Highlighted Projects

WW regularly teams with Just Water Consulting and others to perform low-flow and fish habitat suitability studies for hydro-electric projects undergoing FERC relicensing efforts. This often requires water quality monitoring, detailed geomorphic assessments to document channel conditions, and empirical streamflow studies to measure depth, velocity, and discharge at target flows. This work often spans multiple seasons and numerous cross-sections within the study reach. 

Geomorphic assessments & hydrologic studies are then coupled with incredibly detailed topo-bathymetric surveys of the study reach to allow for analyses of existing and proposed conditions under myriad flow regimes. WW utilizes cutting-edge survey instrumentation and CAD software to build 3D terrain models of the study reach, which can be utilized for 1D or 2D hydraulic analyses to evaluate project operations and their impacts on fish and other aquatic organisms by species and age class. 

500-year floods & unimproved drainage features resulted in a catastrophic blow-out and major erosion across multiple properties. WW designed & provided implementation oversight for emergency stabilization measures after performing detailed hydrologic & hydraulic analyses based on topographic surveys and site conditions. Measures included drainage culvert sizing, earth-and-stone check dams, steep slope stabilization, and sediment & erosion control. 

Wetland impact violations require after-the-fact permitting and comprehensive wetland mitigation measures. WW developed a wetlands mitigation & restoration plan through close coordination with the landowner and State agencies to ensure compliance can be obtained and violations can be addressed. 

Historic, multi-generational family lake camp and mature shoreland vegetation within protected shoreland areas required careful planning and low-impact implementation methods.

A failing 50-year-old timber retaining wall posed hazards to recreation, diminished property values, and offered poor aquatic & riparian habitat. The wall was removed and a natural stone toe was reconstructed to prevent erosion, improve aesthetics, enhance habitat, and streamline permitting. Additional features include native riparian plantings, timber infiltration steps, granite lake access steps, and a dry well for the camp foundation perimeter drain.

The entire in-water work area was isolated from the greater lake waterbody using floating turbidity curtains to prevent siltation. All mature trees along the shoreline were protected & preserved during implementation efforts. Stabilization measures ensured rapid recovery.

It all began with a landowner site visit to discuss goals, constraints, timelines, & expectations. WW performed a site assessment & topographic survey, developed a detailed design package, obtained all required permits, procured a skilled local contractor, and provided QAQC inspections throughout implementation. 

A 17-acre property dominated by Northern White Cedar swamp and flanked by marginal hayfields and sensitive lakeshore areas required thorough assessments, topographic survey, delineation, and mitigation planning to regain compliance and address wetland violations associated with unpermitted development activities. 

WW documented all findings, drafted delineation plans, developed a detailed mitigation & restoration design package, prepared permit applications, coordinated with State agencies, and assisted with procuring a local contractor to implement the work. 

Following the NH Method, WW performed a thorough wetlands functions and values assessment of the proposed restoration project area and nearby intact wetlands to document baseline conditions in support of restoration grant funding requests and permit applications. Following these assessments, a detailed topographic survey of the restoration area was performed using RTK GNSS to provide sub-centimeter accuracy & precision. Working with Headwaters Consulting, a complete wetlands delineation was performed across over 30 acres along the banks and floodplains of the Upper Connecticut River in Lancaster, NH.  

WW developed a restoration plan to enhance over 1 acre of historic wetlands in a marginal hayfield within the floodplain and floodway. Restoration designs include native riparian cluster plantings, engineered log jams, complete permit applications, and an opinion of probable cost.