Projects

Project Description

As part of a project team, CEI is leading efforts to develop a restoration approach for wetland resource areas at the Nuclear Metals Superfund Site. This ongoing project will involve sediment removal and restoration within a 3.5-acre sphagnum bog. The bog interior is composed primarily of sphagnum moss and scattered growth of tamarack (Larix laricina) growing over a layer of acidic peat. The restoration area also includes a transitional scrub/shrub zone and a perimeter zone that typically has standing water and growth of herbaceous wetland species. Following excavation activities, restoration of the acrotelm (the upper 30-50 cm of the bog where plant growth occurs and where peat-formation begins) will involve constructing this layer to mimic original grades and microtopography with acrotelm material from donor sites.

In addition to restoring impacts associated with sediment excavation, final grading for the restoration design will consider the historic alterations along the southern shore of the bog, which has been altered by the placement of fill and construction of an impermeable cover over a portion of the Old Landfill. In addition to sphagnum mosses that typically compose most of the donor acrotelm material, the planting plan for the acrotelm will be informed by the existing habitat zones discussed above and associated species. CEI will also lead wetland mitigation design for sediment excavation and capping within a small pond and its bordering wetlands.