Protection and restoration of surface water, groundwater, wetlands and wildlife habitat is the very essence of environmental management. Increasingly, natural resource protection, restoration, and passive recreational enhancements are being incorporated into remediation, wetland mitigation, and environmental benefit projects. These projects are often a complex blend of: civil engineering and construction; biological and environmental sciences; and the art of indigenous landscape architecture and wildlife management. When done right, the results can be extremely gratifying.

 

Sediment with elevated inorganic (metals) concentrations is mechanically excavated from a 16-acre freshwater State-designated wetland following surface water diversion and dewatering. The sediment was relocated to an adjacent landfill cell for stabilization and disposal.

 

 

 

 

 

The photo (right) shows the final step of the wetland restoration process,: planting of cattails after placement and compaction of loamy soil. The ponds and ditches were regraded to improve water flow, reduce erosion, and to create islands for waterfowl nesting. Other selected planting included water lilies, wildflowers and upland shrubs.