Review of Stream Rehabilitation Manual

Stream modification or channelization activities are listed among the top 10 sources for non-point source pollution impacts to rivers (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1993). Activities such as straightening, widening, deepening, and clearing streams of debris generally fall into this category. Modification of water and sediment supplied from the watershed by altered land-use change can be equally as disturbing to the fluvial system. These activities can severely impact major river projects such as navigation and flood control, as well as alter or reduce the diversity of instream and riparian habitats. Without proper understanding of the fluvial system, even projects intended to rehabilitate streams can cause severe instability. The primary purpose of the manual is to develop a general approach for stream-rehabilitation design based on sound engineering principles and understanding of the fluvial system.