Suncook River Restoration

When severe flooding in May 2006 caused the Suncook River to change course in Epsom, New Hampshire, the newly formed channel cut through a gravel pit and adjacent wetlands, introducing approximately 150,000 cubic yards of sediment into the river. VHB was engaged to help the Town, State, and Federal agencies understand the river’s changed conditions and evaluate potential paths forward. The team completed fluvial geomorphological surveys to characterize the watershed and current and former river channels, then developed and compared restoration alternatives, including leaving the river in its new location or restoring flow to its former channel. Using a natural channel design approach, VHB prepared conceptual designs for the alternatives and communicated the study findings in a clear, accessible way to support public understanding and informed decision-making.