Hollywood Branch Stream Restoration
The Hollywood Branch Stream Restoration project was a collaborative project done for the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), designed by EA Engineering and constructed by Ecotone, Inc. This restoration project (located in Montgomery County, MD) was a component of the mitigation and environmental stewardship package for the InterCounty Connector project and encompassed approximately 6,950 linear feet of restoration on Hollywood Branch. The sheer size of this project (both in linear feet and volume) required the use of a significant number (and variety) of restoration techniques. This meant utilizing an assortment of materials, from rip rap and rock for j hooks and rock vanes to woody debris and root wads for bank and streambed stabilization. Ensuring that all of these techniques were properly implemented was a massive task that required Ecotone’s construction team to coordinate with the multiple parties involved, including EA’s design team and the SHA. The nature of Hollywood Branch, both its size and location, brought its own set of challenges. Construction was complicated by the urban setting which made navigating equipment more difficult and required working around utilities and other existing structures. The size of the stream meant significant pumping efforts in order to keep the channel clear and allow us to install the necessary structures. However, despite the extremely difficult and technical nature of this project the ultimate product was a success. Instillation of All SHA requirements were met, design changes were successfully coordinated with EA and the ultimate construction provided stability while also creating significant habitat and water quality improvements. |
Severely eroded stream bank.
Excavators working downstream.
View of completed toewood and bank vegetation.
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