Delaware Piedmont Stream Restoration – 17 Years Post Construction

Mike Thompson
Meadville Land Service
Cochranton, PA

Author: Thompson, Michael W.

Pike Creek is a 3rd order stream located in the Piedmont region of northern Delaware. In 2007 a stream restoration project was constructed on Pike Creek within the Independence School property limits as well as on that of three private property owners. The project was performed under the direction of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) as mitigation for the expansion of a nearby airport runway. The project was designed using the Natural Channel Design methodology which was the most prevalent method at the time. The purpose of the design was to create a more stable planform geometry and to reduce bank erosion. The restoration project also included the creation of floodplain wetlands that captured stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces associated with the adjacent school grounds. Over the past 17 years, the stream has endured floods and drought and has remained stable. Despite the lack of a formal monitoring requirement, observations over the last 17 years show there are lessons to be learned from Natural Channel Design as well as all types of stream restoration strategies.

The presentation will discuss the variety of structures constructed as well as the approach to the creation of the wetland. Several challenges arose during construction that had a significant impact on the design of the wetland. Working with private landowners presented its own challenges, however the ease with which we were able to work with the DNREC and the designer made it easy to overcome those challenges.

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