Sawmill Brook Watershed Project

Culvert Analysis, Green Infrastructure Study and Impacts of Climate Change


Funded by a grant from Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management


Manchester experiences frequent flooding and water quality impairment in the Sawmill Brook Watershed (PDF). Both issues are exacerbated due to a combination of hydraulic restrictions from culverts and the Center Street tidal dam, stormwater runoff from developed areas, a highly channelized stream system and poor infiltration conditions. Flooding and water quality problems will be magnified in coming years due to climate changes and expansion of impervious areas from future development.
Rainbow Smelt
This project will evaluate the required capacity of existing culverts and
bridges under different climate change and land use scenarios including implementing
”green” stormwater improvements and alternative flood storage solutions at key locations
in the watershed. Once complete, this project will support science-based informed decision
making relative to future infrastructure investments.

This project compliments the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan Enhancement Project (funded
by FEMA and administered by MEMA). The project will incorporate potential impacts of climate
change on critical sectors in town into the hazard mitigation plan.
Learn more at: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan Enhancement.