Minnesota Water Resources Conference - Water Resources Center ...

Poster Session 4:45–5:45
BOOK OF ABSTRACTS
Tuesday, Monday, October 27 23
Innovative Techniques to use Plants and Soils for Stormwater Services in Ultra Urban Environments
with Limited Open Space
Peter MacDonagh, The Kestrel Design Group, Inc., pmacdonagh@tkdg.net
Opportunities for bioretention abound even in ultra urban areas dominated by impervious surfaces. This
presentation will discuss various innovative techniques to maximize bioretention and improve our urban
ecology in urban areas by growing plants on roofs and walls, as well as increasing bioretention potential on the
ground by extending plant rooting volume under paved surfaces for maximum bioretention volume and tree
growth. Qualitative and quantitative benefits will be discussed as well as local, national, and international case
studies. Innovative techniques like these are invaluable in ultra urban areas dominated by impervious surfaces
where there is a high premium on open space, and all the more so in areas with inadequate storm sewer
capacity, like Washington DC, where even a tenth of an inch rain event results in a combined sewer overflow and
stormwater discharge. These techniques could also be invaluable in alleviating inadequate storm sewer capacity
in many urbanized parts of the Twin Cities.
Targeted Stabilization of an Urban Stream
Stephanie McNamara, Vadnais Lake Area Management Organization, Stephanie.o.mcnamara@vlawmo.org; Eli Rupnow,
Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.; David Schuler, St. Paul Regional Water Services
A feasibility study commissioned by Ramsey Conservation District (RCD) was completed in 2005 with the
charge of stabilizing a downstream reach of Lambert Creek in Vadnais Heights. Vadnais Lake Area Watershed
Management Organization (VLAWMO) has coordinated implementation of the three highest priority locations
identified in the plan, beginning winter 2007. Numerous erosion concerns were addressed as part of this first
phase of the feasibility study implementation. Large gully remediation, gabion failure, bank weeping, discharge
outlet scour, and headcuts were all addressed using a variety of constructed practices including a rock vane,
large gabion replacement, drain tile installation, rip rap armament, drop structure construction and coir log toe
protection.
The stabilization construction effort concluded the final phase of a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Clean
Water Partnership Project aimed at reducing phosphorus loading in Lambert Creek, a tributary to Vadnais
Lake, reservoir for the St. Paul water supply. Monitoring flumes were replaced at two locations along Lambert
Creek to better monitor the pollutant loading to Vadnais Lake. RCD contributed grant funding toward the
stabilization design. VLAWMO considers this multifaceted project a pilot. The watershed hopes to partner with
the St. Paul Regional Water Services, local municipalities and agencies, as well as neighbors along to creek to
continue to restore targeted reaches of Lambert Creek.
Results of the 2008 monitoring effort are not known at this time, but will be discussed. The creek is listed for
bacterial impairment on the 2008 MN impaired waters list.
Minnesota Water Resources Conference, October 27–28, 20078 46