Over the decades, the pressures of industrialization and the efforts of flood control agencies have changed the nature and habitat quality of many of our streams and rivers Recently, stream restoration and decommissioning of unimportant dams has become a significant part of restoring health of a watershed. We have embraced the challenge of stream restoration through our efforts culminating in the first regulated dam decommissioning in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Currently, GZA is authoring the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Dam Removal Manual in conjunction with the Riverways Section of the Commonwealth Division of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Environmental Law Enforcement.

Streambank stabilization has become "softer" throughout the years, focusing on bio-engineered methods in lieu of reinforced concrete, stone rip-rap or other more traditional stabilization methods. Our experience in this field enables us to provide more natural stabilization solutions which better address bank erosion, sediment loading, and water quality issues while also restoring streams which are compatible with their natural surroundings.