Engineering and Regulatory Review Processes to Implement Wetlands or Stream Restoration Projects

Abstract

Wetland and stream restoration projects are receiving increased government funding. Future restoration efforts will be focused on accelerating the pace of projects constructed “on-the-ground,” with funding being dependent on a project’s engineering and regulatory feasibility. Interdisciplinary conflicts in completing wetland or stream restoration projects often result in unexpected costs and schedule delays. This paper reviews the close, ongoing interaction between conventionally isolated project planning, engineering, and permitting processes for three restoration projects in California, and indicates three beneficial insights, including: 1. Treating the goal and objective refinement, engineering, and environmental permitting processes as one project plan; 2. Diversifying leadership across multidisciplinary responsibilities so that the full range of skills and expertise can make meaningful contributions to project success; and 3. Keeping the public informed of project progress with aggressive public outreach programs that allow the public the opportunity to comment on effectiveness in achieving restoration goals. 1 Senior Engineer and Office Manager, HSI GeoTrans, 3035 Prospect Park Drive, Suite 40, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 2 Senior Water Resources Planner, Resources Management International Inc., 3100 Zinfandel Drive, Suite 600, Sacramento, CA 95670 Copyright ASCE 2004 Wetlands 1998