Creek Daylighting
Type of Development
Redevelopment, Reconnection
Topography
Hills, Valley, Baylands
Longevity
Long Term
Environment
Natural Habitat, Urban
Maintenance
Low
Cost
Daylighting reduces long term costs of storm drain management and water treatment as well as flood damage. Long term cost-benefit analysis: There are little to no maintenance costs. In certain studies, costs are estimates to be $1000 per linear foot daylighted (although range from $15-1,500). Most projects are upwards of $100,000 (nrc solutions). However, daylighting projects may be eligible for Clean Water Act 319 funding, brownfield programs, FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance, and state clean water/drinking water revolving funds. (nrc solutions) Residential economy increases dramatically when water features are nearby.
Overview
Stream, Creek, and River Daylighting refers to removing obstructions, such as concrete, to provide a natural path for water to flow, which creates greater storage capacity during flooding events. The flow of water across a landscape naturally curves, so widening and loosening the stream path prevents floods by slowing water and allowing it to flow in a less constrained area. Streams are a valuable asset as they supply and control water, allowing sediment and nutrients as well as animals and other organisms to flow through watersheds. The water they carry encourages plant and tree growth and reduces surrounding temperatures and pollution.
Function
Daylighting establishes natural environments while reducing wildfire risk, mitigating flooding events, and reducing pollution.
Benefit
Creek daylighting slows water speeds and decreases water volume over a given area, thus decreasing flooding potential downstream. Restoring creeks will allow hydraulic connectivity which will direct sediment flows to the bottom of the watershed, rather than building up in the middle, causing more flooding potential. Water features increase property value and positively impact community health. Creeks create habitats for native organisms and encourage tree and plant growth.
Dependency
Hydrologic system, space
Development Considerations
Most streams are buried in highly urbanized areas, potentially buried under parking lots or even buildings. Full daylighting may not be possible, but major excavation will be necessary. There must be enough space to properly widen the stream so that banks are stable and sloped. Heavily urbanized areas may have utility lines, parking lots, buildings, and other structures that prohibit a small scale project. Within these areas, daylighting streams is still possible and all the more important. However, it would become a massive undertaking that can completely revitalize an area, bringing economic stability and community health. Additionally, power of stream, flooding sites, sediment load are all relevant. Monitoring of streams is important for data for further daylighting projects.
Environmental Considerations
Depending on how many non native plants are located near river, removal might be necessary. Native plants are extremely valuable. Understand underlying soil types and channel material (silt, clay, sand, gravel) to ensure consistency and limit future problems. This will also allow success in a long term projects and stronger banks on creeks.
Maintenance Consideration
In the first years of implementation, consistent monitoring, especially after large floods is necessary to ensure success in the project. Maintenance and additional supplies are needed up to two years after implementation. After the stream bed and plantings are established, however, much less maintenance is needed than is necessary for gray infrastructure.
Cost Considerations
Daylighting reduces long term costs of storm drain management and water treatment as well as flood damage. Long term cost-benefit analysis: There are little to no maintenance costs. In certain studies, costs are estimates to be $1000 per linear foot daylighted (although range from $15-1,500). Most projects are upwards of $100,000 (nrc solutions). However, daylighting projects may be eligible for Clean Water Act 319 funding, brownfield programs, FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance, and state clean water/drinking water revolving funds. (nrc solutions) Residential economy increases dramatically when water features are nearby.
