McCutcheon Pond

This study was conducted at the McCutcheon Pond site in the City of Chattanooga. The site, a
1990s-era detention pond with a sand filter, is slated for dredging and pump station construction
in early 2025, and this study documents the baseline ecological and hydrological conditions. The
study area spans over 11 acres and is characterized by its rare open canopy environment and
native plant communities. Conducted by Tierra Environmental Consulting experts, the assessment
informs decision-making based on urban wetland science while ensuring regulatory compliance
and conservation efforts. 

Key issues addressed included ecological preservation by establishing pre-disturbance
biodiversity and habitat data, stormwater management through site hydrology analysis,
mitigation efforts by identifying potential plant salvage opportunities, and regulatory compliance
through thorough site documentation. Our team of experts used methods such as randomized quadrat sampling for plant surveys, soil sampling, and both excavation-based and single-ring infiltrometer tests for
stormwater infiltration testing.