Grand Glaize
Creek Restoration

Ballwin, Missouri

Client:
TGB, Inc. / Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District

Terra Technologies was retained to prepare a detailed Restoration Plan to restore stream conditions of a 1,500-foot section of Grand Glaize Creek that had been damaged as part of sanitary sewer construction activities. The objective of the plan was to restore the stream and ecosystem to pre-construction conditions with areas of deep pools, riffles, trees (aquatic and wildlife habitat) and a meander to the flow of the creek. A form of composite revetment (rip rap with willow cuttings) was originally planned for the area. However, as a subcontractor to TGB, Inc. on this project for the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD), Terra Technologies recommended a biotechnical alternative that was more habitat friendly and aesthetically pleasing, self-maintaining with a significant cost savings.

The residents in the area were opposed to any form of revetment due to its unappealing aesthetics as compared to pre-construction conditions. A sudan grass erosion control blanket was specified due to the organic material component’s ability to biologically isolate significant quantities of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium within the plant biomass. The restoration plan included a seed blend of native grasses and numerous wildflowers including organic soil conditioners, microbiological inoculants and organic remedial agents. The plan also included enhancing the riparian corridor with RPM trees.

Terra Technologies performed construction oversight of restoration activities in early November 2001. Upon completion, the Corps of Engineers was very pleased with the stream restoration and commented that the biotechnical alternative implemented was a more appropriate and superior approach to restoring the stream as compared to a composite revetment.

The vegetation is now established and the stream banks are stabile. The completed project has been well received by the residents along the stream.