The Ruff Creek Stream Restoration Project
Greene County, Pennsylvania

After the Greene County Watershed Alliance received a Growing Greener Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, WHM was retained to complete a detailed design for the restoration of Ruff Creek and to assist with permitting.

The goal of the restoration project is to stabilize 2,800 feet of streem in Greene County, Pennsylvania, using natural channel design. In addition, the project is to serve as an example of natural channel design as a best management practice to improve water quality.

The project is on a reach of stream that runs through an open meadow and horse pasture. Stream impairment stems from historic alterations in the watershed such as logging, farming and roads. These impairments are causing accelerated bank erosion that is loading large amounts of sediment into the watershed.

WHM completed the design using reference information from a natural stream system to develop new stream dimensions. A grading plan was completed for the new channel, and in-stream structures were incorporated into the plan at key locations to stabilize the channel until mature vegetation can be established. We also included a riparian planting plan that’s a vital component of the restoration.

We had to overcome several obstacles in formulating the design of this project. One of the greatest problems was the close proximity of gas lines. WHM was able to devise a design that would not conflict with the utilities and accommodate the new natural channel dimensions.

Many natural stream channels are impaired due to continual development, sprawl and agricultural practices. It is important to restore impaired waterways not only for water quality, recreation and aesthetics, but also because streams provide habitat for complex ecosystems and are vital to the overall health of any watershed.

Stream restoration includes returning a stream, its floodplain and riparian area to its natural and stable condition as well as re-establishing its biological habitat and function.

The Green County Watershed Alliance is securing funds to complete the construction phase of this project.


McCoy-Linn
Dam

L.K. Metzger
Dam

Stony Creek
Wind Farm

Phoenix Resources
Landfill Expansion

Allegheny
Power

Dayton Dam

Dillersville
Swamp

Houtzdale
Municipal

Laurel Valley
Golf Club

Ruff Creek
Stream
Restoration

Stream
Relocation
Project

Orchard Club
Subdivision Site

Warriors
Mark Run

Oley Mountain
Estates