Stormwater Projects
Ballinger Park Hall Creek Restoration Project
In order to fulfill this component of the Ballinger Park Master Plan in a cost-effective manner, the city approached the US Army Corps of Engineers as a project partner. A preferred creek restoration design has been selected and developed to the 100% design level. The preferred design was selected using input from the public and from city staff, as well as through extensive analysis by the Army Corps on maximizing project benefit while minimizing project cost. The project is a cost share, with the city paying 35% of the engineering and construction cost, and the Corps paying 65%.
PROJECT BENEFITS
- Removal of old, non-functional tennis court
- Creek floodplain reconnection
- Protection of existing trail and field use
- Installation of channel diversification (boulders and large wood pieces)
- Removal of bank armor
- Bank restoration
- Invasive plant removal
- Addition of riparian and wetland native plants
- Addition of overstory and understory native plants around ponds and wetland areas
- Protection of habitat areas with signage, boardwalks, and fencing
- Construction of new creek channel with increased habitat potential
- Installation of pedestrian/maintenance bridge over new creek channel
- Construction of extensive flyover boardwalk to provide access to park visitors and protect sensitive areas
- Protection of sight lines for park safety
- Creation of educational signage targeted to specific audiences (dog walkers, fishermen, kids, etc.)
- Fulfillment of the environmental protection component of the Ballinger Park Master Plan
Estimated completion: Spring 2024.
Ballinger Park Hall Creek General Site Plan
56th Avenue West (Main Street) Stormwater System Upgrades
Problem: Significant street improvements are scheduled for the 56th Avenue West area. The age and condition of the stormwater pipes in this area will require numerous relocations, repairs, and replacements.
Solution: Stormwater pipes to be repaired, replaced, or relocated during the pavement replacement.
Estimated cost: $1,000,000
Estimated completion: 2024
52nd/212th Stormwater System Replacement
Problem: Broken stormwater pipes are causing pavement and sidewalk failure, as water leaking from the pipes during storms undermines the road edge. Replacement is complicated by multiple utilities in the same area, including a gas line over the stormwater pipes.
Solution: Replace multiple failed stormwater pipes with one larger pipe away from the edge of the road.
Estimated cost: TBD
Estimated completion: Summer 2023
Completed Projects
Hall Creek Fish Passage and Flood Reduction Study
Problems: Currently, there are several culverts on Hall Creek which may or may not be fish passage barriers; more information is needed to determine the degree of blockage to fish in this area of the city. In addition, undersized culverts on Hall Creek may be exacerbating flooding issues. The city wishes to reduce flooding to roads and private property in the upper part of the creek system while avoiding moving the flooding problem downstream.
Solution: Assess fish barriers using WDFW guidelines in order to determine where the most severe fish barriers are located. For flooding reduction, collect survey information and develop a hydrologic model showing what would be needed to address flooding all along the Hall Creek corridor. Analysis to include review of flows, culvert capacity issues, and the impact of sediment load transport within the system. Study is anticipated to produce a prioritized list of fish passage and flooding reduction projects.
Hall Creek Technical Memo (2023)
Estimated cost: $149,000
Completed in 2023
213th Place SW Rockery Repair
Problem: A large hole has formed behind a rockery on Hall Creek, causing the rockery to fail and sediment to be washed downstream during high flows. Sediment has settled downstream, smothering life in the creek bed and potentially contributing to flooding.
Solution: Excavate behind the failed wall, restore the backing with gravel wrapped in geotextile, and rebuild the rockery. Also includes bypass of Hall Creek and construction provisions to protect fish and other aquatic life.
Estimated cost: $210,000 (includes engineering, permitting, and construction)
Completed summer 2022.
Taylor Pond Rehabilitation
Problem: Taylor Pond, located at the corner of 66th Avenue West and 216th Street SW, was constructed in 1980 as a regional detention and water quality facility. Forty years later, the pond is clogged with excessive sediment and invasive vegetation, reducing the capacity of the pond to store stormwater and improve water quality.
Solution: Rehabilitate Taylor Pond by removing accumulated sediment and excessive vegetation; replant native vegetation to return the pond to a fully functioning condition.
Estimated Cost: $360,000
Completed fall 2021.