Harford Streams
Green Choices. Healthy Streams.

Farnandis Branch at Woodland Restoration Project 

Expected construction start Spring 2021, completion Fall 2021 (as of August 2019)

The purpose of the project is to improve stream health by stabilizing eroding stream banks, providing additional area for flow during rain storms, and protecting an existing sewer line.

Pre-construction pictures 

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. 9
  10. 10
  11. 11
  12. 12
  13. 13
  14. 14
  15. 15
  16. 16
  17. 17

Project Location 

OverallSiteMap Opens in new window

Project Design Sketch 

The following sketches was created to provide property owners with a better understanding of the proposed design. The vertical red lines below correspond to the red lines above (limit of disturbance).  While tree removal with this design is aggressive, it is necessary to provide the additional space for the stream to overtop its banks and spread into the floodplain.  This design will provide long term stability for the stream, protection of the sewer line and improvements to the overall health of the stream.

Woodland flyer Opens in new window

Project Design (30% complete) 

The following engineered design represents the proposed plans as shown graphically in the sketch above.  This design only includes a portion of the details necessary to construct the restoration. 

2018_11_07 Woodland SR 30 Plans - Compressed Opens in new window

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Design 

1.  When will crews begin collecting field data?

Spring 2018

2.  Will crews need to use motorized vehicles to collect field data?

No, crews will not need motorized vehicles to collect field data.  They will be walking by foot in groups of 2 or 3.  Different crews will visit the site at different times depending on their area of expertise including tree identification, wetland identification, stream characteristics, and topographic survey.

3.  Are the flagged trees proposed to be cut down?

No.  Trees are flagged by the field crews as an indication to the surveyors to map the tree location.  All trees with a circumference greater than 12" are mapped.  Mapping the tree locations allows the engineer to develop a design and construction access that minimizes impacts to larger healthier trees.  Trees proposed to be cut down will be clearly shown on the design plans.  This project has more aggressive tree removal than most of the previous restorations because of the proximity of the stream to houses on both sides; to Victory Lane, and to the sewer line. 

4. How long will it take to update the design and permits?

The design and permits should be completed by January 2021.  Coordination with property owners to discuss the proposed design has delayed the project for several months.

5.  What permits are necessary for this type of project?

Harford County Grading Permit

Harford County Stormwater Management Waiver

Maryland Department of Environment Wetlands and Waterways Permit

Maryland Department of Environment General Permit for Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permit Authorization

6.  Will the design be available for review?

Yes, the design will be available for review, digitally on this webpage or printed copies will be available in our offices at 212 South Bond Street.  Each submittal from the design engineer will be available for review.  Property owners will be notified by email, phone, or mail when the plans are available. 


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Easements 

1.  Can the County construct this project on my property without my permission?

No, the County needs easements from each property owner where construction and construction access is proposed.   Stream restoration projects are voluntary and property owners are not obligated to provide easements.

2. When will the easement documents be available for property owners to review?

Easements are based on the areas delineated in the design for construction and construction access.  These areas are typically finalized when the design is approximately 75% complete.  At that time property plats will be developed which show the limits of the proposed easements.

3. Will the easements be permanent?

Yes. The County is required by Maryland Department of Environment to ensure restoration projects continue to function properly and improve stream health.  Permanent easements allow access for the County to complete inspections and any necessary repairs.  The permanent easements also provide reassurance to the property owners that the restoration project will be maintained as it was designed. 


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Construction 

1. What time of year can construction take place?

Construction will take place between May 1 and September 30.  The timing for construction will be based on the stream designation assigned by Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  This project is located in the Bynum Run watershed which is a designated trout stream with in-stream construction restrictions from October 1st through April 30th. 

2. When will construction start?  

Construction can start approximately 3 months after the design is completed.  This allows for the project to be advertised for bids from pre-qualified contractors who specialize in stream restoration.  If the design is completed and all permits have been issueds and easements obtained by January 2021, construction can begin April 2021.

3. How long will it take to complete construction?

Approximately 6 months.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Funding

1. Is there funding in place to pay for construction?

No.  Partial funding has been set aside for construction with additional requests for fund for fiscal year 2021 which begins on July 1, 2020.  The County Executive forwards his proposed budget to the County Council no later than April 15th.  The County Council must then pass the budget by June 15th.  For more information on the budget process visit the County's Budget webpage. 

2. How are restoration projected funded?

Resolution 005-15 Recordation Tax Reallocation was adopted in March 2015 which established a dedicated fund for restoration projects.  This dedicated fund allows the County to sell bonds to fund these projects.  Prior to establishing the dedicated fund, funding for these projects competed with other agencies such as the Sheriffs Office and Schools for general funds.