Division of Finance and Administration
News - Week of January 10, 2004
One Mile Branch Creek Feasibility Study
January 10, 2004
A first order, alluvial, urban stream called One Mile Branch flows into the university campus at Patterson Street with a watershed drainage area of approximately 160 acres. The natural stream bed functions have been altered over the years threatening the stream’s stability and its ability to carry water and sediment through the campus. Alterations include channel straightening and relocation, floodplain filling, streambank armoring with concrete chunks and sandbags resulting in a loss of reparian vegetation and streambank erosion.
The Campus Beautification Committee chaired by Dr. Brad Bergstrom (Biology) has authorized the retention of Jennings Environmental, LLC, an environmental consulting services company. Project manager Dr. Greg Jennings is to complete a feasibility assessment of One Mile Branch. The study is to determine if the stream can be cost effectively restored with consideration to water quality, stream stability, aesthetics, flooding and educational opportunities for students.
On January 10, 2004 field data was collected by Jennings Environmental to characterize the watershed. This data will be compiled into a final report in a couple of months. A presentation to the university community is targeted for April. Pictured is a member of the Jennings team measuring the stream bank across from the university library addition.
