Wolf Run Water Quality Improvement Project - Fayette County, Kentucky
Palmer Engineering, assisted by Geotechnology and Redwing Ecological, completed this project, which included the Cross Keys Park Pond Water Quality Retrofit and Picadome Golf Course Stream Restoration, which were both prioritized project within the Wolf Run Watershed Based Plan. The Cross Keys Park Pond Retrofit incorporated several project elements to transform the degraded surface water into a water quality feature. Improvements included development of a wetland, creation of a sediment forebay, native plantings, and invasive species removal. The Picadome Golf Course Stream Restoration included stream restoration on Big Elm and Vaughn’s Branch, sinkhole retrofit, and the creation of two wetlands/water quality basins.
Due to the existing lateral constraints and the overall size of the stream channel, restoration activities were accomplished primarily through in-channel activities for the Picadome portion of the project. These activities included the establishment of riffles to provide grade control and aquatic habitat and the installation of in-stream structures such as cross vanes and J-hooks to provide horizontal stability and habitat diversity.
Public and stakeholder coordination was a vital part of the Cross Keys part of the project. The residents in this area consider the park an extension of their backyards. Public meetings were held to inform the residents and allow for input and questions. The project team also coordinated directly with the Wolf Run Watershed Council throughout the planning process. A volunteer planting day was held in September 2016 for interested parties to become further involved in the project. Two access points were incorporated into the design to encourage engagement with nature.
The following were included in the project scope: development of multiple concepts for client consideration; public meetings with neighborhood residents and community groups; coordination with Parks personnel on providing a solution that would work with their operations; hydrologic and hydraulic modeling; geotechnical exploration and dam stability analysis; preparing construction drawings and specifications; coordination with state, federal and local agencies on permit approvals and extensions; bidding assistance; and construction administration. A portion of this project was funded through a Federal 319(h) grant awarded to LFUCG by KDOW. These projects were prioritized in the Wolf Run Watershed Based Plan.
