Little Paint Branch, Prince George's County, MD Stream Restoration - Assessment/Design/Build

ESA conducted an extensive fluvial geomorphological, hydraulic and hydrologic watershed study of Little Paint Branch in Beltsville, Maryland. The study included classification of the stream utilizing the Rosgen stream classification system, cross-sectional and longitudinal profiles, channel and thalweg mapping, particle size analysis, substrate mapping, discharge and velocity analysis and shear stress analysis. The documentation of 'existing' and 'proposed' land-uses within the drainage area of the site was also performed. The study was used to assess the existing conditions affecting the stream channel and to develop an appropriate and adequate restoration design for approximately 5,700 linear feet of degraded stream channel, much of which included failed sections of concrete or gabion lining.

The focus of the restoration design was the establishment of stable stream geometry and the improvement of aquatic and riparian habitat. Developing a stream restoration design for this project was, however, complicated by a number of factors including the size of the stream, the amount of bed load being transported, the proximity of the site to the geological fall line separating Maryland's Piedmont plateau from the coastal plain and intensive development (with its associated high degree of imperviousness) within the 7000-acre urban watershed continually creating a 'flashy' pulse of run-off with each storm event. Selected treatments included rock cross vanes, cut-off sills, 'J' vanes, toe boulders, boulder placement for habitat, root wads and biolog toe protection with grading to improve bank repose and intensive planting of riparian vegetation.

ESA's responsibilities for this project included restoration design and the production of construction documents and procurement of all Federal, State and local permits and authorizations and most importantly, day-to-day construction oversight management in the field. ESA also conducted pre-construction stream monitoring, and is currently conducting five years of post-construction monitoring to evaluate the success and effectiveness of the restoration design. Funding of this $800,000 project was obtained through the Washington Redskins, Maryland State Highway Administration and the Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission. The project to date, very well received, is used as a demonstration project in educational curriculum for stream restoration, and continues to mature and function as designed.