Erosion control matting along the Chagrin River

Erosion control matting was installed and the site

was seeded with a riparian buffer seed.

Container trees and shrub species planted along the Chagrin River

Container tree and shrub species were planted.

Chagrin River Restoration - Marcourt Farms, Hunting Valley

In 2015, Chagrin River Watershed Partners (CRWP) partnered with the Village of Hunting Valley to conduct a site visit on the mainstem of the Chagrin River in the Village of Hunting Valley. An area of streambank along a bend was significantly eroding and contributing sediment to the Chagrin River. The Village and private landowners also had safety concerns related to failing infrastructure including a stormwater pipe and road adjacent to the river.

 

CRWP gathered information about the project and worked with the Village to prepare a Section 319(h) grant program application to stabilize this section of the river. The application and conceptual approach, submitted to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in August of 2015, proposed the installation of approximately six bendway weirs that were to function as erosion and sediment control structures to redirect the river thalweg toward the center of the channel in an effort to reduce the velocity and concentration of flow against the streambank and minimize future erosion. In September 2016, the Ohio EPA notified the Village that their project was chosen for funding with a total budget of $405,500 available from federal and local sources. The grant deliverables included the stabilization of 500 linear feet of streambank and restoration of 1 acre of riparian forest.

 

CRWP assisted the Village in preparing work access agreements with the private landowners and drafted a Request for Proposals that was released in January 2018. After reviewing bids from consultants, the Village selected an innovative approach proposed by Meadville Land Service and Biohabitats utilizing large woody debris and native plants to stabilize the eroding streambank, rather than the proposed bendway weir approach.

 

This project is estimated to prevent approximately 207 tons of sediment, 413 pounds of nitrogen, and 207 pounds of phosphorous from entering the Chagrin River annually. Improved floodplain access will aid in the reduction of flooding downstream and the additional wildlife habitat provided by the rootwads will enhance recreational and educational opportunities on the river. As the live branch layering continues to grow the structure will become stronger and more resilient to floodwaters.

 

Funding for this project was made available through the Ohio EPA Section 319(h) grant program and local match was provided by the private landowners’ homeowners association. 

 

- Continue to project profile page

- Continue to project story map