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Muddy River Restoration Project
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Flood Control
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Flood Control
The objective of flood control is to remove restrictions in the river so
that the flooding during major storms (such as the flood of 1996) does not
damage adjacent properties or the subway. These restrictions include the
build-up of sediments in the riverbed, the filling of the river accompanied
by extending culverts and the growth of invasive vegetation, such as tall
reeds ( Phragmites ).
After the construction
of the dam on the Charles River, the Fens and the Muddy River were no longer
subject to tidal flushing. Today, there is only a one-foot drop in water
level between Leverett Pond and the Charles River Basin. As a result, over
the years, flow in the Muddy River has diminished as silt and sediment (e.g.
sand) from roadways and other development have filled in the waterway. 
Other
flow restrictions have occurred over the years as sections of the river were
filled and pipes were installed. This occurred at the Fens Bridge and Brookline
Avenue where pipes were installed and the river was filled in the 1940s in
anticipation of roadway widening. In front of the Landmark Center, the river
was filled for a parking lot. These pipes or culverts also restrict flow
in major storms events, contributing to the flooding. Invasive vegetation,
particularly Phragmites reeds, has grown up along the banks and
in shallow open waters resulting in a narrowing of the watercourse. Flood
control strategies will address the three problems that restrict the capacity
of the river:
1. The built-up sediment will be dredged to restore the original depth and width of the river;
2. A combination of “daylighting” and the installation of larger culverts (pipes) will occur in areas where the river has been filled;
3. Invasive vegetation will be completely removed and the historic shoreline restored.
What is “daylighting?” Daylighting exposes sections of the river that have been diverted through underground pipes and opens them up to the daylight. The fill and the pipes will be removed. In their place, the river will be restored as an open stream.
