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Description
Learn about the factors that contribute to the need for stream restoration and what to expect during construction.
A
Stormwater
runoff
pollution
and
erosion
all
contribute
to
the
need
for
stream
restoration
when
it
rains
most
of
the
rain
water
flows
from
paved
surfaces
and
to
storm
drain.
Inlets
like
this
one
trash
or
other
items,
discarded
or
blown
on
to
neighborhood
streets
and
parking
lots
end
up
in
these
storm
drain
inlets
and
get
carried
along
with
stormwater
runoff
through
underground
pipes
into
the
nearest
stream.
All
that
stormwater,
runoff
and
trash
ends
up
here
trash
has
become
a
big
problem
for
the
stream
and
wildlife,
and
it's
also
an
ugly
site
in
our
community.
A
Pipe
stormwater
runoff
for
rides
at
the
stream
very
quickly
and
is
a
major
cause
of
stream
erosion.
Erosion
occurs
when
water
washes
away
the
stream
banks
and
stream
bottom
stormwater,
runoff
and
eroded
soil
carry
lots
of
pollutants,
including
nitrogen
and
phosphorus
found
in
items
like
pet
waste
and
fertilizer.
A
Excessive
amounts
of
these
pollutants
lead
to
algae
blooms,
fish
kills
and
unhealthy
conditions
in
our
waterways
and
the
Chesapeake
Bay.
Many
public
sewer
system
pipes
are
located
near
streams,
but
they
do
not
turn
into
them.
However,
stream
erosion
can
wash
away
enough
dirt
to
expose
our
sewer
pipes
and
manholes,
putting
them
at
high
risk
for
breaking
and
spilling
sewage
into
our
streams
which
pollutes
our
waterways
and
requires
costly
repairs.
One.
B
C
A
A
Slow-Moving,
water
and
vegetation
in
the
floodplains
help
remove
sediment
and
absorb
pollutants
which
improves
water
quality
when
storm
flows
can't
spread
across
the
floodplain,
the
water
stays
within
the
stream
banks
and
the
power
of
the
water
causes
erosion
to
a
worsening
floodplain
reconnection
is
accomplished
by
grading
the
floodplain
down
to
a
lower
elevation
where
the
stream
flows
spread
out.
Private
properties
are
in
less
danger
of
flooding
than
they
were
before,
even
though
the
water
will
appear
to
be
closer
in
some
locations.
A
There
is
not
enough
space
to
recreate
a
full
floodplain,
so
other
options
are
used
to
improve
streams.
Streams
in
our
suburban
communities
have
many
challenges,
working
against
them
utilities
and
other
infrastructure
to
support
our
daily
life
can
limit
the
space
available
for
streams.
In
these
instances,
a
natural
channel
design
approach
is
used.
The
stream
is
graded
to
adjust
the
location,
dimensions
and
bank
angles.
Stone
structures
are
added
to
direct
stream
flows
and
protect
stream
banks.
A
This
approach
tries
to
keep
the
variability
of
a
natural
stream
by
including
riffles
and
pool
features
that
improve
stream,
habitat
and
ecology.
Finally,
planting
native
trees
and
shrubs
helps
to
re-establish
a
healthy
riparian
buffer
Baltimore
County
identifies
and
prioritizes
the
most
severely
degraded
streams
and
determines
the
best
design
approach
for
restoration
being
aware
of
where
trash
goes.
Cleaning
up
after
pets
and
proper
use
and
disposal
of
household
items
such
as
fertilizer
and
motor
oil
all
go
a
long
way
towards
protecting
our
streams.
A
Baltimore
County
is
making
our
streams
healthier,
while
meeting
federal,
state
and
regional
requirements.
During
the
construction
phase,
you
may
notice
some
changes
around
the
stream
project
areas.
Heavy
equipment
like
excavators,
remove
large
amounts
of
dirt
to
lower
the
flood
plain
large
stones
are
moved
and
placed
in
the
stream
with
precision.
Some
residents
will
observe
traffic
from
trucks,
hauling
materials
to
and
from
the
site,
high
visibility
safety
fencing
will
be
installed
along
the
perimeter
of
the
work
areas.
A
The
duration
of
construction
will
vary,
but
it
is
usually
complete
within
six
to
nine
months,
depending
on
the
size
of
the
project
during
construction,
some
existing
trees
may
need
to
be
removed.
Trees
are
inventory
to
note
the
size,
health
and
their
condition
before
any
decisions
are
made
regarding
removal,
large,
mature
trees
and
trees
along
the
edges
of
private
property
are
protected
to
the
greatest
extent
possible.
A
A
Neighbors
will
see
a
natural
balanced
ecosystem
instead
of
an
impaired,
urban
stream,
mosquito
population
will
likely
be
reduced
because
the
stream
is
properly
flowing
again
and
the
bird
population
will
be
more
attracted
to
the
site.
A
local
birder
has
been
documented.
The
variety
of
species
restored
sites
have
attracted
such
as
bluebirds
pileated,
woodpeckers
and
Yellow
crowned
night
herons.
These
natural
areas
within
our
community
are
a
benefit
to
all,
providing
a
balance
to
the
busy
life
around
us.
A
Healthy
waters
in
our
neighborhood
streams
also
lead
to
healthy
waters
in
the
Baltimore
Harbor
and
Chesapeake
Bay.
Thank
you
for
tuning
in
to
learn
about
these
important
environmental
processes
and
projects.
If
you
would
like
specific
information
regarding
the
stream
restoration
proposed
for
your
neighborhood,
please
contact
us.
We
look
forward
to
speaking
with
you.