At a Glance
A low head dam was removed and rock cascades were installed to provide fish passage and stabilize the stream bed.
Project Description
West Creek is a tributary of the Cuyahoga River that flows nine miles through the Cleveland, Ohio suburbs of Parma, Seven Hills, Brooklyn Heights, and Independence. This densely populated watershed is part of the Ohio and Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor giving it historic significance within the region.
Due to development and suburban growth, the West Creek Watershed has undergone severe environmental disturbance. Impacts to the watershed and stream include, failing septic systems, uncontrolled stormwater runoff, landfill operations, combined sewer overflows, and channel modifications including concrete armoring, significant relocation and straightening. These actions have resulted in impaired ecological condition through much of the West Creek Watershed.
As part of a multidisciplinary team Biohabitats prepared stream restoration designs for 10 reaches, totaling over one mile of West Creek. The primary goal of the project was to restore channel stability and ecological functions to the impaired stream. Specific objectives included reducing channel and bank erosion, improving fish passage, enhancing in-stream and riparian habitat, protecting existing infrastructure, and minimizing long term maintenance.