Cost Effective Stream Restoration in Urban Watersheds: Contractor Recommendations for Successful Implementation
Adam Nabors
Environmental Quality Resources, LLC
Millersville, MD
In Urban Stream Restoration, the question quickly turns from “Can it be built?” to “Ok, but what will it COST?” Project access is often driven by availability rather than suitability, utility conflicts abound, and site topography changes drastically from design to build. While readily available on rural sites, urban projects rarely offer the possibility of on-site material harvest (not to mention adequate stockpile for imported material), and available space for maintenance of streamflow options (where required) is limited. While these issues can present substantial cost impacts, with a bit of planning these obstacles can be mitigated for success in urban settings.
Over nearly 3 decades, Environmental Quality Resources, LLC (EQR) has faced the challenges of stream restoration implementation in some our country’s densest urban communities. In this discussion we’ll address issues arising from work in the urban landscape and offer constructability solutions that lower job cost and raise work productivity. We’ll discuss how to maximize your urban site’s available access and stockpile locations, including techniques to ELIMINATE (some) access. Finally, we’ll review specific projects and detail how job-killing obstacles were overcome post-bid by working closely with owners and designers.
About Adam Nabors
Ecological restoration professional specializing in freshwater biomes with nationwide project experience.