NTM is developing a channel restoration design for the Park Hills Drainageway in Ferguson Township, Centre County. The primary objective of the Park Hills Drainageway Improvements project is to create a stable channel contained within open space lands owned by the Township. The Park Hills Drainageway is an actively eroding incised ephemeral channel. The erosion is a result of uncontrolled runoff from suburban residential development constructed in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The drainageway is also used as a utility corridor for sanitary sewer, power, and communication utilities serving adjacent residential lots.
The overall objective of the Park Hills Drainageway project is to create a stable channel contained within lands owned by the Township. Primary project challenges include minimizing impacts to mature trees, adjacent residential properties and the existing floodplain; site construction access; utility coordination and relocation, and waterway permitting.
A step-pool regenerative stormwater conveyance (RSC) design approach was selected for channel restoration. In addition to providing a stable channel, the RSC design also produces a natural visual appearance which complements the woodland and meadow environment the drainageway flows through. The RSC design also provides water quality treatment helping the Township meet pollution reduction requirements under their stormwater discharge permit (MS4 Permit).