Back to K Session Agenda

Using Remote Monitoring to Detect Water Quality Issues During Stream Restoration Construction

Sara Tolnay, EIT
AECOM
Germantown, MD

Rivers and streams in urban watersheds are seeing a tremendous amount of degradation due to watershed development. These once stable stream systems are very sensitive to land disturbance, and poor BMP implementation during waterway construction can cause temporal loss to aquatic functions and habitat. Many studies show that although waterways begin to self-heal and improve post-construction, it may take years or even decades before they fully resume their previous functions and values. These critical stream resources provide refuge and habitat for a diverse range of aquatic species.  Traditional methods for water quality monitoring during construction include taking samples and measurements for key water quality parameters, such as turbidity and dissolved oxygen, and comparing the readings to benchmark values. However, these methods for monitoring can be time-consuming and fail to provide a comprehensive overview of how water quality parameters change over time. Moreover, the time delay in collecting and processing data can result in delays in responding to water quality issues and implementing corrective actions.

AECOM has been working closely with our clients to ensure that standard dewatering and waterway construction practices are done in an environmentally sensitive way and do not alter the natural balance of the stream corridor. Remotely sensed data can reinforce the abilities of project engineers and stakeholders to monitor waterbodies more effectively.  A remote water quality monitoring system can be an easy and cost-effective way to detect water quality issues before they impair habitat for aquatic life. In this presentation, we will be sharing how the use of in-situ biological monitoring data has allowed our team to set realistic and data-based water quality standards and develop a responsible dewatering plan for the removal of College Lake Dam in Lynchburg, Virginia, and the restoration of the stream channel throughout the lakebed area.