Projects
Anne Arundel County Biological Monitoring Program and Stream Restoration Monitoring
Project Highlights
- Stream Restoration Monitoring
- Biological Monitoring
CRI is currently fulfilling two separate Task Orders for Biological Monitoring with Anne Arundel County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental and Cultural Resources. CRI conducted pre-construction monitoring of five stream restoration projects in Anne Arundel County to fulfill the AA Co DPW’s regulatory permit requirements for these projects. Post-construction monitoring will be carried out three years after construction to determine long-term effects of the restoration on biological communities. A final report detailing methods, results and overall conclusions will be prepared at the end of the study.
CRI implemented the first year of the County’s long-term biological monitoring program. All monitoring is being conducted in accordance with MDNR MBSS sampling protocols and data analysis. A rigorous QA/QC program was instituted for all project activities. CRI will calculate the MBSS benthic index of biological integrity (BIBI), physical habitat index, and evaluate overall stream condition for inclusion in the draft and final reports to the County.
Capabilities
Cambridge-Dorchester County Airport
Project Highlights
- Forest Stand Delineation
- Wetland Delineation
The Dorchester County Commissioners proposed an improvement project at the Cambridge-Dorchester County Airport in Cambridge. CRI assessed three alternatives that include Alternative 1, the extension of existing Runways 16-34 at the northwestern (Runway 34) end, Alternative 2, the extension of Runways 16-34 at the southeastern (Runway 16) end, and a No-Build Alternative.
The southeastward runway extension required relocation of the existing alignment of Cordtown Road and a portion of the Maryland and Delaware Railroad right-of-way located south of the Runway 34 threshold. The northwestward runway extension would not require the relocation of Cordtown Road or the railroad right-of-way; however, it would involve the acquisition of an existing mobile home park. Other projects associated with the build alternatives were also included.
Capabilities
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Toll Plaza
Project Highlights
- Wetland Delineations
- Critical Areas Assessment and Mitigation
- Interagency Coordination
- Permitting
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) was conducting environmental studies for the widening of US 50 Eastbound at the approach to the Bay Bridge Toll Plaza. The transition from three travel lanes to ten toll lanes creates a significant bottleneck, increasing delays moving through the toll plaza. The proposed widening, a 120 foot maximum, will gradually increase the road’s width from the overpass for the Sandy Point State Park access road to the toll plaza. The project will enhance the facility’s ability to handle heavy traffic flows in a safe and efficient manner.
The project site is located along US 50 Eastbound, from the Sandy Point State Park overpass (Oceanic Dr.) to the Toll Plaza. The site is located in the Coastal Plain physiographic province with elevations ranging from 2 to 15 feet above sea level. The entire site is located within 1000 feet of the Chesapeake Bay and falls within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. The land adjacent to the site is dominated by transportation facilities with some narrow wooded areas within the roadway rights-of-way.
Capabilities
Dulles Corridor Rapid Transit Project
Project Highlights
- Natural Resource Inventory
- Wetland Delineation and Functional Assessment
- Natural Resources Technical Report (NETR) and Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statement
The Dulles Corridor Rapid Transit Project is a 24-mile corridor along the Dulles Airport Access Road from the Metrorail Orange Line near West Falls Church in Fairfax County to Route 772 in Loudoun County, Virginia, in which alternative transit system improvements will be implemented by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. CRI was responsible for assessment of natural resources in support of the NEPA process for the project.
Capabilities
Gwynns Falls Watershed Study
Project Highlights
- Wetland delineation
- functional assessment
- water quality sampling - chemical & biological
- geomorphic assessment
- natural resources mitigation
- environmental stewardship opportunities
- Natural Environmental Technical Report
- Environmental Impact Statement
Coastal Resources, Inc. was tasked with performing a watershed study and developing a management plan for the Gwynns Falls Watershed located in western Baltimore County Baltimore City. The watershed study area included the following subwatersheds: Red Run, Horsehead Branch, Scotts Level Run, Powder Mill Run, Dead Run, Gwynns Run, Maidens Choice and the Gwynns Falls Mainstem. CRI also developed a GIS database to store information gathered throughout the study.
CRI performed watershed characterizations and a number of assessments and we developed and ranked restoration goals and management strategies for each subwatershed. CRI estimated channel morphology features and the field team also identified stream rehabilitation or remediation projects.
Capabilities
Hammond Branch Stream Restoration
Project Highlights
- Stream Geomorphic Assessment
- H&H Analysis
- Design Plans, Specifications and Estimate
- Agency Coordination
- Construction Inspection
The mitigation proposed for the impacts along US Route 29 consists of stream restoration and water quality improvements along Hammond Branch within the Patuxent River watershed. The Hammond Branch Mitigation Site is located in a developing area of Howard County, north of the existing MD 216 between Leishear Road and the westbound ramp (Ramp E) from Interstate 95. In this reach, past channelization has confined the stream and disconnected it from its floodplain. This channelization has led to eroding streambanks that are now threatening adjacent properties and impairing water quality and aquatic habitat.
CRI proposed stream restoration techniques consistent with the goals of the project. We assisted Engineers in preparing construction documents including plans, specifications, and estimates. CRI also provided pre-bid services. CRI will provide Construction Inspection activities throughout the construction phase and will ensure that all construction activities
Capabilities
Hampstead Bypass
Project Highlights
- Hydrologic Monitoring
- Bog Turtle Biological Assessment Report Preparation and Agency Coordination
- Bog Turtle Habitat Management Plan
The proposed Hampstead Bypass is a 4.2 mile relocation of MD 30 around the town of Hampstead, Maryland. During the planning stages of the project, the federally and state threatened bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) was discovered within two emergent wetlands within the bypass project limits. Detailed studies were then undertaken by others to document the size of the bog turtle population and to model the potential project effects on the turtles and on hydrology that supports the turtle wetlands.
Because of our extensive expertise in rare, threatened, and endangered species issues, CRI was brought on to the project to monitor the hydrologic instrumentation and to serve as lead consultant during the Section 7 Endangered Species Act consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). CRI assisted the Maryland SHA and Federal Highway Administration during the consultation process with the USFWS and Maryland Department of Natural Resources culminating in a successful Biological Opinion.
Capabilities
Hungerford-Stoneridge Stormwater Management Pond/Stream Improvements
Project Highlights
- Specifications for Extended Detention Wetland Basin
- Wetland Delineation
- Environmental Permitting
- Wetland Delineation
- Stream Assessment
CRI conducted all environmental tasks associated with this stormwater retrofit and stream improvement project for Cabin John Creek in the City of Rockville. The project was developed to slow erosion and to enhance water quality in Cabin John Creek by constructing an extended detention wetland basin at the former Hungerford-Stoneridge swimming pool. CRI delineated wetlands, prepared the joint permit application for wetland impacts, and completed regulatory coordination with the Maryland Department of the Environment and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to obtain the wetland and waterway permit. CRI prepared conceptual plans as well as the detailed landscaping/pondscaping plans, planting specifications, and construction cost estimates.
CRI also prepared final pondscaping plans that addressed neighborhood concerns, while maintaining the primary function for water quality treatment. CRI delineated existing boundaries and completed regulatory coordination to obtain federal and state wetland permits.
Capabilities
Intercounty Connector
Project Highlights
- Natural Environmental Technical Report (NETR)
- Environmental Impact Statement
- Wetland Delineation and Functional Assessment
- Water Quality Sampling
- Geomorphic Assessment
- Mitigation
- Environmental Stewardship Opportunities
- Permitting
CRI is an integral part of one of the most notable projects in Maryland – the Intercounty Connector. The proposed action includes the construction of an access controlled, multi-modal roadway linking I-270 and I-95/US 1 along one of two corridors within numerous alignment alternatives.
CRI’s support includes a wide range of natural resource management issues.
Capabilities
Lower Gunpowder Watershed
Project Highlights
- Watershed Assessments
- Stream Classification
- Stream Restoration
CRI conducted detailed Rosgen stream assessments and classifications and helped develop regional relationships for the Lower Gunpowder Water Quality Management Plan in Baltimore County, MD. Developing this management plan entailed a comprehensive and extensive assessment of stream conditions throughout 41-square mile Lower Gunpowder River watershed.
The watershed characteristics and the stream stability assessment were integrated into a comprehensive evaluation of the existing and potential water quality problems in the Lower Gunpowder River watershed. Water quality problems were ranked on a comparative subwatershed basis according to their impacts and relative magnitude of contribution to the overall water quality deterioration in the entire watershed. Management measures, capital improvement projects, alternatives, controls, and strategies were developed for reducing and preventing water quality problems in the watersheds and streams.
Capabilities
SHA Open End Wetland Monitoring
Project Highlights
- Stream Restoration Post Construction Monitoring
- Wetland Creation Post Construction Monitoring
CRI has served as a leader in the development and implementation of mitigation monitoring guidelines for the Maryland SHA since 1991. This effort has included monitoring using a quadrat sampling method prior to 1993; a transect method between 1993 and 2004, for which CRI staff provided input in its development to the Interagency Mitigation Task Force; and an aerial photographic interpretation and ground truthing method beginning in 2004 that incorporates routine wetland delineation data plots.
The newest wetland protocols incorporate low-level aerial photography flown in early spring and late summer to photo-document site differences in vegetation and hydrology. Ground truthing is conducted using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Routine Wetland Delineation data plot method to determine whether wetland vegetation and hydrology is present. Stream restoration monitoring protocols include one cross-sectional survey upstream and downstream of the work zone and two surveys through the work zone, a longitudinal profile, and pebble counts. A report is prepared that includes a narrative of site findings, site photographs taken from established photo stations, and all completed field data forms.
Capabilities
Turkey Branch Stormwater Management Retrofit and Stream Restoration
Project Highlights
- Stream Assessment and Restoration Design
- Bioengineering Design
- Natural Resources Inventory/Forest Stand Delineation
- Environmental Permitting
- GIS Analysis
Turkey Branch is a severely degraded urban stream located in the Rock Creek Watershed in Montgomery County, Maryland. The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection contracted with Coastal Resources, Inc to design treatments to stabilize stream conditions and, when feasible, restore natural channel form and function to enhance aquatic habitat. This project was a continuation of the Rock Creek Watershed Study, which included 30% concept designs for SWM facilities, outfall mitigation, and stream restoration/stabilization alternatives.
CRI developed remedial designs which addressed issues throughout the project area, including eroding streambanks, floodplain access, head-cutting, sediment transport, and habitat degradation. Our designs included the following techniques: channel realignment, native material revetments, step pools, imbricated rock, cross vanes, coir logs, rock vanes, streambank grading, live staking, branch layers, fascines, wing deflectors, and cut off sills.
Capabilities
US 50/301/MD 404 Delmarva Fox Squirrel
Project Highlights
- Delmarva Fox Squirrel Habitat Assessment
- Delmarva Fox Squirrel Trapping Study
- Delmarva Fox Squirrel Biological Assessment Report Preparation and Agency Coordination
CRI was initially contracted by the Maryland SHA to conduct an assessment of suitable habitat for the Delmarva Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger cinereus), a federal and state endangered species. The study area was a 16-mile segment of US 50/301/MD 404 in Queen Annes County, Maryland that was planned for improvements.
Based on the results of the assessment, CRI was also contracted to complete a trapping study for the Delmarva Fox Squirrel on two sites within Phase 2 of the planned highway project and to assist SHA and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) with the Section 7 Endangered Species Act consultation process with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). This resulted in a conditional project approval letter from the USFWS.
Capabilities
US 301 Transportation Study Southern Corridor Tier I & Waldorf Tier II
Project Highlights
- Environmental Assessment Restoration
- NEPA Documentation
- Water Quality Monitoring
- Interagency Coordination
CRI assessed natural resources for a Tier I & II NEPA study of the US 301 Southern Corridor, from MD 381 in Prince George’s County to the Governor Nice Bridge in Charles County, Maryland.
CRI identified and flagged 105 wetlands and waters of the US. During the wetland delineations, observations of wildlife, forest interior dwelling birds were recorded. CRI completed functional assessments for each wetland identified, conducted agency field reviews (jurisdictional determination) and prepared field review minutes detailing agency comments. CRI authored a Natural Environmental Technical Report (NETR) that discussed existing conditions and descriptions of each wetland including function and value.
CRI researched and compiled existing data on streams within the corridor, conducted macroinvertebrate sampling of surface waters, analyzed chemical components of selected surface waters, evaluated stream habitat, and evaluated biological and physical parameters to establish a baseline condition that could be used to assess potential impacts to aquatic biota.
CRI prepared the Affected Environment sections of the preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement for these resources.
Capabilities
Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project
Project Highlights
- Biological Assessment
- Mitigation
- Fish Passage Restoration
- NEPA Documentation
- Permitting
- Construction Inspection
CRI provided and continues to provide solutions and support for a wide range of natural resources management requirements for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge project. The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project is a $2.1 billion transportation improvement project that is classified by the Federal Highway Administration as a mega-project. The Project includes the construction of a two new parallel side-by-side drawbridges over the Potomac River and the reconstruction of four interchanges, two within Virginia (Route 1 and Telegraph Road Interchanges) and two within Maryland (I-295 and MD 210 Interchanges).
This construction traverses the Potomac River, which is a rich and environmentally sensitive resource. This sizable project utilized CRI’s expertise in a number of disciplines including CRI’s skill coordinating several regulatory agencies.