybe 3 - 4) project sites, fish habitat restoration projects (maybe another 3 - 4) project sites and riparian buffer planting sites (maybe 6 - 8 sites) and berm removal sites (number unknown now). What's the benefit and are there more opportunities and associated risks here? Any viablefuture projects identifiable?
Potential resources include - Bear Creek Environmental, LLC A Phase I Stream Geomorphic Assessment of Pinney Hollow Brook 2012 and the 2013 River Corridor Plan (includes both SGA PHI & II data). The WSMD Vermont Standard River Management Principles and Practices: Guidance for Managing Vermont’s Rivers Based on Channel and Floodplain Function. The VFWD 2012 Annual Report Impacts to Stream Habitat and Wild Trout Populations in Vermont Following Tropical Storm Irene.
Outcome: The next step after report completion would be to request that the Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Planning Commission (TRORC) meet with WSMD and VFWD staff to identify and select potential projects to pursue for funding and implementation in 2017 and beyond.