The Realignment of Love Creek

S&ME provided stream and wetland permitting and design services as part of the expansion of a large retail facility. The scope included 1,160 feet of Love Creek, 330 feet of an adjacent tributary, and a small wetland. The design also included a greenway at the request of the City of Knoxville which increased the overall stream length by 90 feet.

S&ME’s innovative approach utilized a new type of natural channel design technique combined with more traditional hydraulic engineering methods. The restoration included the use of rock vanes, j-hooks, and step pools. The design also needed to comply with “no-rise” provisions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and City of Knoxville.  To satisfy those requirements, the team modeled the surface water flow using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers HEC-2 and HEC-RAS programs. The design also incorporated construction storm water management systems. This project provided several benefits to the community including allowing an existing “big-box” retailer to expand in place rather than relocating and creating a “gray field” site as well as improving the natural resource value of Love Creek. The construction and mitigation project was completed on time and schedule.

Highlights

• Permitting and design of stream and wetland