High-Flow Diversion Strategies for Effective Floodplain Reconnection
Robert Stewart, PE
Naturion
Johnson City, TN
Multiple flow paths provide important geomorphic complexities to floodplains by creating areas of refuge during high flows, localized scour and deposition, and diverse microhabitats for biota (Ward et al., 2002). These channels are of high geomorphic value and, because of industrialization, agricultural expansion, and urban development, many of these systems have been converted to single-thread meandering channels (Walter & Merritts, 2008). In the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, many of these lowland anastomosed systems have been impacted by mill dams, mining, channel straightening and tile drainage. In recent years, Naturion has aimed to restore these systems, where appropriate, using two-dimensional hydraulic modeling to identify areas prone to inherent scour. This presentation illustrates a conceptual model of split flows, provides natural examples, and discusses case studies.
About Robert Stewart, PE
Dr. Stewart holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a focus on fluvial processes and brings more than 10 years of specialized experience leading the design and implementation of stream restoration projects across diverse landscapes. Expertise includes advanced fluvial geomorphology, hydraulic and sediment transport, natural channel design, and process-based restoration techniques to enhance channel stability, habitat connectivity, and ecosystem function. Proven track record in developing innovative, resilient solutions for degraded streams including, grade control structures, floodplain reconnection, groundwater re-establishment, and bioengineering applications, while integrating ecological and hydrologic principals. Robert is proficient with industry standard tools such as SRH2D, HEC-RAS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and Rosgen classification. This combination of advanced academic training and extensive practical experience positions Robert as a leading authority in sustainable stream restoration engineering.