Project Summary
Our Team of Environmental Scientists and Engineers have completed feasibility investigations, received approval on the Mitigation Banking Instrument, and have initiated the design phase of the Rock Hedge Stream and Wetland Mitigation Bank.
The 252-acre bank site has historically and is currently used for agricultural purposes which include cattle, hay, and crop production. In the past the onsite streams were straightened, drainage ditches were dug, and the site was outfitted with a series of drainage tiles to drain areas with high waters tables in an effort to provide more farmable land to sustain the growth of hay and other crops to support the diet of the resident livestock. Ponds were also constructed within natural drainage ways to provide water for livestock. These alterations as well as the pressures from the livestock themselves have severely degraded streams and wetlands onsite.
The project presents a unique opportunity to develop a wetland system adjacent to the restored stream corridor. The project design will incorporate restoration/enhancement of approximately 7,300 linear feet of stream channel and will include the combined preservation, enhancement, restoration of 5.5 acres of wetlands to service offsite development in the Potomac River watershed.
This mitigation banking project has received regulatory approval from the Interagency Review Team (IRT), is currently nearing the completion of design, and is anticipated to begin construction in the spring of 2012.