Herring Run: Managing High Flows and Addressing Other Critical Challenges During Emergency Design and Construction
Jessica Krueger, PE
RK&K
Baltimore, MD
Author: Jessica Krueger, PE and Rebecca Oaks PE
The Herring Run, a prominent urban waterway in Baltimore City, flows 6.5 miles through the northeastern section of the city before draining into the Baltimore Harbor and Patapsco River. With a drainage area of approximately 13 square miles, it captures runoff from a heavily urbanized landscape, making it highly susceptible to rapid flow changes during storm events. Although the stream primarily passes through parkland, access to its floodplain is limited due to stream incision, park infrastructure, and utility development.
An intense storm event led to unprecedented flow levels that severely eroded a large section of the stream bank, undermining a portion of the Parks & Recreation walking trail and creating an immediate and significant safety hazard. The erosion also exposed and displaced a 15-foot-high sewer manhole, which now stands within the Herring Run stream rather than on its intended streambank. Given the manhole's compromised condition and the imminent risk of structural failure, the City promptly classified the situation as an emergency. Such a failure could result in widespread utility disruptions and severe water quality impacts. Additionally, the potential for further erosion or collapse posed a serious threat of ecological damage, heightening concerns about long-term environmental degradation.
This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced during both the design and construction phases of this project. It will explore critical obstacles, including spatial limitations and restricted site access, which significantly constrained restoration efforts. The discussion will also address the unpredictable nature of intense storm events, with flashy storms causing water levels to surge over 10 feet, as well as complications such as seepage under sandbags and stream diversions. Additionally, the presentation will highlight the ongoing risk of further erosion, a persistent challenge intensified by each rainfall event, necessitating continuous monitoring and the implementation of creative, adaptive solutions.
By thoroughly analyzing these complex challenges, this discussion aims to provide insights into the multifaceted nature of design and construction in urban environments shaped by unpredictable natural forces, community engagement, and environmental constraints.
About Jessica Krusger
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