Rock-solid
SOLUTION
Partially grouted riprap technique increases flood protection for Colorado city at reduced cost
by Tawny Quast
Sand Creek winds through approximately 7 miles of northeastern Colorado Springs, Colorado, through City and private property. Over the years, the sparsely vegetated stream has experienced significant erosion, causing its banks to degrade significantly and compromise bridge and utility crossings and subsequently, public safety.
Continued urbanization of Colorado Springs watersheds over the last several decades has caused stream channels to suffer from an imbalance between their decreased sediment and increased stormwater runoff. The City has attempted to stabilize Sand Creek through a variety of ways over the years, but lack of funding and access put the City in a constant catch-up mode against the forces of Mother Nature.
The consequences of this cycle for Sand Creek were dire, explained Steve Jacobsen, who was project manager for the City of Colorado Springs during the Sand Creek stabilization work. In one stretch, two sanitary sewer crossings and wastewater pipes that run along the creek bank were exposed due to erosion.
Repairs made to protect an exposed gas line and other infrastructure also
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