Designing a fully-functional stream and floodplain system tailored to an urbanized watershed
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 Stantec 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—reducing the risk of flooding to adjacent properties—and 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
- Offices
- Client
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- City of Aurora
- Partners
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- 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)
Kate Klavon, Senior Water Resources Engineer
I work to restore ecosystems to the benefit of both the natural environment and human society.
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