Design Problem

The Spruce Lick Run native brook trout stream in Rockingham County, VA has been identified by the US Forest Service to need a new structure for organism passage. We are working with Trout Unlimited to design a new structure that must allow for vehicles to pass according to the US Forest Service standards and specs, but also allow for aquatic organism passage. 

Design a new road-stream crossing at Spruce Lick Run that allows for aquatic organism passage and follows applicable standards of the US Forest Service the guidance of Trout Unlimited

• Collect preliminary data on the area in StreamStats, local Lidar, and USGS Gages 

• Visit the site twice: first to complete an initial assessment and familiarize ourselves with the site location, and second to complete a full site survey of the project area  

• Compile the standards and literature on stream-crossing designs 

• Conduct a hydrologic analysis to determine the design flows using USGS gages and HEC-SSP and account for future changes to the design flows due to climate change 

• Determine the most appropriate stream-crossing design 

• Conduct a hydraulic analysis in HEC-RAS to confirm that the design can pass the design flows and that velocities are similar to a reference reach to allow for aquatic organism passage 

• Design the final stream crossing using AutoCAD Civil 3D, including compiling a set of design plans 

• Complete a final cost analysis