Native vegetation was also planted near these stones and at the bottom area of the sheet pile. “We also plan on growing creeping vines along the top of the sheet pile, so it looksmore natural when grown out,” saidDutcher. Storm water runoff will filter through the vegetation before it enters the river. The vegetation will trap and absorbs sediment and pollutants, like harmful phosphorus and nitrogen particles, from entering the river. The plant’s roots also stabilize the soil and prevent the soil from run- ning into the river. Recently, employees from the Army Corps were visiting South Street with Dutcher when a resident and former president of the Chamber of Commerce conveyed her thanks and appreciation. Close Hollow Streambed and Bank Restoration Project, Town of Andes & Hardscrabble Streambank Stabilization Project, Town of Roxbury These two streambank management projects have streams that provide water to the Pepacton Reservoir that supplies water to the New York City water supply. These streams were eroding, causing trees and soil to fall into the water. To stabilize the streambanks, the slopes along the sides the streams were cleared of the falling trees and debris and the bottom of the slopes and bed of the stream were reinforced with rock. The bare slopes were then hydro-seeded and planted with willow stakes and native trees. While the plants are taking root, a thick coconut geo mesh fabric was laid along the banks to protect the growing plants and to prevent soil from running into the streams. Dutcher said, “The trees will eventually grow full size through the rock reinforcements and will enhance the bank’s stability.” The plant’s roots will stabilize the soil and prevent the soil from running into the river. Storm water runoff will filter through the vegetation before it enters the river. The vegetation will trap and absorbs sediment and pollutants, before it enters the stream. After: The West Branch Delaware River and completed South Street Bank Restoration Project in the Town of Walton, as seen from the Walton floodplain. Photo: JoAnne Castagna, public affairs.
Before: Graydon Dutcher showing the Army Corps' Rifat Salim the eroding Close Hollow streambed and bank in the Town of Andes in 2018. Photo: JoAnne Castagna, public affairs.
While visiting the Hardscrabble project with the Army Corps, Dutcher said, “The stream’s water is bubbling as it moves along the streambed’s rocks. It looks great. Before mud was running down the stream.” These four streambank management projects may be completed, but the Army Corps' New York City Watershed Environmental Assistance Program continues to support efforts that will protect the quality of New York City’s drinking water supply. Before: Graydon Dutcher showing the Army Corps' Rifat Salim the eroding Close Hollow streambed and bank in the Town of Andes in 2018. Photo: JoAnne Castagna, public affairs.
DR. JOANNE CASTAGNA is a Public Affairs Specialist and Writer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District. She can be reached at joanne.castagna@usace.army.mil.
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april 2020
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