Black Creek Stabilization Project 2008

The District completed 450 linear feet of streambank stabilization on Black Creek at two sites in the Town of Chili. The project commenced in August, 2008 and was completed 5 weeks later on September 24, 2008. MCSWCD technicians worked with the Town of Chili Highway Department and Department of Public Works to construct the stabilization measures. The stabilization technique used rock rip-rap with a mix of native species planted between the rocks, to allow for a vegetative cover to improve cooling effects for aquatic life, filter pollutants from runoff events, minimize sediment loss, and beautify the surroundings. The project was funded by the Great Lakes Commission through a grant that the MCSWCD received in 2006.

Black Creek Geomorphic Assessment 2010

With grant funds received in 2009 by the Great Lakes Basin Program for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control for the Genesee River Watershed Soil Erosion Control Project, the District planned to stabilize 125 feet of streambank on Black Creek in the Town of Chili in order to reduce approximately 27 tons of soil loss per year. Sediment is listed as a known pollutant source by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation that had impaired aquatic life and stressed Black Creek for aesthetics and recreation. As part of the grant funds received, field data was collected and analyzed to understand the variables which shape the dimension, pattern, and profile of the creek. This process is known as Geomorphic Assessment. Two major watershed areas totaling 11,000 acres were analyzed within the project area and evaluated by cover type, land use, and by soil type using aerial photography. Field data was collected at the site such as conducting a pebble count to verify streambed features, using a total station to survey the streambank and bed along several cross-sections of the project area to determine the creek width to depth ratio, using a total station to survey a longitudenal profile to establish the gradient of the creek, and conducting a bank erosion hazard index (BEHI) survey. BEHI is used to quantify the potential for the bank to further erode by looking at the bank height ratio, bank angle, vegetation root depth and density, bank protection present, and bank materials. All data collected was analyzed to evaluate the existing channel conditions to provide a basis for choosing a best management practice to implement on the site.

Black Creek Stabilization Project 2011

The District completed 125 linear feet of streambank stabilization on Black Creek located east of Old Scottsville-Chili Road, in the Town of Chili. The project commenced on September 12, 2011 and was completed on September 28, 2011. MCSWCD technicians worked with the Town of Chili Highway Department and Department of Public Works to construct the stabilization measures. Severe erosion of the southern bank of Black Creek was occuring at this site, leading to soil loss, steep slopes, and compromising the integrity of the roadway and guardrail above.
Stabilization of the streambank involved the installation of stacked rock rip-rap, deflection stones, and re-sloping of the remaining slope. Live cuttings were planted in the crevices between the stacked rip-rap to provide further soil stabilization, beneficial cooling effects, pollutant filtering, and aesthetic enhancement. Compacted fill and topsoil was brought in to re-slope the banks above the stacked rip-rap. Flexterra (high performance-flexible growth medium) was used to permanently stabilize the newly graded streambank. Upon completion, the stacked rock rip-rap will act as a protective barrier, deflecting the Black Creek currents away from the streambank, preventing further erosion. The project was funded by the Great Lakes Commission through a grant that the MCSWCD received in 2009.

Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District
145 Paul Road, Buildling 5
Rochester, New York 14624
Phone: 585-753-7380
Fax: 585-753-7374
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Page last updated: May 6, 2013