Geomorphic Characterization of Restored Streams

Abstract

Research was performed on two stream restoration projects: a) Austintown Township Park in Austintown, OH; and b) Pine Hollow Run Tributary (Indian Run) in Hermitage, PA. The main goals of the research were to: 1. Determine the physical condition of two restored streams including longitudinal profile, cross-section, sinuosity, and substrate, through field surveys; 2. Perform Level II Stream classification based on Rosgen (1996); and 3. Evaluate the success of the stream restoration projects in meeting the objectives and goals of the client and designer. Field surveys were done on both projects to determine longitudinal profile, cross-section and channel materials. Rosgen (1996) Level I and Level II assessments were used to classify the streams. The essential morphological parameters that were determined from the field survey were bankfull width, mean bankfull depth, maximum bankfull depth, width of flood prone area, width/depth ratio, entrenchment ratio, channel materials and sinuosity. From those parameters the Rosgen Level II classification was performed. The Rosgen classification showed both the unnamed tributary (UNT) to Meander Creek running through Austintown Township Park and Indian Run to be B4c type streams. Bankfull velocity and discharge of Austintown Township Park UNT were estimated as 1.52 ft/s and 7.29 cfs, respectively. Similarly, bankfull velocity and discharge of Indian Run were estimated as 1.40 ft/s and 9.80 cfs, respectively.