Church Creek Flood Storage & Resiliency at Crosstown Church

A nature-based solution helps reduce flooding, improve water quality, and enhance ecology on frequently flooding church property.

In working with the City of Charleston to create the Flood Storage and Resiliency Action Plan for the Church Creek basin, Biohabitats identified and prioritized opportunities to implement nature-based solutions for flood control. One such opportunity was on the grounds of Crosstown Church. Located within the downstream limits of the basin, the property was experiencing chronic flooding. In 2015, for example, the church property flooded three times—once so severely that, according to the Church’s website, “We literally kayaked through the church.” The church’s parking lot, which is shared by an adjacent church, captures 7.32 square miles of drainage area. In addition to stormwater runoff, the landscape and drainage system on the property had been impacted by tidal influence and historic phosphate mining practices.

Building on a preliminary engineering study and working with the site’s existing topography and flow paths to minimize grading and disturbance, Biohabitats developed a nature-based solution to reduce runoff, improve water quality, and enhance local ecology and biodiversity. The design incorporates techniques such as floodplain benching, wetland creation, and native plantings. The wetland design, which features hummock-hollow grading, varied topography, and diverse plant communities, aims to mimic and regenerate the site’s natural hydrology and ecosystems. The design also preserves mature, healthy native trees.

Slated for construction in 2027 this project will not only yield flood control and ecological improvements, it will help protect an important spiritual, social, and cultural space for residents of West Ashley.

TAGS

• Construction
• Design
• Ecological Restoration