Newell Water Quality Enhancement Project

The overall goal of this project is to provide ecological uplift to the Newell watershed by preserving, restoring and enhancing the physical, chemical and biological integrity of streams and wetlands. The specific goals are to:

• Decrease pollutant loading from the Newell watershed through the implementation of structural stormwater control measures (SCMs) and non-structural Best Management Practices (BMPs);
• Increase geomorphic and habitat values within the watershed through stream restoration/enhancement/preservation and wetland restoration/creation/enhancement/preservation, if appropriate;
• Provide detention to control stormwater peak flows to reduce erosion and/or flooding within, and downstream of, the Newell watershed, if appropriate;
• Generate maximum wetland mitigation credits.

The Newell watershed has been identified as a high ranking candidate for water quality improvements by the City of Charlotte Storm Water Services. A feasibility study was performed in April 2018. The associated Newell Watershed Stabilization – Planning and Concepts Report (Feasibility Study Report) provides a limited and rapid assessment of the watershed and the proposed water quality improvement concepts. The Feasibility Study Report recommends outfall stabilization and wetland restoration/enhancement/creation. Accordingly, approximately 4,000 linear feet of stream channel, 0.62 acres of existing wetlands, and four SCMs that were identified in the Feasibility Study Report as well as other potential improvements will be evaluated in the planning phase of this project.