Crossing & Culvert Maintenance


* Permits and heavy equipment may be required: Depending on the size and/or detail of the project.
TOOLS:
- Shovel
- Saw
- Wheelbarrow
Crossing & culvert maintenance includes ensuring the structural integrity and capacity of the structure is intact, and that it functions well under average daily flows, as well as during large storm events. Lasting benefits can include:
• Protection from potential crossing failure
• Providing fish and wildlife passage
• Protection for upstream & downstream property flooding
Clogged culverts can cause flood damage to upstream and downstream properties.
Maintaining crossings and/or culverts located on your property ensures that they will function correctly both on a daily basis and during flood events. This includes large bridge crossings, as well as smaller culverts.
A failed crossing can cause damages to structures or property upstream or downstream of the structure. Ensuring that your crossing doesn’t fail during a flood also ensures that there is emergency access to your property. Aquatic habitat connectivity and fish passage is another benefit of a property maintained crossing or culvert.
When investigating a crossing to determine if maintenance is necessary, there are four general areas that need to be evaluated:
Do’s and Dont’s of Crossing & Culvert Maintenance
Do’s
Familiarize yourself with the original intent / design (when is it clogged, when it is not)
Consider wildlife/fish passage accessibility
If unsure when inspecting, reach out to an engineer or your watershed coalition to help evaluate the capacity/size of the culvert
Dont’s
Don’t release sediment into the stream
Don’t disturb wildlife homes