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Austin Stream Restoration

Location: Northeast of Bingham, Maine (USA)
Setting: Austin Stream – Within the Kennebec River Watershed
Date: 2002-2003

PARISH Geomorphic Ltd. was retained by the Maine Department of Transportation to undertake a channel restoration study in the upper reaches of Austin Stream in an area locally known as ‘Deadwater’. As part of the restoration, detailed data was collected at the site to identify channel characteristics and function. The data was used to assist in the formation of a detailed restoration design that drew upon the principals of natural channel design.

The restoration plan involved the augmentation of two existing riffles to improve channel access to the floodplain, the re-construction of several banks to improve channel conveyance and the installation of several log wing-deflectors to train flows through the site. In addition, dense shrub plantings were installed to improve bank stability.

Since the completion of construction in 2002 a monitoring program has been in place. The site is inspected and re-surveyed annually to verify continued success of the channel and associated treatments.

Austin Stream Restoration

CASE STUDIES