D&K, through an on-call contract for Soil Conservation services, designed a fish friendly and cost-effective, 38-ft-span bridge suitable for logging trucks. The new bridge replaced an undersized 7-ft culvert that was a barrier to fish passage and was contributing to channel instability due to upstream deposition and downstream scour. The design of the bridge abutments consisted of stacked concrete waste blocks set back from the channel to reduce scour potential. Large angular riprap was used to further protect the abutments from scour, but was concealed by native cobbles and boulders. The bridge superstructure consisted of pre-engineered steel framing with timber decking. Total construction cost was less than $50,000 and the entire construction sequence, from removal of the old culvert to final seeding and mulching, was completed in only five days. Project was completed under the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).
DuBois & King’s water resources and structural engineers provided the following services:

Survey
Wetland delineations
Stream geomorphic assessment
Fish passage evaluation
Natural channel restoration
Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis
Evaluation of alternatives for bridge and culvert design
Evaluation of alignment alternatives using computer simulated truck turning movements
Coordinated abutment design with superstructure manufacturer
Analyzed and designed substructure for internal and external stability
Permitting
Construction documents
Cost estimates
On-site engineering support during construction

Under D&K’s on-call contract with NRCS for Planning, Design, & Implementing Conservation Practices, D&K performed site investigation, design, preparation of plans and specifications, and construction inspection for a shallow water management for wildlife pond. The purpose of the project was to provide open water areas on agricultural fields and moist soil areas to facilitate waterfowl resting and feeding and to provide habitat for reptiles and amphibians and other aquatic species, which serve as important prey species for waterfowl, raptors, herons, and other wildlife.

The planned practice is Shallow Water Management for Wildlife and the facility is a shallow water pond designed in general accordance with Standard 646 Shallow Water Management for Wildlife. The pond has ¼-acre of surface area with a maximum depth of 4-ft and required a total excavation of approximately 1,320-cy. The periphery has a curvilinear outline that blends with the natural topography of the site. The depth of water varies from several inches to a maximum of 4-ft. The pond hydrology is fed by a high ground water table and associated discharge.

D&K’s Certified Wetland Scientist worked closely with the NRCS District Biologist on the project relative to geometry, location, planting plan, and selection of seed mixes and plantings. D&K conducted a site visit; delineated wetlands within the area; reviewed hydrology; conducted a topographic survey; and prepared preliminary and final design plans, technical specifications, and cost estimates. The project was completed under NRCS’ Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).

Working with Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture to improve agricultural water quality, firm staff conducted site inspections, field survey and mapping, soils investigation, preliminary engineering, final design, and construction support services for a new waste storage facility and leachate collection system. Financial assistance was provided through the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The project included a new cast-in-place 144-ft-diameter 12-ft-deep concrete storage tank, 115-ft concrete slab Heavy Use Area (HUA), silage leachate containment system, manure transfer and associated pump station, roof drain tile for clean runoff diversion, and an animal trail access. Services included site investigations; soil borings; geotechnical and structural engineering; civil and site layout; and cost estimates. D&K technical staff provided assistance during construction including inspections; shop drawing reviews, engineer’s certification, and final construction report.