Stream Restoration Ranking System (SRRS) Goal Driven Water Quality Capital Improvement Program
Josh DeMaury
Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services (Water Quality)
Charlotte, NC
Olivia Edwards
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services
Charlotte, NC
Crystal Goode
Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services (Water Quality)
Charlotte, NC
The goal of Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services (SWS) Water Quality Capital Improvement Program is to stabilize stream channels and restore habitat conditions so that as water quality improves, streams will be able to support a diverse aquatic community. With over 243 miles of potential restorable reaches in an urban environment, prioritization and ranking of reaches using a more logical and a scientific approach can be challenging. Utilizing specific stream reach data (channel stability and habitat), SWS has developed and implemented a preliminary desktop reach evaluation methodology to score and rank all countywide reaches that may be selected for restoration needs. Following Will Harmon’s functional pyramid concept, selected reaches current channel stability and habitat conditions are field surveyed and scored using a unique blended field score methodology. This blended approach includes nine (9) categories with a total of twelve (12) analyses (ex. BHR, ER, epifaunal substrate) which will score specific geomorphic and habitat functional factors of the stream’s existing, proposed, and constructed conditions. Each graded reach will be placed in a specific project group (Enhancement or Restoration) based on a potential uplift score. An annual programmatic and long-term (twenty-year monitoring) goal tracking system is used to ensure project specific uplift scores are continually being met or exceeded.
About Josh DeMaury
Josh DeMaury is a Hydrologist with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services. He serves as the Water Quality Division’s Stream Restoration Ranking System (SRRS) lead. He also conducts geomorphological assessments for stream restoration projects and mitigation monitoring. Prior to Mecklenburg County, DeMaury had previously worked in the environmental field for nine (9) years in the Commonwealth of Virginia as an environmental scientist for an engineering firm (AECOM) and the Virginia Department of Transportation as an Environmental Planner (NEPA Specialist). DeMaury has a BA in Geography from Virginia Tech.
About Olivia Edwards
Olivia Edwards is an Environmental Supervisor with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services. She manages a team that is responsible for protecting and restoring the usability of Mecklenburg County surface waters through surface water quality monitoring activities. She has 18 years of experience in the field of watershed protection and surface water quality monitoring. Edwards has a BS in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a MS in Environmental Assessment from North Carolina State University.
About Crystal Goode
Currently serves as a Lead Project Manager, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services for the Engineering & Mitigation Program. Crystal has over 18 years of professional experience in construction, water resources, BMPs and stream restoration. More recently, Crystal manages a team of project managers that implement storm water/stream restoration CIP projects. Crystal is a NC Professional Engineer and Certified Floodplain Manager.