OLD 99 CREEK

Project Name: Old 99

Client/Project Owner: California Department of Water Resources - Urban Streams Restoration Program, City of Redding, Sacramento Watersheds Action Group (SWAG)

Project Designer: John McCullah, fluvial geomorphologist, SWAG

Technique(s) Demonstrated: Cross Vanes, Willow Posts and Poles, Vegetated Riprap with the Bent Pole Method, Vegetated Mecanically Reinforced Earth

Geographical Location: The project area is located on a tributary of Sulphur Creek called "Old 99 Creek" in north Redding, California. Elevation within the project site ranges from 560 to 740 feet above mean sea level.

Geomorphic Setting: Old 99 Creek is a small intermittent urban creek that is approximately 1,000 m (3,500 ft) long. Old 99 creek is a tributary to Sulphur Creek, a seasonal urban stream located in Redding, California.

Two old homesites and a large concrete culvert were obstructing Old 99 creek and had accumulated an estimated 5,000 yd³ of sediment in the creek bottom. This project removed the homesites, culvert, and sediment down to the historic creek bottom, and stabilized the restored channel with a series of 4 rock cross vanes and liberal willow post planting. A second component of this project was the removal of 2 undersized metal culverts and replacement with 3 larger concrete culverts. The upstream bank of the creek was treated with vegetated riprap, as it had been experiencing severe erosion due to scour during high flows.

Performance Period: The project was implemented in the winter of 2002-2003. Visual inspections of the site continue to be performed.

Project Description: The abandoned 36” concrete culvert that was plugging the channel in Hwy 99 Creek was removed, along with both old house sites that were located in the floodplain of the creek. The restoration of this reach involved the removal of over 5,000 yd³ of sediment, and clearing over an acre of invasive Himalayan Blackberry (Rubusdiscolor Weihe & Nees) and Bigleaf Periwinkle (Vinca major). These restoration actions together reduce the potential for flooding downstream, decrease sediment production into Sulphur Creek, and increase the diversity of both aquatic and terrestrial habitat in and immediately adjacent to the stream channel.

After the sediment plugs were removed from the channel, four cross vane structures were installed to stabilize the newly-daylighted stream channel. Willow poles were liberally planted in and around the structures, and near the stream channel. In addition, all disturbed areas that were not directly in a stream channel were seeded and mulched with native grass species, and native shrubs were planted throughout floodplain areas. Biotechnical work coincided with the dormant stage of native riparian species (November through March).

Photo Documentation:

Before – Note abandoned culvert channeling water.

During construction – Culvert has been removed, and Beltline pilings are being placed.

After construction – The willows are vigorous, and the channel is adjusting to the new structure.

Before	During construction – Note the pole planting within the structure.
After construction – The channel is adjusting to the new structure.	November 2004, looking downstream.

Before

During construction – Note the pole planting and instant shade around the structure.

Less than 1 year after construction.	November 2004. One of the cross vanes failed, due to lack of footer rocks.

During installation of vegetated riprap.	Before
	After
November 2004