RDG was contracted by a sustainability-focused developer to propose and evaluate daylighting alternatives for over a mile of stream buried under a golf course in the Santa Monica Mountains.  RDG conducted geomorphic surveys of the local tributaries to arrive at appropriate restoration strategies.

RDG typically prepares a Design Basis Memorandum to summarize and document the site assessment and preferred concept design.  The regulatory agencies rely heavily on this document for their project review during the permitting phase.

RDG conducted geomorphic surveys of Rodeo Creek and two major tributaries to document the current site conditions and evaluate the health of the resource.  This work was the foundation for the design of a tailored restoration approach that combined passive strategies such as cattle exclusion and active restoration such as enlargement of the channel floodplain.

RDG assessed the meadow health to develop an understanding of the complex interaction between the meadow surface and subsurface hydrology, vegetation, topography, and management of the Drum-Spaulding dam upstream, which delivers water throughout the summer that is an order of magnitude greater than the natural condition.  Through this analysis, RDG was able to create several robust restoration designs that responded to varying assumptions about hydrologic inputs, land uses, and cost.  RDG’s designs were used to advocate for meadow restoration during the Drum-Spaulding Federal Energy Regulatory Commission re-licensing process. 

RDG's final design for this step-pool reach of Wildcat Creek was built for half the cost of the original concept design developed prior to RDG's involvement.  When RDG was selected to provide final design and construction administration services, we assessed the site and determined that a geomorphic approach to step-pool creation was the most appropriate design strategy.  This strategy allowed the banks to remain untouched and the majority of the native vegetation to remain, while also creating a more naturally functioning stream channel.  Through careful assessment, RDG was able to recommend this approach which resulted in significant savings for the client and improved aesthetics for the golf course.