Two District projects win CASFM awards
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Two of the Grange Hall Creek sculpted structures. |
Two projects sponsored in part by the District won awards at the annual conference of the Colorado Association of Stormwater and Floodplain Managers (CASFM) held in Steamboat Springs in September. Brief descriptions of the projects are given below.
The winner of the Grand Award was the Grange Hall Creek Channel Improvements. Local sponsors were the City of Northglenn Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments. The lead consultant was Muller Engineering Company, Inc. with Wenk Associates.
A 6,000-foot length of channel in Northglenn was stabilized through the use of sculpted and colored concrete drop structures. Existing 15- to 25-foot vertical banks were filled and laid back while preserving trees and wetlands. A wildlife habitat island was created in one location, and a portion of vertical bank was retained for nesting birds. A water-quality pond and a sedimentation basin were built on the North Tributary. A trail bridge-crossing was designed/built similar in appearance to the drops. The project was constructed from May 1999 to April 2001.
The Jewell Wetlands project received an Honor Award at the same conference. Local sponsors were the City of Aurora Utilities and Parks and Open Space Departments. The lead consultant was ICON Engineering, Inc. with Design Concepts.
A 57-acre natural area was preserved and enhanced in Aurora. Drainage and flood-control protection was provided to a residential area and downstream city-owned facilities through construction of channel stabilization and a flood-control dam/reservoir. Wetland and upland-area educational opportunities were included through the use of a boardwalk and interpretive signs. A hummingbird viewing area was created. Volunteer efforts, including schools and citizen participation, were extensive as was fundraising involving multiple partners. Design was initiated in 1997 and construction was completed in 2000.