Ecological Solutions for Rivers and Their Watersheds

We are a conservation minded engineering firm that specializes in Ecosystem Restoration and Water Resources Engineering.

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Our Work Makes a Difference

We have delivered solutions for a diverse portfolio of projects in the Southeast U.S. that have restored ecosystems and supported vibrant local communities.

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We're Ready to Leverage Our Experience and Expertise For You

We have comprehensive technical services ready to deliver a solution for your project.

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about us

We Deliver Solutions Through Collaboration and Client-Oriented Service

River Mechanics is an engineering firm built for the ecological restoration industry and our conservation partners. We provide the design, engineering, and permitting support that turns conservation goals into projects on the ground - real projects that restore ecosystems, protect water resources, and strengthen the communities that depend on them.

We measure success by what's left behind: functional streams with habitat for bugs, fish and amphibians; floodplains that spread out and attenuate high flows; and wetlands that come back to life. That's the standard we hold ourselves to on every project, and it's how we exceed our clients' expectations

Rivers are dynamic systems. Regulations change. We design with both in mind, anticipating technical and permitting challenges early so the solutions we deliver are efficient to build and durable in the field.

Successful projects are a team effort. We work closely with clients, stakeholders, and regulators from the start, so projects stay on schedule, resources go further, and everyone's goals get met.

Professional Engineering Services for the Ecological Restoration Industry and Our Conservation Partners

Our clients share a common goal: healthier streams, rivers, wetlands and watersheds. Through our experience and collaborative approach, we help them develop concepts, work through regulatory hurdles, and successfully implement each project.

Mitigation Providers

Environmental Consultants

Civil Engineering and Landscape Design Firms

Local, State, and Federal Government

Mining and Energy Companies

Forestry and Timber Companies

Non-Profit Organizations and Land Conservancies

Private Landowners

51

MILES OF STREAM AND RIVER DESIGNED

720

ACRES OF FLOODPLAIN RESTORED

15

AQUATIC SPECIES SUPPORTED

112

ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS DELIVERED

our services

A Focused Practice Built to Restore Streams, Rivers, and Wetlands

River Mechanics offers a specialized set of services for the biggest challenges in ecological restoration and water resources engineering.

Ecosystem Restoration
Water Resources Engineering
Dam and Barrier Removal

Ecosystem Restoration

As streams, rivers, floodplains, and wetlands degrade, they lose the habitat and natural processes that make them valuable. Drawing on ecology, hydrology, hydraulics, and geomorphology, we design restoration projects that bring those functions back and hold up over time.

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Water Resources Engineering

Understanding how water interacts with a Site is critical to making good design and implementation decions. Through flood studies and 2-D hydraulic modeling, we give clients a clear understanding of flood risk and hydraulics. We carry that analysis into design with stormwater control measures, culvert replacements to improve aquatic organism passage, and erosion control plans that protect people, property, and habitat downstream.

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Dam and Barrier Removal

Clean water starts upstream. We assess watersheds, collect and analyze data, and develop plans that reduce stormwater and pollution inputs at the source to protect the health of water resources downstream.

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Our Work

Water Quality Management
Sullivan Park
North Carolina
Water Resources Engineering
N. Fork Reservoir
North Carolina
Water Quality Management
Holley Branch
North Carolina
Ecosystem Restoration
Foster Creek
North Carolina
Water Resources Engineering
Cathey’s Creek
North Carolina
Ecosystem Restoration
Smith Creek Mitigation Bank
North Carolina
Water Resources Engineering
Mills River Park
North Carolina
Water Quality Management
Catawba River
North Carolina
Ecosystem Restoration
Pleasant Grove Mitigation Bank
Georgia
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testimonials

What Our Clients Say

We work with River Mechanics regularly. They create a sense of security for us knowing that the design data is accurate and ready to be constructed. They are always responsive, punctual and willing to listen and work through whatever is needed to get the job done!
Brandon Spaugh

Chief Operating Officer

North State Environmental

‍

River Mechanics provides high quality and responsive engineering solutions for environmental restoration and mitigation projects. We highly recommend them. They value the relationship and the project outcome.
Joe Wright

Owner

Wright Contracting, LLC

‍

River Mechanics is a pleasure to work with. They are quick and competent. They provide clear expectations for us on our projects and take the time to thoroughly evaluate projects and opportunities. Most importantly, their design work is second to none.
Ross Nelson

SC District Manager

Westervelt Ecological Services

When WLS contracts with River Mechanics, we know that they will deliver a stellar product and need very little oversight. We are excited to continue exploring new opportunities with River Mechanics well into the future.
Matt Butler, PMP

Senior Project Manager

Water & Land Solutions

Their knowledge and depth of expertise of hydraulics and river systems allows them to be creative in their solutions to maximize the project benefits. They have been very responsive to our unique needs and helped us deliver on very time constrained projects.
Matt Campbell, PE, PhD

President

Natrx, Inc.

We have been able to take on projects where a PE was required by partnering with River Mechanics. They fill a niche that is otherwise underserved in the stormwater and water quality space. We strongly recommend River Mechanics!
Tom Pullaro

VP of Sales

Dragonfly Pond Works

‍

Their understanding of mitigation banking instrument requirements is an asset that goes beyond design and helps get mitigation projects approved.
Tory Grayson, PWS

Partner

The Confluence Partners

‍

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case studies and articles

Research

Our engineering and design work is grounded in science, some of it our own. Explore the published research that shapes how we practice.

Research Article

Can the Stream Quantification Tool (SQT) Protocol Predict the Biotic Condition of Streams in the Southeast Piedmont (USA)?

Donatich, S., Doll, B., Page, J.L., & Nelson, N. (2020)
Research Article

Flood Flow Frequency Analysis to Estimate Potential Floodplain Nitrogen Treatment during Overbank Flow Events in Urban Stream Restoration Projects

Doll, B. A., Kurki-Fox, J. J., Page, J. L., Nelson, N. G., & Johnson, J. P. (2020)
Research Article

Hydrologic and water quality performance of regenerative stormwater conveyance installed to stabilize an eroded outfall

Koryto, K. M., Hunt, W. F., & Page, J. L. (2017).
Research Article

Performance of regenerative stormwater conveyance on the removal of dissolved pollutants: Field scale simulation study

Koryto, K. M., Hunt, W. F., Arellano, C., & Page, J. L. (2018)
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Let's Work Together

Working with River Mechanics means a partner invested in your project from concept to completion. We bring technical capacity, deep knowledge of the restoration and conservation landscape, and a habit of refining how we work so each project turns out better than the last. Whether it's a small culvert replacement to improve aquatic organism passage or a full blown river restoration, we have the expertise and experience to make it succeed.

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