Design

Lake Design

To create an exceptional water resource, it takes a seasoned and diversified team of professionals. Aquatic Consultants utilizes a team of professional lake design architects, engineers, construction managers, and career-fisheries biologists to transform your imagination into reality.

In the process of building a lake, the design phase is probably the most important step. Our team of professionals work to create a conceptual lake design based on a combination of your vision and our expertise. We work very closely with our clients during this phase, as making changes at this stage of the process saves time and costly change orders after construction begins.

Once a conceptual lake design has been approved, we move into the final design phase, in which construction documents are prepared. The detailed documents include all components of the construction project, including lining systems, pump systems, aeration systems, shoreline treatments, fish habitat, water features, dams, vaults, engineered wetlands, and any other component of your project. This phase of the project also includes all civil and geotechnical engineering, and hydrology. Water rights issues, 404/401 permitting, HEC Dam Breach Analysis, construction permits, and all other necessary State and Federal permitting issues are addressed during this stage of design.

Stream Design

The design and engineering for the restoration of natural streams or construction of new streams is a complex endeavor. For stream renovation, it can include hydrological analyses, floodplain analyses (HEC-RAS modeling), cross sectional habitat surveys, longitudinal profiles, assessment of sediment transport loading, bed materials sizes, fisheries surveys, and macroinvertebrate surveys. From these parameters, a conceptual design can be formulated that will combine the hydraulics of the river with the goals of the landowner. Once approved, ACI develops final design and construction documents for permitting (404/401 permitting) and construction of the stream restoration.

Although artificial streams aren’t quite as complex as natural systems, significant design and engineering is required to create a system with adequate flow to provide aesthetic appeal and a quality fishing experience. Available water, gradient, and water use are all considered when designing an artificial stream. Grade control structures are placed in the appropriate locations to ensure that riffles, runs, and pools are created and the stream performs similarly to a natural stream.

Engineering

Aquatic Consultants maintains working partnerships with selected engineering firms based on project specifications, industry specialty and experience. If you would like more information about our engineering partners, please contact us directly.