Shipley's Choice Dam Rehabilitation

The Shipley's Choice Dam was a 20 ft high earthen embankment constructed in 1980 to create an instream stormwater management pond for the Shipley's Choice subdivision.  In 2006, an enlarged wet area was discovered on the dam's downstream slope prompting emergency corrective work. Further engineering evaluations determined that long-term repairs would not be effective. The project included:

• Remove dam and provide stable stream system along Bear Branch.
• Replacement of 66" culvert pipe underneath W. Benefield Rd.
• Closure of W. Benfield Rd. between Pixie Drive and Severnside Dr.
• Removal of dam embankment.
• Monitoring stream segments that are below and above the dam area.
• Rehabilitation of the entire Bear Branch stream segment.

The benefits of the rehabilitation include the following:

• Protection from potential property damage.
• Bear Branch restoration will mimic the pre-development conditions.
• Allows fish passage under W. Benfield and extends Bear Creek fish passage to North of Benfield Boulevard.
• Reduce sediment flow to the Severn River.