Ecofilter Wetland Improvements

The Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society’s (EMAS’s) mission is to promote an awareness and appreciation of nature, to preserve and protect wildlife and natural ecosystems, and to encourage responsible environmental stewardship.  EMAS’s Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary is comprised of an ecofilter wetland that is located in an urban setting with aging infrastructure.  The wetland helps to filter contaminants from stormwater runoff and captures a large amount of sediment before the pollutants travel to the adjoining Beaver Lake.  The wetland also provides habitat for wildlife in an urban area. 

Recently, there has been some localized flooding at the bird sanctuary.  Altamont was contacted to help improve the functionality of the wetland and restore it to its original design.  Over the years, sediment has been deposited into the wetland via stormwater runoff and has filled in much of the area.  In addition, outlet structures have clogged and/or are no longer functioning properly.  Altamont is developing a dredging plan to bring the elevation of the wetland back to its original design level and redesigning the outlet structures to restore their functionality.  In addition, the inlet pipe to the wetland will be replaced with a rip-rap-lined channel that will include a permanent sediment basin.  This should help mitigate the level of sediment reaching the wetland while also allowing for easier maintenance of the wetland.  As part of this project, Altamont is preparing a grading permit with the City of Asheville, preparing construction plans and specifications, and providing construction observation and administration services to EMAS.