Our Approach
Straughan provided on-call services on 15+ tasks to the Howard County Department of Public Works (DPW) for stormwater and watershed management evaluation and design, primarily supporting the County’s MS4 retrofit program. The services included green technology stormwater practices, stream restoration BMPs, alternatives analysis, design solutions, H&H modeling, permitting, construction documents, public outreach, and construction phase services. Straughan coordinated with survey and geotechnical subcontractors, managed all project schedules and budgets, and ensured compliance with local, state, and federal permitting agencies.
Key projects under this contract included the Proudfoot Place Stream Restoration & Pond Decommissioning, New Cut Branch Stream Restoration, Ashbrook Drive Stream Restoration, and South Meadow Court Pond Retrofit and Stream Restoration. The Proudfoot Place project involved a regenerative stream conveyance (RSC) approach to maintain a wetland and navigate a steep confined valley while minimizing forest impacts. The New Cut Branch study aimed to reduce severe flooding impacts in Old Ellicott City by evaluating sediment and debris sources and providing alternative designs for flood mitigation. The Ashbrook Drive project reconnected the stream with its floodplain, converting it to a stream-wetland complex, significantly reducing the projected cost and providing MS4 TMDL credit. The South Meadow Court project involved decommissioning a failing stormwater infiltration pond, retrofitting a downstream facility for stormwater treatment, and restoring 760 linear feet of stream and outfall channels to secure TMDL reduction credits.
Through these projects, Straughan demonstrated expertise in stormwater management, watershed evaluation, and sustainable design, contributing to improved water quality, reduced flooding, and enhanced community resilience in Howard County.
