Mollie’s Branch Stream Restoration

A nature-based stream restoration strategy improves flood resiliency in rural North Carolina.

To combat increased flooding from heavy rain events and storms, the City of Whiteville adopted a strategy to utilize nature-based solutions and improve infrastructure for flood mitigation. An initial planning phase was initiated utilizing funding from a US HUD grant, working with the NC State Coastal Dynamics Design Lab to identify flood reduction opportunities. One of these sites was along Mollie’s Branch, where the ultimate strategy included the restoration of the Mollie’s Branch stream channel through floodplain bench creation, removal of existing undersized culverts, and stormwater bmp implementation. On a team led by Gresham Smith & Partners, Biohabitats performed assessments and provided the restoration design for a mile-long stretch of Mollie’s Branch to improve flood resiliency, water quality, and floodplain connectivity.

Biohabitats reviewed background information and regulatory considerations before conducting field investigations. The project team performed a stream and wetland assessment along approximately 5,200 linear feet of Mollie’s Branch. This included hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, geomorphic and baseline conditions assessment, mapping of the site’s Bank Erosion Hazard Index (BEHI) ratings, vegetation and invasive species documentation, and wetland delineation.

The data collected not only supported the permitting process but was also used to develop Biohabitats’ preliminary design of an integrated stream and wetland restoration approach for Mollie’s Branch. Multiple design alternatives were presented to community stakeholders for future implementation.

TAGS

• Assessment+Monitoring
• Ecological Restoration