Engineering

Fish passage and aquatic organism connectivity is one of the most critical aspects of river restoration. Fish have an amazing ability to find habitat once they have access, and our fish passage designs strive for volitional fish passage at all flows. Whether it’s a fish ladder, a diversion screen, or a stream simulation culvert, our designs are robust and able to accommodate all species.

Nature-based solutions (NbS) protect, sustainably manage, or restore ecosystems to address societal challenges while benefiting both people and the environment. Our projects, including coastal marsh restoration, dune stabilization, and the creation of living shorelines, are designed to buffer against storm surges, reduce coastal erosion, and improve water quality. These efforts are cost-effective and compatible with existing infrastructure, providing natural defenses that adapt to changing conditions. Additionally, we restore wetlands to absorb and filter water, protect forests to capture carbon and reduce erosion, and restore rivers to mitigate flooding. By enhancing both coastal and inland ecosystems, our solutions contribute to resilient communities and sustainable environmental health.

The SWCA team has led or been a key team member of more than 25 dam removals across the country. Our successful leadership extends across the entire process that includes planning, design, permitting, and overseeing construction of dam removals. Our expertise with these legacy projects is unrivaled due to our on-the-ground experience and involvement with all phases of project execution, including community and stakeholder outreach.

SWCA’s floodplain services are rooted in a deep understanding of watershed processes and floodplain regulatory requirements. When projects are located in floodplains, our team can recommend the best solution to evaluate flood risk and also walk you through the potential regulatory permitting process. Our team are experts in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements, as well as understanding how local floodplain ordinances may deviate from the national standard. SWCA delivers solutions that streamline floodplain permitting process and balance development needs. When working outside regulatory floodplains, our team employs advanced modeling techniques to analyze floodplain dynamics, ensuring that projects are resilient to flooding and other water-related challenges. With a focus on both preconstruction and post construction phases, we ensure that floodplain management strategies align with project delivery scheduling, long-term operational success, and sustainability goals.

SWCA’s living shoreline design services focus on creating nature-based solutions to address coastal erosion, flooding, and habitat degradation. We combine expertise in coastal erosion research, fluvial geomorphology, and hydrologic assessments to design sustainable and resilient shorelines that protect ecosystems and communities. SWCA’s living shoreline projects incorporate green infrastructure and natural materials to stabilize shorelines, reduce wave energy, and enhance habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species. The solutions are both scientifically sound and cost-effective, tailored to integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure while promoting long-term ecological and climate stability.

SWCA’s engineers and drafters delivers comprehensive design services, from initial concepts through final construction drawing sets. We serve the full range of markets, from solar and generation, to transmission, to mining. Our engineers collaborate closely with environmental and cultural resources teams to evaluate the need for stormwater management controls, and to ensure successful and rapid permitting. We strategically design these systems to optimize buildable space while preserving the site’s natural features and minimizing environmental impact.  We can offer revenue generating opportunities through enhanced mitigation and restoration design elements.

SWCA’s stream restoration engineering services are designed to revitalize and sustain the dynamic environments of natural waterways. Our team applies expertise in fluvial geomorphology, natural channel design, and watershed hydrology to restore stream channels to their natural form and function. By addressing erosion control, sediment transport, and habitat enhancement, we develop solutions that improve water quality and support diverse aquatic communities. Our stream restoration projects are carefully planned to ensure regulatory compliance, minimize environmental impact, and foster resilient ecosystems. Through innovative engineering and scientific insight, we deliver sustainable outcomes that enhance the ecological integrity and hydrological balance of stream systems.

SWCA’s watershed master planning services are comprehensive and science-driven, aimed at restoring and preserving watershed health while addressing societal and environmental challenges. The team integrates expertise in watershed hydrology, sediment transport, and ecological restoration to develop master plans that improve water quality, enhance aquatic habitats, and mitigate flooding risks. SWCA’s approach includes asset inventory and assessment, advanced hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, and modeling of watersheds to create actionable plans tailored to the unique needs of each project. The master planning efforts are both innovative and effective, designed to meet regulatory requirements, support sustainable development, and promote ecological balance across diverse environments.

SWCA’s wetland restoration engineering services focus on restoring and enhancing wetland ecosystems to promote biodiversity and improve water quality. Our team specializes in ecological restoration techniques that address hydrological regimes, soil conditions, and native vegetation establishment. By leveraging our knowledge in wetland hydrology and sediment dynamics, we create designs that restore natural water flow and habitat complexity. Our commitment to regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship ensures that wetland restoration projects are executed efficiently while fostering resilient ecosystems. Through a blend of scientific expertise and engineering innovation, we deliver sustainable solutions that support the ecological and hydrological functions of wetlands.