Advancing Priority Culvert Right-Sizing Projects in the Naugatuck River Watershed

Project Summary

We assessed 521 road-stream crossing structures using the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC) protocol, and conducted additional assessment at close-bottomed structures (culverts) to support flood risk modelling by our partners at the University of Connecticut (UConn). We developed Road-Stream Crossing Inventory documents for each community that include the results of NAACC assessments and UConn flood risk modelling. Road-Stream Crossing Inventory documents were used as the basis for collaborative prioritization of culvert replacement projects. We held prioritization workshops with each community, during which we selected structures for design development based on potential to reconnect diadromous fish habitat, reduce flood risk and structure condition. We conducted detailed surveys to support demonstration design development for two culverts in Watertown on an unnamed tributary of Steele Brook, and three culverts in Beacon Falls on Hockanum Brook. Our partners at Trout Unlimited completed Preliminary designs for replacement of these five structures, using the Stream Simulation Design method. We also completed a detailed survey at a culvert on Fulling Mill Brook in the Town of Naugatuck. Inventory documents, prioritization results, and Preliminary designs were combined with supporting information as Road-Stream Crossing Management Plans for each town.

Product

Advancing Priority Culvert Right-Sizing Projects in the Naugatuck River Watershed Final Report

Project Description

The Road-Stream Crossing Management Plans (RSCMPs) developed for each community will be a tool for securing the significant amount of funding required for building culvert replacement projects using the Stream Simulation Design method. Towns and their partners will be able to point to the rigorous prioritization process we used to identify the most impactful projects for restoring diadromous fish habitat, reducing flood risk and addressing maintenance needs when pursuing competitive grants, developing capital improvement plans, and/or negotiating with state and federal agencies in the wake of flood disasters.

Project Team

Housatonic Valley Association
UConn CIRCA