Reference no: EM132604807 , Length: 600 Words
Professional Engineering and Design Services for a Stream Restoration Project on Twelve Mile Creek
Overview and Background
The MBNEP has secured funding from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council and the RESTORE Act to facilitate stream restoration projects within the Twelve Mile Creek tributary. Twelve Mile Creek, one of six main tributaries within the Three Mile Creek Watershed, originates in the extreme southwestern portion of the watershed and flows through concrete armored channels, concrete culverts, and natural channels over three miles north and east from its headwaters to its confluence with Three Mile Creek at Municipal/Langan Park. The concrete armored channels prevent natural infiltration of stormwater to groundwater which results in increased water volume, flow velocity, and flooding in the stream channel. A major issue in unarmored reaches within the upper portions of Twelve Mile Creek tributary is stream-bank erosion. Sediment from channel and bank erosion has accumulated downstream, reducing creek water depth and the cross-sectional flow area, resulting in higher water flow velocities during storm events. This has led to further channel erosion and sediment transport to downstream lakes at Municipal/Langan Park, carrying pollutants including oxygen-demanding substances and nutrients.
Project Goals
Project goals include development of project plans and designs to achieve the following:
• Improvement of water quality in Twelve Mile Creek
• Reduction of stream flow velocity and energy
• Increased stream connectivity with the floodplain
• Reduction of sediment loads
• Stabilization of stream banks
• Reestablishment of native vegetation in riparian areas
Project Objectives
Objectives for the project include:
• Identification and selection of project location.
• Complete preparation of a stream restoration project for construction readiness.
• Securing all necessary regulatory approvals and permits.
• Addressing the needs and interests of all landowners within the project area.
• Acquiring signed access agreements and easements necessary to construct the project.
• Developing budgets, project schedules, design drawings (3000.60%, 100%).
• Consensus with project partners, regulatory agencies, and private landowners.
• Community support for the project