Humboldt Co. DPW - Sediment Excavation Pilot Test for Salt River Ecosystem Restoration

Humboldt Co. DPW - Sediment Excavation Pilot Test for Salt River Ecosystem Restoration

The purpose of the project is to collect information on the properties of the aggraded sediment that will be removed in the future as part of the full-scale Salt River Ecosystem Restoration Project (SRERP). The Salt River is aggraded with sediment and colonizing vegetation, primarily willows. The SRERP is a larger project intended to restore the Salt River ecosystem which is currently impaired due to the excess sediment. Information gathered during this pilot study will be used to complete the planning and design of sediment removal and reuse activities for the SRERP project. The pilot test project involves removal of sediment and debris at three specific locations within the Salt River Channel. All three excavation areas are located within areas of the channel that are proposed for future excavation and restoration. Each excavation area will be approximately 30 feet long, 10 feet wide and 3.5 feet deep. A backhoe or excavator area will be used to remove approximately 40 cubic yards of sediment at each location. Excavated materials will be placed directly into a dump truck for transportation to the Riverside Ranch where it will be stockpiled in an upland area. The Riverside Ranch is currently owned by Western Rivers Conservancy but the property is being acquired by the California Department of Fish and Game as part of the SRERP.

Ferndale

Humboldt