Stream Restoration

Peggy A. Johnson, Professor of Civil Engineering at Penn State, paj6@psu.edu, 814-865-1330

Stream Stabilization and Restoration

Uncertainty in Stream Restoration. The design of stream channel naturalization, rehabilitation, and restoration projects are inherently fraught with uncertainty. Although a systematic approach to design can be described, the likelihood of success or failure of the design is unknown due to uncertainties within the design and implementation process. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) can be used as a decision tool that incorporates uncertainty in decision making during the design phase. FMEA considers risk in terms of the consequences of failure, the likelihood of a component failure, and the level of difficulty required to detect failure.

References
1. Johnson, P.A., and Heil, T.M., 1996. Uncertainty in estimating bankfull conditions. Water Resources Bulletin, 32(6), 1283-1292.
2. Rinaldi, M., and Johnson, P.A., 1997. Characterization of stream meanders for stream restoration. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, ASCE, 123(6), 567-570
3. Rinaldi, M., and Johnson, P.A., 1997. Stream meander restoration. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 33(4), 867-878.
4. Johnson, P.A., and Brown, E.R., 2001. Incorporating uncertainty in the design of stream channel modifications. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 37(5), 1225-1236.

Guidelines for Construction of Waterway Structures. Uncertainty in Stream Restoration. The guidelines were developed for the Maryland Department of the Environment. They include construction guidelines for a variety of structures, such as sediment control, diversion, bank stabilization, grade control, culverts, and bridges. Guidelines for each structure includes a description of the structure, uses and limitations, appropriate stream types, construction materials, installation procedures, and a series of sketches illustrating the construction process. The guidelines can be found on-line at: http://www.mde.state.md.us/wetlands/guide.html.

cross vane

Urban Stream Restoration. Urbanization creates significant changes in stream corridors and their ecosystems. As part of urban stream restoration or stabilization designs, it is common to use in-stream structures and measures to assist in stabilizing beds and banks. Funded by the Maryland Department of the Environment, in-stream structures at restoration projects are being monitored in the Piedmont region of Maryland to develop updated, comprehensive guidelines for these measures in urban areas. In a project funded by the Heinz Foundation, constraints to restoration projects in urban streams were assessed.

References
1. Hess, A. J., and Johnson, P.A., 2001. A systematic analysis of the constraints to urban stream enhancements. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 37(1), 213-222.
2. Johnson, P.A., Tereska, R.L., and Brown, E.R., 2002. Using technical adaptive management to improve design guidelines for urban in-stream structures. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 38(4), 1143-1152.
3. Niezgoda, S.L., and Johnson, P.A., 2004. Improving the urban stream restoration effort: identifying critical form and processes relationships. Environmental Management (under review).