2007-03-05 Study - Laserfiche WebLink

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Slides were presented looking upstream and downstream of the various bridges o beginning at Olive Bridge to Purdue Bridge. The Corps said there were concerns, as follows: o Water cannot increase in speed into the underground intake, which is the tunnel • downstream from Pennsylvania Bridge, which goes under Vernon. The Corps pointed out that the firehouse was recently reconstructed just upstream • from the North & South Bridge, and that the channel improvements in that area would be somewhat restricted due to the close proximity of the building to the channel. There are many private properties in the flood zone which are prone to flooding damage. o Based on the analysis performed to date by the Corps, there is a positive Benefit/Cost o ratio to the 1988 channel improvement plan. Therefore, the Corps has determined that there is an opportunity for an economically o feasible project. However, the project is the originally proposed concrete bottom, with rip-rap lined channel o walls. The Corps understands that the City wants other alternatives, as well. The Corps o presented project alternatives to reduce flooding problems of private properties, as follows: Channel Improvements • - Rip Rap - Gabion Baskets - Bio-stabilized channel - Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall, “I” wall and/or “T” wall. Detention Basins – Either open or below ground (more costly). Possible • locations include: - Open field just upstream from Groby Bridge, on the north side of the channel. - Open field just upstream from Hanley Bridge, on the south side of the channel - the Village of University Place Common Ground. - Open field just west of the Village of University Place Common Ground. - High school hockey field between Shaftesbury Bridge and Hanley Bridge, on the north side of the channel. - Open field parallel to Mona Drive on the west side of the River Des Peres - Open field just east of Hanley Road and south of Balson Ave. - Potentially buyout apartments just upstream from Purdue Bridge, on the east side of the River Des Peres. This could also be used for a recreational area. Buyouts of private properties • Elevating houses • Sealing off basements/blocking patio doors of private properties • Combinations of above approaches • Recreational opportunities, environmental considerations and appearance of the o improvements were discussed (i.e., a natural appearing stream, recreational trails and open spaces). Issues are as follows: Federal expenditures for recreation cannot exceed 10% of total project cost • Limited existing property for trails, fields, etc. • Continued maintenance of the detention basins would be the City’s • responsibility The Corps must recommend to Congress the channel improvement giving the largest net o benefit.