MSRA Webinar Series - Work in the Wet Versus Work in the Dry for Stream Restoration: A Comparison of Downstream Turbidity and Sediment Loads feat. Carol Wong, Bryan Seipp, and Kip Mumaw
MSRA is excited to continue our series of webinars featuring leading industry researchers and partners, as we strive to offer opportunities for discussion and promote advancement of the stream restoration science. Visit our website and social media channels for upcoming webinars.
Continuing Education Credits will be offered for the MSRA Webinar Series!
We hope you will join us:
When: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: GoToWebinar
Following your registration, and prior to the event, you will receive a webinar link from GoToWebinar on the morning of the webinar which will give you access to the webinar.
Will you be attending?
Register Today! Registration will Close at 3pm the Day Before the Webinar.
EVENT DETAILS:
Cost: Free for members, $10 for non-members
Presentation Abstract:
The Work in the Wet Versus Work in the Dry for Stream Restoration study investigates the environmental impacts of two common stream restoration construction methods—working in the wet (with active stream flow) versus working in the dry (with stream diversion or dewatering)—on turbidity and total suspended sediment (TSS) loading. Conducted across three Maryland stream restoration sites, the research assessed turbidity levels, sediment loads, and their relation to a 1.25-year storm event. Using continuous water quality monitoring, pressure transducers, and TSS grab sampling, the study compared downstream effects of each construction method. Results showed that Wet construction consistently produced higher turbidity and sediment loads compared to Dry construction, with average turbidity levels up to 5.7 times greater and exceedances of Maryland’s 150 NTU turbidity standard occurring 16.6 times more frequently. While sediment loads from Wet construction were generally less than those generated by a 1.25-year storm event at two of the three sites, one site with steeper slope and smaller drainage area produced higher loads, indicating site-specific influence. The study also found that construction efficiency gains from Wet methods were modest (9–15%), and would require significantly faster production rates (3–23 times) to offset turbidity impacts. These findings suggest that Dry construction may be more environmentally appropriate under typical conditions, while highlighting the importance of considering site-specific geomorphic and hydrologic characteristics when choosing construction methods. The study provides empirical evidence to inform regulatory policies and supports the need for further research across diverse stream conditions to optimize restoration practices.
Presenter Abstracts:
Bryan Seipp is a Senior Environmental Scientist/Forester and Project Manager with Ecosystem Planning & Restoration (EPR), bringing over 24 years of experience in forest management, watershed assessment, and stormwater and stream restoration. He leads and supports a multi-disciplinary team in the planning, design, and implementation of restoration, green infrastructure, and mitigation banking projects, with expertise spanning forest stewardship, TMDL implementation, and wetland and stream restoration. Bryan has a strong background in grant development, landowner coordination, and project delivery. He also serves as Chair of the Maryland Sustainable Forestry Council and President of the Catoctin Land Trust.
Carol Wong, P.E. is a Senior Water Resources Engineer at the Center for Watershed Protection. She joined CWP in 2014 and has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and a M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Stanford University. Prior to joining CWP, Carol worked for the private sector as a consultant, managing environmental research and development projects. Carol is experienced in program management, stormwater research, BMP design and permitting, training, technical assistance, and water quality monitoring.
Kip Mumaw is the Principal Engineer and cofounder of Ecosystem Services, a natural resources consulting firm located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Kip received his Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Environmental and Water Resources. He is an alumnus of the North Carolina Stream Restoration Program and the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute.
