Quaker Run
Quaker Run is a small stream in Coal Township, Pennsylvania.
The stream runs through the lands of former surface and
underground coal mines. More recently, the stream was relocated
into an excavated trapezoidal channel and that channel exhibited
severe vertical and lateral instabilities. In addition,
at the restoration reach, the stream was losing water to
underground mine workings. This project designed and restored
2,000 feet of the stream and created 3 acres of wetlands.
The US Fish & Wildlife Service agreed to oversee the
restoration of the stream through Coal Township at the site
of a new commercial development. A fluvial geomorphic design
approach was implemented.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection,
Bureau of Abandoned Mine Lands (Dave Greenfield) provided
funding to Coal Township to restore the stream and riparian
lands at Quaker Run. The US Fish & Wildlife Service
(Dave Putnam, Kelly Williams) and the University of New
Hampshire (Tom Ballestero) studied the existing system,
developed wetlands and stream channel designs, supervised
overall construction, constructed in-channel log structures,
revegetated wetlands and floodplain, and stabilized site
soils. Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. (Dave Bidelspach)
developed the final designs and design drawings. Strong
Excavation, Inc. (Denis Strong, Dan Brown) performed much
of the site construction. Molesevich General Construction
(Jeff Molesevich) built the energy dissipator below the
twin 5-ft culverts. The US Army Corps of Engineers (Marion
Gall) reviewed all designs and plans. The PA Fish and Boat
Commission (Dave Kellar) assisted with in-channel structure
selection and construction. The Shamokin Creek Watershed
Alliance assisted with site housekeeping and trash removal.
The Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation (Vern Ross)
provided financial management services.
