Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Public Works - Roads & Drainage
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): 3, 5, 6, 7
Snapfinger and Sugar Creek Study Agreement with the Corps of Engineers
Body
Information Contact: Peggy V. Allen
Phone Number: 404-294-2878
PURPOSE:
To approve the attached agreement with the Corps of Engineers to complete the study of the Snapfinger and Sugar Creek Basins, and to authorize the payment of $600,000.00 to complete the study.
NEED/IMPACT:
To restore significant ecosystem function, structure, and dynamic processes that have been degraded.
Ecosystem restoration efforts will involve a comprehensive examination of the problems contributing to the system degradation and the development of alternative means for their solution. The intent of restoration is to partially or fully reestablish the attributes of a natural, functioning, and self-regulating system which, once partially or fully reestablished, will:
1. Return storm water flows to a sustainable level
2. Reduce peak flow by at least 10% for the 2 year storm event
3. Improve riparian and floodplain functions
4. Improve water quality in Sugar and Snapfinger Creeks
5. Restore physical aquatic habitat conditions. This will be shown by:
a. Improving physical habitat conditions in Sugar Creek by at least 5%
b. Improving physical habitat conditions in Snapfinger Creek by at least 10%
6. Increase the aquatic biological diversity in fish and macro invertebrates. This will be shown by:
a. Improved Fish Index of Biological Integrity (FIBI) and Benthic Macro Invertebrate Index (BMI):
i. Sugar Creek
1. Improve FIBI by at least 3%
2. Improve BMI by at least 10%
ii. Snapfinger Creek
1. Improve FIBI by at least 7%
2. Improve BMI by at least 15%
7. Stabilize the stream banks in the project areas
8. Restore the native tree cover along the streams
9. Remove and control invasive plants, which will allow beneficial plants to grow and thrive
10. Restore the connectivity between streams and floodplains
11. Introduce public access trails and recreation near river corridors
Significant funds have been invested in this effort, totaling $3,070,360.00 shared equally between DeKalb and our federal partners. This contribution should complete the study.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$600,000.00
$300,000.00 from Storm Water Utility
$300,000.00 from Watershed Management
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
Approve the attached agreement with the Corps of Engineers to complete the study of the Snapfinger and Sugar Creel Basins, and to authorize the payment of $600,000.00 to complete the study.