Case Study on Technologies and Approaches for Urban Stream Restoration

Ken Barry, PE, D. WRE
S&ME, Inc.
Knoxville, Tennessee

Authors: Ken Barry, PE, D. WRE and Patrick McMahon, PhD, PE, S&ME, Inc.

Urban stream restoration is challenging since project sites are situated in highly modified watersheds that deliver elevated peak flows, diminished base flows, and pollutant laden waters; are hydro-modified and/or lined with hard armor; and are constrained by utility, transportation, and building infrastructure resulting in diminished or non-existent aquatic and riparian habitat and impaired water quality. This case study describes the key technologies utilized for the recently constructed (2019) enhancements to the Second Unnamed Tributary to 4th Creek in Knoxville, Tennessee (formerly known as the “Grand Canyon of Knoxville”) at the Summit Medical-Deane Hill facility including design considerations, construction challenges, and early monitoring results. The project site receives run-off from the 1970s vintage West Town Mall. Constraints included highly modified flows; infrastructure interferences; primary site access through an active medical complex; and limited room for construction equipment operation and staging of equipment, supplies, or excavated soil. This project mixed “traditional” materials (large rock riprap, cross-vanes, constructed riffles, and riparian plantings) with newer technologies (two-dimensional hydraulic analysis, tied concrete block mat, bionic soil media/high-performance flexible growth media, and stormwater bio-retention) to meet the challenges at the site in a cost-effective manner.

About Ken Barry, PE, D. WRE

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