Home > Projects > Channel Stabilization/Natural Channel Design - Sucker Brook
Channel Stabilization/Natural Channel Design - Sucker Brook
Williston, Vermont
Professional Services Provided
- Water Resources Engineering
Description of Professional Services
In the mid 1980s, a high flow event rerouted Sucker Brook away from a 25-foot waterfall,
through an abandoned sand and gravel pit, and over exposed sand, silts, and clays. Over the
next twenty years, the channel steadily eroded with distinct headcuts progressing upstream.
Approximately 72,000 cubic yards of material were transported downstream leaving a steep,
unstable channel at the bottom of a forty-foot gully. Vermont River Management engineers called
Sucker Brook Tributary the worst channel avulsion in the State.
DuBois & King's Water Resources group was charged with developing a design to replace the highly
incised and unstable channel. Primary project objectives were to reduce sediment loading from
the reach, minimize construction and maintenance costs, and restore aquatic and riparian
habitat. Regulators from the Vermont River Management Program and the US Army Corp of Engineers
were kept informed of activities and design considerations.
An evaluation matrix compared alternatives in terms of reduction in sediment loading, long-term
stability, construction and maintenance costs, in-stream and riparian habitat, and impact to
adjacent landowners. Presentation of alternatives at two public meetings facilitated input and
concurrence of stakeholders and adjacent landowners.
Final design included a step-pool reach with eight stone weirs and a detailed planting plan to
restore the riparian zone. A two year construction sequence was developed that recognized
limited construction funding and included the use of volunteer labor to accomplish the planting
program. Back to Top
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