Culvert installation into running streambed
Culvert installation into running streambed
(OP)
We would like to install a culvert in a running streambed, in order to provide better access to a back lot on a farm.
The stream is small, I don't know flow rates, etc, but I would say it is 2 inches deep, 18" wide, at the most. The flow rate doesn't appear to change dramatically, even after large rains, as the stream originates not far from where we need to cross and isn't fed by a major run-off.
The creek bed is somewhat marshy, with really solid soil starting about 5' on either side. This is the best point for crossing, otherwise we'd try to find a place with drier surrounds.
With that context, we are curious to know what we should do to stabilize the creek bed prior to installing the culvert. The culvert size we are planning to install is 36". Should we put a certain kind of gravel in? Should we install the culvert parallel to the stream and then divert the stream to flow through the culvert, giving us a drier working area? Should we surround the culvert with gravel, or just backfill with soil from the vicinity? How much soil should we cover the culvert with in order to cross the culvert with heavy farm equipment, including excavators?
Any advice is greatly appreciated, as this is a DIY project and we don't have much experience.
The stream is small, I don't know flow rates, etc, but I would say it is 2 inches deep, 18" wide, at the most. The flow rate doesn't appear to change dramatically, even after large rains, as the stream originates not far from where we need to cross and isn't fed by a major run-off.
The creek bed is somewhat marshy, with really solid soil starting about 5' on either side. This is the best point for crossing, otherwise we'd try to find a place with drier surrounds.
With that context, we are curious to know what we should do to stabilize the creek bed prior to installing the culvert. The culvert size we are planning to install is 36". Should we put a certain kind of gravel in? Should we install the culvert parallel to the stream and then divert the stream to flow through the culvert, giving us a drier working area? Should we surround the culvert with gravel, or just backfill with soil from the vicinity? How much soil should we cover the culvert with in order to cross the culvert with heavy farm equipment, including excavators?
Any advice is greatly appreciated, as this is a DIY project and we don't have much experience.





RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
The culvert is metal, so we'll add extra fill over the pipe. Also, how much lower than the stream should the metal pipe be inserted? Would it still be 18" below the flowline?
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
We are currently planning to dig a new trench for the culvert and then redirect the stream through it, once installed, so that we aren't working in the mud.
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
f-d
¡papá gordo ain't no madre flaca!
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
36" CMP (corrigated metal pipe) is what I am picturing to be used to provide a crossing over a running stream.
RCP would be better if your loads are sizeable. I would (temp.)divert the stream (or temp. dam if poss.) place 3"-6" inch aggr., and walk it down if possible, to accomodate the btm. of the new pipe (FL) to be at or below your existing creek btm. (install pipe in existing creek bed)
The large aggr. has worked well in the past for single and multiple RCP's.
I would not expect you to encounter Environmental issues (USACE, regulatory agencies, or otherwise) unless you are performimg this work for someone other than a private individual. You should however stabilize (perenial vegetation) all fill materials exposed to the stream.
If you are subject to environmental scrutiny, backfill the pipe with non-erodible material (aggregate) up to a point above the area(s) that are in contact with the stream then begin normal fill operations. The stream is considered waters of the US, however regulatory agencies (at least around here) do not "usually" approach folks on their own property.
Sounds like you are in a rural area.
Sloped ends are nice additions to this type of crossing.
Happy Trails
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
I don't make the laws, but they can bother a project like this just as easily as a big commercial job.
f-d
¡papá gordo ain't no madre flaca!
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
We are in a rural area and have looked into the rules re: stream crossings. It seems that agricultural purposes end up incurring much more lenient rules than residential, so hopefully we will be ok by the law.
Re: the crossing weight. Most of the time the culvert will be crossed with pickup trucks and tractors, however, we are hoping to also be able to cross with excavators, which can get very heavy; though this would be rare. We've already purchased the pipe and put it in the streambed, but have not backfilled yet. Is the combination of our crossing load requirements and metal pipe not feasible? Must we use concrete pipe? Can we mitigate the weight issue by adding more fill on top? What sort of material should be used for backfill/over the top in order to provide the most strength?
Thanks again.
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
Regarding mitigation, if the creek is considered habitat or supports fish life, you may want to consider adding a course of streambed material along the flow line of the culvert. This will require to oversize the culvert and install it deeper so you can match the existing flowline. Contact your local fish-and-game office to learn more.
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
We do plan to put a good top layer of crushed aggregate.
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
Thanks again for your feedback.
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
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RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
If this work is upstream from some folks who like to call regulatory agencies perhaps rogerrogers may get some company.
But surely placing a CMP in to cross a stream would not warrant corps involvement, "mitigation", Individual Permit. Come on.
If farmers got the agencies involved everytime they put a cross pipe in it would be a little bit ridiculous, wouldn't it?
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
Not so harsh please. We don't know what state the OP is in, we don't have any drawings, the idea of a stream crossing for an excavator and multiple culverts may imply something that has some width and there could be associated wetlands in the riparian buffer. Then again, I may be incorrect. I brought up the topic, but it doesn't feel right to be seemingly discredited. You can take any position you want and it's fine with me.
Regarding the pipe backfill: The service load from trucks, excavators and the like are not supported by the pipe, per se. There is load transferred to the pipe and for the pipe to deform the soil on the sides of the pipe has to yield. Folks have already mentioned that the intimate contact of the compacted backfill below the spring line is critical. So, if you don't have a stable subgrade and muddy conditions at or below the haunches, you'll be inviting problems. Another consideration is the amount of soil fill above the top of the pipe. Several feet being much better than several inches and such.
Regarding agricultural work v. commercial work - not sure of the distinctions in the eyes of the local environmental agencies and the US Corps of Engineers. If permitting is required there may be some state permit or nationwide permit to assist (i.e., simplify).
Good luck.
f-d
¡papá gordo ain't no madre flaca!
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
My apologies sir, I should have included an emoticon. My intentions were non-malicious, but rather directed at my frustration towards the current regulatory agency process.
You are absolutely correct in directing the OP to local and federal guidelines regarding any construction that affects Waters of the U.S. Hoagie mentioned a USACE nationwide 39; a nationwide 14 may be better suited for this work with regard to Notification requirements.
Further more, you are also correct in stating the obvious about the unknown location of proposed culvert installment. Many states have more stringent rules about this type of work due to unique and apparent circumstances, which certainly is germane to this application.
The last 20 years I have witnessed large sums of money spent to satisfy someones interpretation of EPA guidelines.
RE: Culvert installation into running streambed
OP: There's some good stuff to consider on this thread. Hope it all helps and your project works out great!
f-d
¡papá gordo ain't no madre flaca!