Why is this project being done?

For several years, City staff have responded to inquiries regarding stormwater concerns in the Green Road/Narrow Gauge Way Nature Area. Specifically, the privately-owned detention basin in The Forest development receives runoff from the upstream area, including sediment from erosion in the entire upstream drainage area and runoff from the immediate neighborhood. The detention pond is working as it was designed in 1989, but requires maintenance and sediment removal. However, there are concerns regarding stormwater management and sediment erosion from the stream banks of Millers Creek, upstream of Green Road.

Work done

City staff has worked to complete a Drainage Study and Analysis of the entire upstream creekshed area to identify opportunities to minimize erosion and sedimentation along the entire Millers Creek channel. This project includes field assessment, hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, stream bank assessment, and recommendations to address concerns that can be included in the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for future construction.

Cost and funding source

This Drainage Study cost an estimated $75,000 to be paid from the Stormwater Fund.

On September 17, 2024 the city held three virtual information sessions to share the study's drainage analysis and recommendations.

• Information Session Presentation (PDF)
• Information Session Recording (Youtube)

On April 30, 2026 the city held a public meeting to share the study's final report, its findings, and recommendations.

• Public Meeting Presentation (PDF)
  • Findings
    • In the short term, the City should focus on managing woody debris, stabilizing streambanks with low-impact methods, and removing inorganic material from the channel, while private parties are responsible for inspecting and maintaining the culvert under Green Road, maintaining the detention basin annually, and removing fencing and trash along the creek.
    • In the long term, the City should plan and scope a larger streambank stabilization project for inclusion in the Capital Improvement Plan, while private responsibilities remain ongoing, including continued culvert inspection, detention basin maintenance, and cleanup of fencing and debris along the creek.
  • Recommendations
    • In the short term, the City should address woody debris, remove invasive species, add native plantings, use soft engineering for stabilization, and clear inorganic material from the channel. Homeowners should remove fencing near the culvert, begin regular inspections and maintenance of the culvert and detention basin, and support community education on keeping waste out of the creek.
    • In the long term, the City should develop a streambank stabilization project for the Capital Improvement Plan and continue managing the natural area, while homeowners maintain ongoing inspections and upkeep of stormwater infrastructure and reinforce community awareness about preventing creek pollution.

City staff have received the final report of recommendations for the Narrow Gauge Creekshed Study and evaluated their feasibility and appropriate next steps. The larger recommendations will be incorporated into the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) process, where they will be prioritized alongside other stormwater projects. At this time, no construction timeline has been established.

• Final Report (PDF)

Memos

• April 10, 2026 (PDF)