Sediment Removal Rain Delay

I’ll start off this update with a few words on the weather. It’s raining again.

In this aerial photo taken on August 28, you can see the two main work areas separated by the diversion channel that carries Malletts Creek through the site. Progress can be made when sediment can be removed the from the work area on the left (old pond) and spread out to dry in the area on the right (previously a grassy field). The diversion channel isolates Malletts Creek to protect it during construction.

Had this picture been taken last Thursday, you would have seen both work areas flooded. This has happened on numerous occasions this summer. When it does, it takes several days to pump the area dry and start working again. I want to point out that most of this water comes from the site itself and from storm sewers draining the surrounding neighborhoods, not from Malletts Creek. At no point during construction has the Creek overtopped the diversion channel.

There are only 3-4 days needed to remove the last of the sediment from the old pond area. As that sediment is removed, work can begin on creating the new pools, pathway, bridge and embankment. If the weather cooperates, this can be done fairly quickly.

Sediment will continued to be hauled away as it dries out in the open field. When it is, construction of the overflow wetland can continue in that area. While both of these tasks may be concluded this year, it is likely that we cannot make up for all the time lost. If that is the case, the focus will shift to stabilizing the site for the winter using temporary seed, coconut erosion control fabric, mulch, and other measures. There is room in the schedule to make up for lost time next season.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please email me.