Field Assessment Tool for Stream Simulation Design of Culvert Crossings in Southern Appalachian Headwater Streams
David Brown, PG
Clark Chewning, PE
Jennings Environmental, PLLC
Asheville, NC
Jennings Environment PLLC developed a Guide for Stream Simulation Design of Culverts for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Natural Resources Department (NR). This guide includes a stream crossing Nield assessment form to document observations, site conditions, measured parameters, and recommendations at existing crossings that are to be repaired/replaced or for proposed new crossing locations. Completing the assessment will provide information to support the construction of a crossing using stream simulation design (SSD) elements. One of the goals of the Nield assessment was that after some short training it could be successfully completed by environmental staff of differing education backgrounds and experiences (engineers to scientist to equipment operators) This presentation will review the assessment steps.
EBCI own 56,000 acres of land in western North Carolina totaling 83.1 square miles. Their lands have over 520 miles of streams which are predominately headwaters streams with very good water quality on steep mountain slopes in forested watersheds containing an abundance of aquatic organisms. EBCI-NR wanted to put together a guidance that allows for passage of Nlood events and aquatic organisms, as well as, support natural stream processes at road stream crossings using culverts (round, oval, box, and bottomless).
The guide is not intended to be comprehensive, but is meant to be a set of considerations to provide direction for the design of stream crossings which will provide healthy ecological functions within the stream corridor. This includes connectivity of the Nloodplain, wetlands, and areas adjacent to stream channels to allow for the free movement of water, aquatic wildlife, nutrients, sediment, and woody debris. Simply stated, let the stream act as a stream without the culvert acting as a barrier. Use of this guidance alone will not satisfy the need for proper engineering and design of stream crossings.
David Brown graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in Geology and is a professional geologist with 40 years of experience in environmental consulting, restoration, andregulation. His career spans a wide range of experience in the environmental field working with state and federal agencies and private entities in 32 states. This experience includes both management and technical performance on environmental studies and projects completed under federal and state regulatory agency programs. During his career he has gathered a good knowledge of groundwater and surface water production, restoration, and protection. He joined Jennings Environmental in 2022 following previous employment as a consulting geologist (1986-2008) and environmental regulator (2009-2021) with the US Army Corps of Engineers in Asheville, NC. David considers himself a sojourner in the field of geology and environmental restoration…a jack of lot and expert of some, maybe.
About David Brown, PG
David Brown graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in Geology and is a professional geologist with 40 years of experience in environmental consulting, restoration, and regulation. His career spans a wide range of experience in the environmental field working with state and federal agencies and private entities in 32 states. This experience includes both management and technical performance on environmental studies and projects completed under federal and state regulatory agency programs. During his career he has gathered a good knowledge of groundwater and surface water production, restoration, and protection. He joined Jennings Environmental in 2022 following previous employment as a consulting geologist (1986-2008) and environmental regulator (2009-2021) with the US Army Corps of Engineers in Asheville, NC. David considers himself a sojourner in the field of geology and environmental restoration…a jack of lot and expert of some, maybe.
About Clark Chewning, PE
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