Use of Protocol 1 for Prevented Sediment Credit

Craig Carson
McCormick Taylor, Inc.
Baltimore, MD

Authors: Cole, R., Morsberger, S.A., McNew, K.N., Williams, I.F., and Lowe, S.B.

The Maryland Department of Transportation – State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) and McCormick Taylor performed and managed stream assessment, monitoring, TMDL crediting, and reporting on more than 35 MDOT SHA stream restoration and outfall projects totaling over 40 stream miles within various MS4 jurisdictions in Maryland. Using Protocol 1: Credit for Prevented Sediment during Storm Flow, following “Recommendations of the Expert Panel to Define Removal Rates for Individual Stream Restoration Projects” (Chesapeake Bay Program, 2014), we developed a standard operating procedure document or modified protocol for the Bank Assessment for Non-Point Source Consequences of Sediment (BANCS) model for estimating and quantifying erosion reduction, and crediting analysis of the stream restoration projects. We managed and provided quality control review for all aspects of the monitoring, including field schedules, data analysis, crediting calculations, and reporting of the stream restoration projects. Applying these methodologies allowed MDOT SHA to document the TMDL credits for their restoration projects and have the data spatially available for MS4 reporting. We will present the data and lessons learned from this effort in addition to commenting on trends and comparisons of the data per site.

About Craig Carson

Craig Carson Assistant Director with McCormick Taylor has 27 years of experience in watershed restoration with an emphasis on MS4 programs. Craig has worked with regional partners, local governments, universities, and communities in Washington State and the Mid-Atlantic region addressing salmonid habitat, green infrastructure, watershed planning, and MS4 compliance with the ultimate goal of developing collaborative relationships to foster positive change.