A new stream restoration project along Gramies Run, a tributary of Elk River in Cecil County, has begun construction thanks to the Maryland Environmental Trust and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration. Work on this project has an anticipated completion date of early 2019.
The TMDL Stream Restoration of Gramies Run project is a component of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) crediting program of the Maryland State Highway Administration Water Programs Division. According to the State Highway Administration TMDL program, "This program includes a variety of projects to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment from entering the Chesapeake Bay, including: restoring 62,513 linear feet of streams; planting more than 679,000 trees on 2,717 acres; removing 76 acres of pavement; upgrading 13 stormwater outfalls; and constructing or upgrading 1,780 stormwater treatment facilities to improve the quality of water running off pavement."
This specific project will fulfill the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act, which involves the restoration construction of approximately 5,470 linear ft. of Gramies Run and several tributaries located between MD 273 (Telegraph Road) (North) and Russell Road (South).
The restoration will consist of the following:
Furnish and installation of erosion and sediment control devices, including stream
Diversion and dewatering of work areas as required
Tree removal and protection of significant trees
Concrete culvert and headwall replacement
Culvert outfall riprap protection
Excavation, grading and realignment of stream channel and floodplain which will include furnishing, salvaging and stockpiling on-site rock and soil
Furnish and salvage boulder, stone, and trees to build rock and log structures
Furnish and installation of landscape seed, plant materials, and stabilization matting
Restoring Gramies Run will help reduce the amount of harmful sediment and nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen from entering and polluting the Chesapeake Bay and helping Maryland reach their federal restoration goals.