Smith Branch Daylighting & Restoration

Since 2014, RDE has provided watershed-based planning, geomorphic assessment, hydrologic data collection, hydraulic analyses, regulatory coordination, engineering design, and construction monitoring for this urban creek in Columbia, SC. RDE leveraged existing infrastructure while restoring natural infrastructure to meet the project goals of improving water quality and providing a natural asset in the newly opened City park in the BullStreet District. Of the nearly 3,000 linear feet of stream located at the park, 2,000 had been piped underground since the 1950’s. RDE’s stream daylighting design restored the stream to the open air and revitalized the floodplain, now a key attraction of the public park. The remaining ~1,000 linear feet of stream were incised and degraded. After obtaining a Nationwide Permit 27 for Aquatic Habitat Restoration, Enhancement, and Establishment Activities, RDE restored this stretch of the creek to maximize habitat potential for the plant and animal life dependent on it.

Press for Smith Branch

• New York Times: From Former Mental Hospital to Recreational Hub