Springfield Pins Hopes on Jordan Creek Flood Control

Jordan Creek's existing channels and covered conduits are inadequate to carry the flow of stormwater that has increased with growing development in the Jordan Creek watershed. As a result the creek has flooded repeatedly, damaging area businesses.

EPA Region 7 is providing $65,000 in technical assistance to the City of Springfield to assess the 21 abandoned industrial properties with the ultimate goal of improving local ecosystems and reducing flood damage.

"This is another important step in determining the future potential for improvements in Jordan Creek that flows through the heart of Springfield," said Congressman Roy Blunt, announcing the grant on Monday.

"These old industrial and commercial sites can be returned to use, but first we have to identify any potential hazards the sites contain," said Blunt. "The EPA's assistance will help determine environmental hazards and unlock the job-creating opportunities in the Jordan Creek watershed."

Jordan Creek flooded in 2000, causing damage to businesses. (Photo by Underground Ozarks)

Jordan Creek has flooded many times. In 2000, flooding caused an estimated $1.85 million in damage, including the interruption of traffic on main thoroughfares and rail lines.

EPA's assistance, provided through its Targeted Brownfields Assessment program, is expected to reduce flood risks in the commercial area, and reduce pollution in the stream, which should also improve environments downstream.

The City of Springfield, and the Little Rock District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are partnering in a feasibility study of the Jordan Creek watershed for the purpose of flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration.

The $3 million, 50-50 cost-shared feasibility study began in May 2004 to define problems and opportunities, describe and evaluate alternative plans, and identify a recommended plan for construction. It is expected to be complete this year

Flood control measures to be considered include structure relocations, detention ponds, open channels, and in congested areas, enlarging underground culverts such as the already large Jordan Creek Tunnel that runs a little over half a mile beneath downtown Springfield.

Development along Jordan Creek has decreased riparian habitat and water quality. The Corps believes that opportunities exist to restore ecosystem habitat and improve water quality with constructed wetlands, water quality sediment basins, and riparian enlargement.

In conjunction with ecosystem restoration and flood damage reduction, increased recreation opportunities such as hiking or biking trails could be considered.

In the late 1990s, the City of Springfield recognized the need to address and reuse contaminated sites within the Jordan Valley Corridor. In 1999, the city received an EPA Brownfields assessment grant that was used to define contamination issues at brownfields properties located in the corridor, and to support the community's vision for the future.

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2009. All rights reserved.