Water Resources Planning & Design

2019 - 2023

Vermont / Quebec

Client: 

Lake Champlain Basin Program

Project Summary:

• The Rock River watershed is evenly distributed between Vermont and Québec. The watershed is a critical focus area for water quality improvement efforts for Missisquoi Bay and Lake Champlain. The Rock River stream geomorphic assessment (SGA) was the first project to apply this assessment method in a cross-border approach. 
• The Phase 1 SGA was completed on 36 reaches in Québec. 
• The Phase 2 SGA was completed on 31 reaches/segments in Québec and 19 reaches/segments in Vermont, which assessed geomorphic compatibility and aquatic organism passage of 9 bridges and 47 culverts. 
• A total of 69 water quality improvement projects were identified during the Phase 2 assessment. The projects included active restoration efforts such as gully stabilization and floodplain reconnection, and passive restoration efforts such as buffer planting and corridor easements.

A large, forested floodplain along Brandy Brook in Quebec with reduced accessibility due to channel incision.

A section of the Rock River in Vermont with severe bank erosion and buffer degradation due to cow access to the channel.

2019 - Present

Statewide, VT

Client: 

SLR International & VT Department of Environmental Conservation

Project Summary:

• Development of methods and mapping for the Functioning Floodplains Initiative (FFI), an interactive web-based tool to support scoping of river and floodplain projects under the Lake Champlain TMDL.
• Development of phosphorus crediting methods for stream and floodplain restoration projects.
• Training of stakeholders on the FFI background and tool.

Stream and floodplain connectivity simulations prepared by FEA to support the FFI.

Road vulnerability for Whetstone Brook as displayed in the TRPT Web Application.

2022- 2024

Putney, VT

Client: 

Town of Putney

Project Summary:

• Existing conditions analysis of Sacketts Brook and its watershed to understand ongoing geomorphological changes affecting the brook and its associated floodplains/wetlands in Putney Village and around Sand Hill Road. 
• Hydrologic and hydraulic modelling of Sacketts Brook to quantify the magnitude of different flood events and examine flow dynamics in the study area.
• Identification of flood vulnerabilities and of flood mitigation practices within the study area 
• Meeting and presentations with Town representatives and residents to communicate the results of the study and discuss flood mitigation opportunities.
• Development of 3 concept designs near Sand Hill Road to increase flood resiliency, support water quality and promote natural wetland habitat and ecosystem functions. 

1962 aerial photograph of the Sacketts Brook and bordering floodplains and wetlands in Putney Village and around Sand Hill Road.

Hydraulic model showing water velocities for Sacketts Brook and adjoining floodplains under existing conditions in a 10-year flood event.

2023 - 2024

Mad River Watershed, VT

Client: 

Friends of the Mad River

Project Summary:

• Preparation of a comprehensive catalog of previously identified stream and floodplain projects in the Mad River Valley.
• Desktop analysis and field visits to evaluate and prioritize projects for the greatest benefit to cost ratio for reducing impacts of flooding.
• Development of conceptual designs for 6 project areas including potential buyouts, floodplain reconnections, and crossing replacements.

Large debris jam on Dowsville Brook following the July 2024 flood.

2023

Castleton / Fair Haven / Benson, VT

Client: 

The Nature Conservancy

Project Summary:

• Desktop review of 11 potential dam removal locations in the Poultney-Mettowee HUC 8 sub basin, and prioritization of 8 sites for feasibility assessments.
• Desktop analysis and field work to characterize dam and impoundment conditions, and stream channels upstream and downstream.
• Meetings with landowners to gauge interest in dam removal.
• Final report with dam removal feasibility assessments including estimated benefits, costs, and  permitting needs.

Parsons Mill Dam on the Hubbardton River in Benson, VT.  

Moderate flows over the top of the top of Austin Pond Dam in Hubbardton, VT.  

2022 - 2024

South Burlington, VT

Client: 

University of Vermont

Project Summary:

• Topographic and bathymetric survey of existing dam and impoundment. 
• Project permitting including VT Dept. of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) stream alteration, VTDEC dam safety order, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) general permit, VTDEC wetlands program allowed use, and VTDEC stormwater construction general permit.  
• 2-D hydraulic modeling of existing and proposed conditions of the project.
• Dam removal design and stream/floodplain restoration, including channel design, timer grade control structures, floodplain roughness features, riparian plantings, and wetland depressions.
• Design of an 8-foot-wide concrete box culvert for farm equipment access across the former impoundment.
• Bid process assistance and contractor selection.
• Construction oversight to ensure project was built to plan.

Completed dam removal and stream restoration of Bartlett Brook.

Completed stream restoration including a timber grade control structure and a new concrete box culvert farm crossing.

2022 - 2024

Dorset, VT

Client: 

Vermont Land Trust

Project Summary:

• Survey, analysis, planning and design of a small privately-owned stone dam removal in Dorset, Vermont.
• Site survey and preparation of existing conditions plans.
• Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to evaluate magnitude of flood events in the project area and examine flow dynamics under existing and proposed conditions.
• Permitting with VTDEC and USACE and coordination with stakeholders.
• Preparation of construction-ready design plans.
• Bid support and construction oversight.

View of the restored stream at the location of the former impoundment.

View of the stone dam removal in progress.

2024

Montpelier, VT

Client: 

Casella Waste Management

Project Summary:

• Incorporated existing conditions topography into effective FEMA HEC-RAS model to confirm regulatory base flood elevation (BFE) for the project site. 
• Created a proposed conditions HEC-RAS model to reflect changes in cross sections. 
• Provided a summary memorandum with supporting figures detailing the H&H analysis and results and confirmation of “No-Rise” and conformance with municipal flood hazard regulations.

Emergency repaired stream bank on the Winooski River.

Example of a cross section used within the hydraulic model to confirm no rise in the water surface elevation.

2024

Berlin, VT

Client: 

Town of Berlin

Project Summary:

• Survey, analysis, permitting and design of a VT Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) emergency watershed protection (EWP) project to stabilize a stream bank on Jones Brook to protect a homeowner’s infrastructure. 
• Topographic and bathymetric survey of existing stream and bank failure. 
• Project permitting including VTDEC stream alteration and USACE general permit. 
• Bank stabilization design, meeting the VT NRCS Technical Guide Standards and Specifications.
• Bid process assistance and contractor selection, as well as construction oversight and project certification following implementation. 

Existing condition of the eroded bank.

Completed bank stabilization along Jones Brook.

2024 - Present

St. Albans, VT

Client: 

Town of St. Albans

Project Summary:

• The Fairfax Street culvert was identified as a non-regulatory phosphorus reduction project in 2024 for the Basin 5 CWSP. The culvert was undersized with significant erosion on the stream bank opposite the outlet.
• Designed the replacement culvert, an aluminum bankfull structure, and bank stabilization.
• Project was constructed in the summer of 2025.

Since-removed 30-inch metal culvert outlet and scour pool.

Aluminum squash culvert installation during construction.