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Natural channel design principles mitigate impacts of densely developed watersheds

At a Glance

  • 6.9K

    Linear Feet (Stream Restoration)

  • 170M

    Stream Channels Evaluated

  • 1

    FEMA CLOMR

Location
City of Aurora, Colorado
Offices
Client
  • City of Aurora
Partners
  • Mile High Flood District
  • Olsson Associates
  • ERO Resources Corporation
  • CEI Constructors
Award
CCA Annual H20 Awards for Top Natural Waterway/Wetland Restoration/Preservation (>$6 Million)

Toll Gate Creek Confluence Channel Improvements

Stream channels in the City of Aurora were experiencing significant erosion and degradation due to rapid urbanization within the watershed. The result? Diminished water quality and an increased flooding risk for infrastructure. Following our detailed geomorphic assessment, the City of Aurora kept Â鶹´«Ã½ on to lead a multidisciplinary team in developing stream restoration and sanitary sewer protection designs, a regional trail system, and floodplain study. Throughout the design, permitting, and construction phases, our team and Aurora Water kept the city, its residents, and the environment¡¯s best interests at the core of the project.

We used natural channel design and bioengineering techniques to stabilize the eroding stream channels and enhance aquatic, riparian, and terrestrial ecosystem function and condition. Improvements included establishing new channel and associated floodplain corridors, creating appropriate riffle/pool morphology, reestablishing emergent wetlands, and replanting native plant species. Our team provided construction oversight and field engineering, allowing for flexible field changes and design optimization throughout implementation.

The new floodplain provides increased water storage capacity¡ªreducing the risk of flooding to adjacent properties¡ªand improved aquatic and riparian habitat. Public accessibility was also enhanced throughout the riverscape with a new regional bike trail that connects to an extensive existing trail network.

At a Glance

  • 6.9K

    Linear Feet (Stream Restoration)

  • 170M

    Stream Channels Evaluated

  • 1

    FEMA CLOMR

Location
City of Aurora, Colorado
Offices
Client
  • City of Aurora
Partners
  • Mile High Flood District
  • Olsson Associates
  • ERO Resources Corporation
  • CEI Constructors
Award
CCA Annual H20 Awards for Top Natural Waterway/Wetland Restoration/Preservation (>$6 Million)

Â鶹´«Ã½ addresses the challenges of urban creek restoration

Kate Klavon took attendees at the CASFM Conference 2021 on a virtual walk-through of Toll Gate Creek, an innovative urban stream restoration in Colorado.

Meet Our Team

Kate Klavon, Senior Water Resources Engineer

I work to restore ecosystems to the benefit of both the natural environment and human society.

Kate Klavon

Senior Water Resources Engineer

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