Fuss & O’Neill was contracted by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to provide design, permitting, and construction support services in the restoration of a historic 13-acre wetland and stream system that had been severely impacted by significant fill, disturbance activities, and stream re–routing.

To restore historic flows into the wetlands, Fuss & O’Neill implemented a multi-step approach. After a fluvial geomorphological assessment of the site and a hydrologic and hydraulic analysis of the river to assess floodplain benefits, bioengineering techniques were used to design the new stream system. The design process managed the contaminated fills and solid waste, in addition to minimizing construction impact on the wetlands.

This wetland restoration was part of a larger plan by the NRCS to reduce flooding along the Pocasset River. The project improved habitat value, enhanced floodplain storage capability, and reduced neighborhood flooding.