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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