Elk Creek Farm Stream Restoration

A working farm and residential property nestled within the historic rolling hills of the Buck’s County landscape included a reach of stream with heavily incised and eroding banks required immediate attention. Princeton Hydro worked with the owners to stabilize two eroded gullies from the adjacent pastures to convey water in a stable manner across the restored floodplain and stabilized stream channel.

An assessment of the site and adjacent stream geomorphology revealed that the site was suitable for a restored stream design. The evaluation provided critical design information that helped form the basis for the design and restored stream channel. Princeton Hydro performed a geomorphological assessment, hydraulic modeling and prepared conceptual and permit plans including riparian planting recommendations to approach the site using holistic methods of stream restoration.

The design featured several methods of stream stabilization and erosion control measures to reduce water velocity, including mix of rock and log step pools, toe stabilization and scour protection and coir fabric soil lifts for bank protection. Native species live stakes, seed and woody container trees and shrubs were installed to provide a durable and landscape-integrated riparian buffer.

In addition to site assessment, modeling and design, Princeton Hydro provided regulatory support that included the necessary permit applications and coordination with local authorities as well as the soil Conservation District. Princeton Hydro provided construction oversight and coordinated permit closeout to ensure the installing contractor was able to work efficiently, meet all regulatory requirements and complete the project within the design parameters to ensure success.