Frequently Asked Questions

Are there grants available to help fund stream restoration projects?

Yes, there are many different types of grants available at the local, state and federal level to fund a portion or all of the cost to implement a stream restoration project. River Mechanics works with project owners to identify grant funding opportunities, prepare applications, administer the funds and implement the work.

Does River Mechanics do the construction work to restore streams, rivers and wetlands?

We do not do the physical construction work. Our focus is on engineering, design, permitting and other required tasks to ensure the project is ready for construction. We work with project owners to identify experienced and qualified contractors to build the project and manage the construction process.

How do I know if I need a permit from USACE for a stream restoration project?

The answer depends on the specific project. River Mechanics has detailed information available in a Note from the Field here that discusses all aspects of permitting for ecosystem restoration projects.

Is River Mechanics the same company as Stream Mechanics?

No, they are not the same. However, River Mechanics appreciates Stream Mechanics' contributions to the industry and their work with the Stream Quantification Tool (SQT).

What does it mean if my stream restoration project is located in a FEMA floodplain or floodway?

You will likely need a floodplain development permit through the local community (city, town or county), which can require significant effort. River Mechanics handles floodplain development permits regularly and has detailed information on this process available in a Note from the Field here.

What is Design-Build and how does it work with a stream restoration project?

Design-Build (DB) is a project delivery method that emphasizes collaboration and flexibility by bringing the designer (engineer) and the builder (environmental contractor) together under one contract from the very beginning.

For ecosystem restoration and water resources engineering projects, a “progressive” design-build approach is typically used. Unlike traditional methods where a price is locked in before the design is fully understood, progressive design-build allows the project to "progress" through stages. This is particularly effective for complex environmental work like stream restoration, where the onsite conditions, constraints and permitting requirements are often unpredictable.

We always prefer working with a design-build team when it is appropriate and we have detailed the benefits of design-build contracts for ecosystem restoration projects in recent Note from the Field here.

What is the origin of the firm's name 'River Mechanics'?

Pierre Julien described 'River Mechanics' as the scientific study of how flowing water and moving sediment interact with respect to climate, geology, watershed hydrology and channel hydraulics. The firm is named after this discipline to emphasize that its approach and engineering practice are driven by the physical laws of nature and analytical studies. The name is also a tribute to the foundational experiences of founder Jonathan Page, who took a transformative course titled River Mechanics and Sediment Transport at NC State taught by Dr. Celso Castro-Bolinaga.

Where does River Mechanics provide engineering services?

We are licensed to provide professional engineering and design services in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.

Why do you plant permanent vegetation on stream and river restoration sites in the winter?

The planting season in the Southeast U.S. typically runs from December 15 – March 15, to align with plant dormancy and maximize survivability of the plantings. More information is available in a Note from the Field on Planting Season.