Site Walk on January 15, 2026
With the construction of the Miracle Drive and Plum Creek Drive Stream Restoration Projects complete, we invite all interested residents and stakeholders to a
As part of Montgomery County’s responsibility to reduce pollutants in our local streams and rivers, the County’s Department of Environmental Protection will stabilize eroding stream and outfall channels in the Goshen Estates Community in Gaithersburg. Restoring and stabilizing the impaired stream and outfall channels will improve stream function to significantly reduce sediment and associated nutrient loading within Upper Great Seneca Creek, Goshen Branch, Seneca Creek, and the Potomac River.
Typical outfall, immediate post-construction.
Typical outfall at full maturity, in Spring/Summer.
Typical outfall at full maturity, in the Fall/Winter.
Outfall stabilization at Miracle Drive will help restore deeply incised outfall channels to enhance channel stability, improve biological conditions and significantly reduce sediment and nutrient loading downstream.
Native vegetation, including grasses, trees and shrubs will be planted within the riparian buffer to reduce soil compaction, stabilize erodible soils, and filter storm flows. The riparian buffer will be permanently protected by an easement.
A temporary construction access point will cross the valley floor from Plum Creek Court to the project location and belocated to avoid impacts to trees and natural resources.
Parking for data collection will occur on Plum Creek Court.
Limited tree removal will occur to facilitate access and construction or in cases where a tree is dying or at risk of falling. Material from trees will be used on site for in-stream structures and for wildlife habitat. Trees that are removed will be replanted. The intent of the design is to minimize tree loss to the maximum extent practicable.
Outfall Stabilization is the practice of implementing a stable channel that extends from an upland stormwater source to a receiving stream channel. It provides a permanently stable stormwater conveyance through engineering practices such as grading, step-pools, cascades and/or rock stream bank protection.
Restoring the impaired stream channels will reduce further erosion such that less sediment with associated nutrients are transported from the restored reaches into downstream receiving waters. These improvements, which will be designed to mimic natural features, will support a more resilient and healthy in-stream and riparian ecosystem.
Stream Restoration is a set of techniques used to protect property and infrastructure by reducing stream bank erosion, minimizing the down- cutting of stream beds and restoring natural stream ecosystems.
Typical channel at full maturity, in the Spring/Summer.
Typical channel, immediate post-construction.
Typical channel at full maturity, in the Fall/Winter.
Check back regularly for up-to-date project news and information, including construction alerts and opportunities to meet with the project team.
Montgomery County holds a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit (“MS4 Permit”) issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment under authority delegated from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency which imposes several water quality improvement requirements and goals on the County. This project will support the County’s efforts to achieve water quality requirements by stabilizing eroding streams and outfall channels.
For work at Miracle Drive:
For work at Plum Creek Drive:
All project work will follow strict soil erosion and sediment control requirements set by both the State and the County to minimize dust during construction.
Techniques such as wetting throughout the day, street sweeping, dust screens, and stabilized construction entrances will be utilized to minimize dust and dirt during construction.
There will be some noise disruption during construction. In addition to compliance with standards set forth in the Montgomery County DEP’s Noise Control Law, GreenVest will use noise mitigation techniques to minimize impacts to adjacent property owners. Night work is not anticipated.
GreenVest provides a 1-year guarantee on the completed project which includes providing required maintenance. After this time and into the future, Montgomery County will be responsible for the execution and cost of post-construction stream maintenance, if needed.
For a full list of FAQs, click here.
Residents can sign up to receive email updates and/or text alerts and ask questions of the project team through the contact information below and the form on the right.
info@GreenMiracleDrive.com
If you would like project information in another language or format, or if you require the services of an interpreter, please contact Hilary@GreenMiracleDrive.com.