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Brent Run Creek: A case study of stream relocation on a tributary of the Flint River in Michigan

Emma Giese
Sam Prentice
GEI Consultants of Michigan, P.C.
Plymouth, Michigan

Authors:  Brian Majka, Scott Dierks, Emma Giese

In 2015, approximately 4,000 linear feet of Brent Run Creek were relocated to accommodate a landfill expansion. The relocated stream channel design was based on reference reach data, calibrated hydraulic and sediment transport models, and collaboration with state and federal agencies. Monitoring of stream morphology, bank stability, habitat, vegetation, and biota has occurred every 2 years since completion of the project. Five permanent monitoring stations were established with survey benchmarks at riffles, runs, pools, and glides in the relocated reach to collect repeated geomorphic data through time. Data collection has included channel bathymetric surveys, riffle pebble counts, bank pins, scour chains, near bank stress evaluation and Bank Erosion Hazard Index (BEHI). This presentation will share observed trends in channel migration, sediment transport, and bank stability, as well as successes, failures, and lessons learned from 6+ years of monitoring.

About Emma Giese
Emma Giese is a water resources engineer at GEI Consultants in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She develops hydrologic and hydraulic models to support design for stream restoration, dam removal, wetland restoration, coastal protection, and stormwater management projects. She completed her undergraduate degree at Michigan State University and her Master’s degree at the University of Maryland College Park.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmagiese/