The Lower Walnut Creek Restoration Project has earned Project of the Year from the APWA’s for excellence in the management and administration
Unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA – The Contra Costa County Public Works Department is pleased to announce that the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (FC District) has been awarded the American Public Works Association (APWA) 2023 Public Works Project of the Year Award.
The FC District has received APWA’s 2023 Public Works Project of the Year Award for the FC District’s excellence in the management and administration of the Lower Walnut Creek Restoration Project (Project). The Project is a multi-benefit project that will improve habitat quality and diversity, provide outdoor recreation and environmental education, and strengthen regional flood protection for the residents of Contra Costa County.
For more information about the FC District or the Lower Walnut Creek Restoration Project, please visit: www.contracosta.ca.gov/floodcontroldistrict
From the Website:
The Walnut Creek watershed is the largest in Contra Costa County, draining over 150 square miles, and containing eight cities and over 300,000 residents. The lowest, or most downstream, portion of this watershed is called Lower Walnut Creek, and it consists of a wide trapezoidal earth channel with levees on one or both sides. It is populated with a diverse assortment of wildlife both in the water and in the adjacent marshlands.
Sediment Buildup & Restoration
The channel is heavily impacted by sediment and has partially silted up, which affects its flood carrying capacity. But removing the sediment also removes the habitat and wildlife, and the sediment would quickly return. Something needs to be done. But what is the best solution? A restoration project is the answer.
This web page is focused on the Flood Control District’s Lower Walnut Creek Restoration Project, which re-evaluates the antiquated design and maintenance practices of the Lower Walnut Creek flood control channel, and envisions a sustainable interconnected system of tidal and seasonal wetlands, open waters, and uplands.
Long-Term Vision
The Flood Control District’s long-term vision is to have a sustainable channel that provides critical flood protection in a way that is more compatible with the plants and animals that call the creek home.
Other objectives include improving the level of flood protection and expanding recreation opportunities along the creek.
Local Control
On June 10, 2014, President Obama signed legislation that removed the Corps of Engineers from management of the lowest 4 miles of Walnut and Pacheco Creek. Now, the creeks between the BNSF Railroad and the mouth at Suisun Bay are locally controlled by the Flood Control District and restoration work can go from concept to reality.
About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:
Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels, and other drainage and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sandbag Distribution and Flood Control throughout unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and Byron Airport in Byron.
For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org
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