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.

2019 - Present

Statewide, VT

Client: 

SLR International & VT Department of Environmental Conservation

Project Summary:

• In partnership with SLR International, FEA developed 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.
• Developed phosphorus crediting methods for stream and floodplain restoration projects.
• Provided stakeholders with training on the FFI background and tool.

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

2022- 2024

Putney, VT

Client: 

Town of Putney

Project Summary:

• FEA performed an 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. 
• Provided hydrologic and hydraulic modelling of Sacketts Brook to quantify the magnitude of different flood events and examine flow dynamics in the study area.
• Identified flood vulnerabilities and suggested flood mitigation practices within the study area. 
• Attended meetings with presentations for Town representatives and residents to communicate the results of the study and discuss flood mitigation opportunities.
• Developed three conceptual designs for projects near Sand Hill Road to increase flood resiliency, support water quality and promote natural wetland habitat and ecosystem functions. 

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

2023

Castleton / Fair Haven / Benson, VT

Client: 

The Nature Conservancy

Project Summary:

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

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

2023 - 2024

Mad River Watershed, VT

Client: 

Friends of the Mad River

Project Summary:

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

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

2022 - 2024

South Burlington, VT

Client: 

University of Vermont

Project Summary:

• Performed a topographic and bathymetric survey of an existing dam and impoundment. 
• Developed 2-D hydraulic modeling of existing and proposed conditions of the project.
• Provided dam removal design and stream/floodplain restoration, including channel design, timer grade control structures, floodplain roughness features, riparian plantings, and wetland depressions.
• Designed an 8-foot-wide concrete box culvert for farm equipment access across the former impoundment.
• Assisted with 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.  
• Assisted with bid process and contractor selection.
• Provided construction oversight to ensure the project was built to plan.

Impounded pond prior to dam removal and stream restoration of Bartlett Brook.

Completed dam removal and stream restoration.

2022 - 2024

Dorset, VT

Client: 

Vermont Land Trust

Project Summary:

• Provided survey, analysis, planning and design of a small privately-owned stone dam removal in Dorset, Vermont.
• Performed a site survey and prepared existing conditions plans.
• Designed hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to evaluate magnitude of flood events in the project area and examine flow dynamics under existing and proposed conditions.
• Worked with VTDEC and USACE for permitting and coordination with stakeholders.
• Preparation of construction-ready design plans.
• Provided bid support and construction oversight.

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

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.

2024

Berlin, VT

Client: 

Town of Berlin

Project Summary:

• Provided survey, analysis, permitting and design of a VT Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) emergency watershed protection project to stabilize a stream bank on Jones Brook to protect a homeowner’s infrastructure. 
• Performed a topographic and bathymetric survey of the existing stream and bank failure. 
• Assisted with project permitting including VTDEC stream alteration and USACE general permits. 
• Provided a bank stabilization design, meeting the VT NRCS Technical Guide Standards and Specifications.
• Assisted with the bid process assistance and contractor selection.
• Provided 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.
• FEA designed the replacement culvert, an aluminum bankfull structure, and bank stabilization.
• The project was constructed in the summer of 2025.

Aluminum squash culvert installation during construction.