Great Meadow watershed restoration study - supplemental hydrologic and hydraulic study report

VHB

From the introduction: "In September 2022, VHB completed a comprehensive study of the Cromwell Brook watershed and Great Meadow wetland, titled Great Meadow and Cromwell Brook Restoration Study (2022 study) for Acadia National Park and Friends of Acadia. The primary focus of this study was the replacement of a reinforced concrete pipe culvert that carries Cromwell Brook under Park Loop Road at the outlet of the Great Meadow. VHB performed a hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) study to support the design of a new larger stream-simulation culvert crossing with a nature-like weir, which is aimed to mitigate flooding and restore healthy wetland function. Based on the results of the 2022 study, VHB identified other opportunities to improve the health of the Great Meadow and Cromwell Brook watershed. VHB observed areas of poor wetland connectivity, concentrated flow, scour, and channel erosion in locations around the perimeter of the Great Meadow that required further investigation. Acadia National Park and Friends of Acadia asked VHB to refine the previously developed hydrologic and hydraulic models of the Great Meadow area to include detailed analysis of the cross-culverts and associated subwatersheds along Park Loop Road, Great Meadow Drive, Sieur de Monts entrance, and the Hemlock Path."