Carpenter Creek restoration begins

EPA Section 319 funded Carpenter Creek Stream Restoration and Flood Reduction Design/Build Project broke ground on Monday October 12, 2015. A Design/Build team of HR Green, Inc. and Applied Ecological Services, Inc. was chosen by Carpentersville, IL for this unique multi-use federally funded Project.

The proposed improvements along Carpenter Creek will include approximately 9,200 linear feet of stream bank stabilization to minimize critical erosion of the stream banks and to improve water quality by minimizing sediment and sediment-bound nutrient loading to the Jelkes Creek Fox River Watershed. In addition, a portion of the stream will be relocated to provide for meanders and wetland basins along with providing flood reduction for approximately 40 homeowners who may see a lowered flood insurance premiums as a result, once the letter of map Revision (LOMR) is approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“We’re excited to partner with the Village on this important project. We’re glad that we were able to help the Village in securing the federal funds to help offset the costs on this $1.1M project and to also bring our team experience in engineering design and bioengineered solutions to, not only provide flood reduction and alleviate erosion and sediment, but to also create an attractive, long-term enhancement to the community,” said Project Manager Ajay Jain.

The project includes tree clearing, earth excavation and grading, installation of pools and riffles, wetland enhancements, rain gardens, restoration of a riparian buffer and stream bank stabilization using native plants. A two-stage floodplain channel is being proposed and the low flow channel will be meandered to the extent practical to mimic natural channel behavior and prevent further erosion and channel migration due to erosive forces along the stream Additionally, wetland enhancements, stone riffles and native vegetation will be installed along the stream north of Maple Avenue.

Just downstream of Maple Avenue, the Village is also taking the initiative to implement green infrastructure concepts within the Carpenter Park. The portion of Carpenter Creek that flows through Carpenter Park will have a riparian buffer installed on both banks of the stream. Additionally, eight rain gardens will be installed immediately adjacent to the stream.

Originally founded in 1913, HR Green has offices throughout the United States including McHenry, Yorkville, New Lenox and Evanston, Illinois. HR Green provides engineering and technical and management services to clients in the following markets: Transportation, Water, Governmental Services, Senior Living, Energy and Land Development. For more information, see www.hrgreen.com.

Please contact Project Manager, Ajay Jain at (815) 759-8331 for any questions.