ESI is one of four firms pre-qualified with Georgia Department of Transportation for stream construction services. ESI was awarded the contract for the construction of Black Creek near Commerce, Georgia. This project has required detailed excavation and grading of the plan form, longitudinal profile and hydraulic dimension of a 4556-foot stream channel approximately 12-feet wide and 3-feet deep. The project design required the construction of flood-prone overflow terraces adjacent to the stream channel up to 22 feet wide. In-stream structures were installed including both log and rock vanes designed to direct flow and stabilize banks. Three wildlife habitat ponds were excavated and drainage features backfilled and compacted to design specifications which will allow re-establishment of hydrology to the existing floodplain wetland areas. Re-establishment of herbaceous vegetation and installation of small trees will be required along the restored channel banks and the floodplain wetland areas following construction of the stream channel.

Implementation of the restoration construction of Black Creek began Summer 2004. The construction will follow a phased excavation according to the stream design. Initial mobilization and site preparation was implemented using selective cutting of the site to preserve desirable tree and shrub species on the site. Erosion and Sediment control measures were installed and are being monitored daily to insure that no sediment enters the active stream channel. As the plan form is excavated, the appropriate profile and dimension is excavated and the in-stream structures are being installed simultaneously. While conducting channel excavation, the backfill of drainage features and the old channel will be completed and the wildlife habitat pond will be constructed. Finally, all plant materials will be installed. The construction was completed in late Fall 2004 with installation of the plant material completed by February 2005. Services provided for this Department of Transportation project included mobilization oversight, stake-out of plan form, installation of BMPs, implementation of safety measures, construction deployment, and construction implementation.