Stream Restoration Load Reduction Estimates (Protocols 1 - 5)
This model estimates nutrient and sediment load reductions using data and algorithms from the October 26, 2020 Consensus Recommendations to Improve Protocols 2 & 3 for Defining Stream Restoration Pollutant Removal Credits. You can find more information about the protocols used to derive these estimates at the links in this page.
Getting started: Inputting data into the stream restoration load models
Associated `activity_types`
The Stream Restoration models load when the Activity_type
selected is Stream restoration
.
Activity model view
When you open your Stream Restoration Load Reduction estimates, you first must indicate if the project design meets the completion percentage. If your project does not yet meet the >90% design requirement, you can enter in the linear length and click save inputs. The system will generate estimated load reductions based on the linear feet.

In order to get higher accuracy in the model outputs, you will need to use the >90% design threshold.
Let's look at each of the protocols.
Protocol 1: Prevented sediment
Steps to enter data for qualifying conditions
Enter the estimate stream sediment erosion rates and annual sediment loadings.
To add a set of measurements, click the "Add a set of bank measurements" button below the table. To remove a set of measurements, delete the bank ID and click the "Save inputs" button below the table.)

Protocol 2: Denitrification in the hyporheic zone
Steps to enter data for qualifying conditions
Define the effective hyporheic zone and apply the denitrification rate.

Enter the site specific discount factors using the table below.

Floodplain factors
Values from 0-1 must be entered for both pre-restoration and post-restoration inputs. Use the drop-down selections to set discount factor values (see the table above).






Protocol 3: Floodplain Reconnection
Steps to enter data for qualifying conditions
Existing floodplain trapping zone area (acres)
The floodplain trapping zone is where low-energy conditions encourage trapping and filtering of sediments and organic matter in the floodplain during and shortly after storm events. Extends from the floodplain surface to one foot above the baseline floodplain elevation, unless a higher elevation is justified by local H&H modeling.
Proposed floodplain trapping zone area (acres)
The floodplain trapping zone is where low-energy conditions encourage trapping and filtering of sediments and organic matter in the floodplain during and shortly after storm events. Extends from the floodplain surface to one foot above the baseline floodplain elevation, unless a higher elevation is justified by local H&H modeling.
Pre-restoration treatable flow (%)
Enter a number between 0 and 1.
Treatable flow is the percentage of flow which accesses the floodplain while remaining below the 1 ft elevation cap (unless a higher elevation is warranted based on H&H modelling), with baseflow removed. This value is expressed as a percentage and is calculated outside FieldDoc.
Post-restoration treatable flow (%)
Enter a number between 0 and 1.
Treatable flow is the percentage of flow which accesses the floodplain while remaining below the 1 ft elevation cap (unless a higher elevation is warranted based on H&H modelling), with baseflow removed. This value is expressed as a percentage and is calculated outside FieldDoc.
Stream length upstream of project (miles)
What is the total length of stream above your restoration project? Measure in miles
Soil nitrogen concentration (lbs/ton) (optional)
This value is optional. In the absence of site-specific monitoring data, this model uses the median soil nitrogen concentration of 4.82 lbs/ton, as recommended by the expert panel report.
Soil phosphorus concentration (lbs/ton) (optional)
This value is optional. In the absence of site-specific monitoring data, this model uses the median soil phosphorus concentration of 1.13 lbs/ton, as recommended by the expert panel report.
Protocol 4: Stormwater performance standard
Steps to enter data for qualifying conditions
Enter a separate set of measurements for each treated load source.

Protocol 5: Outfall and gully stabilization
For full consideration by grant administrators of these Protocol 5 results, you must upload a map of 1) the extent of the Protocol 5 application and 2) a longitudinal profile of the existing conditions, proposed conditions, and equilibrium slope conditions.
Steps to enter qualifying conditions
Calculate the existing and equilibrium channel conditions
Calculate the total prevented sediment by inputting the following information into a 3-D surface modeling program such as InRoads or Geopak.
- Length of proposed project reach (ft)
- Channel slope (ft/ft)
- Bank height (ft)
- Bottom width (ft)
- Top width (ft)
- Bulk density (lbs/ft3)
- Base level control
- Equilibrium bed slope (ft/ft)
- Equilibrium bank slope (ft/ft)
- Future channel width (ft)

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