NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION
AMERICAN RECOVERY & REINVESTMENT ACT GREEN PROJECT RESERVE APPLICATION
Respectfully Submitted May 28, 2009
to Utah Division of Water Quality Shelly Andrews 801-538-6516,
[email protected] 288 North 1460 West, 3rd Floor, Cannon Bldg;
PO Box 144870 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4870
OGDEN RIVER RESTORATION
Applicant: Ogden City
133 West 29th St., Ogden, Utah 84401 Applicant is a municipal government agency, TAX ID # D30467
Project and recipient are both located in Utah’s 1st Congressional District. Congressman Rob Bishop
CONTACT:
Mayor Mathew Godfrey Keith Morey, Community Development Manager
801-629-8941 [email protected]
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: RiverRestoration.Org
Jason Carey, PE / Principal 970-947-9568 [email protected]
Caroline Bradford, Project Coordinator 970-827-4203 [email protected]
BRIEF PROJECT SUMMARY: The Ogden River restoration will create robust stream health in 5,500 feet of the Ogden River. Restoration will be sustained through balancing the channel's function with the nonpoint source pollution from existing hydromodification. The restoration includes a 17 acre riparian corridor easement, flow releases, habitat monitoring and a 50 year maintenance plan. Restoration also anticipates buffering stormwater discharge from future development and appropriately concentrating recreation access.
LEVERAGED MATCH $3,250,000 FUNDS REQUESTED $4,000,000 TOTAL PROJECT COST $7,250,000
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary …….…………………………………… 5
Section 1 Grant Purpose .……..….……………………………………..… 7
Section 2 Project Costs Summary ………………………………………… 9
Section 3 Scope of Project …………………………………………………… 15
Section 4 Timeframe/milestones ………………………………………… 23
Section 5 Location of Project ……………………………………………… 25
Section 6 Waterbody Affected …………………………………………… 27
Section 7 Purpose and Need ………………………………………………. 31
Section 8 Surface Water Problem ………………………………………. 33
Section 9 Benefits To Water Quality / Load Reductions ………. 41
Section 10 Project Plans and Specifications …………………………. 43
Section 11 Agency Personnel Participation …………………………… 47
Section 12 Compliance with NPS/ARRA ………………………………. 49
APPENDICES
A Probable Opinion of Cost Estimates
B Monitoring Plan
C Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
D Signature Page / DWQ Project Ranking
ATTACHMENTS (Bound separately)
Construction Drawings
Preliminary Revised Flood Insurance Maps
Engineering Report (available electronically)
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
An opportunity currently exists to improve stream health of the Ogden River by taking a holistic
approach to redevelopment in Ogden City--starting with the river. The Ogden River runs through an
urban industrial corridor that the City has identified as blighted. The river is also “blighted” as decades
of neglect and abuse have brought the waters into the regulatory process. The river is being proposed
to the EPA for the 2009 303d impaired waters list for not meeting aquatic life designated uses. The
stream health impairment is based on biological assessments. The probable causes are thought to be
loss of habitat, hydromodification, and hydrologic alternation.
Decades of advancing encroachment have choked the river down to its minimal function of flood
conveyance. To reverse this trend in one grand sweep, this project establishes and delineates a formal
“Riparian Corridor Easement” by working with landowners to dedicate portions of land back to the river
environment. The riparian corridor would then be terraced and vegetated with a robust plant
community that interacts with the flows of the river. An interior floodplain can only be established with
this dedication of additional lands that are currently available. The ability of the river to migrate and
adjust its form can only occur with an adequately wide riparian corridor. A cleaned up, restored and
dedicated riparian corridor will improve the biological conditions in the river. The needed lands for the
river will likely only be available for a limited period before private development begins to once again
encroach on these vital riparian parcels.
The Ogden River restoration is an environmentally innovative project that proposes to manage the river
corridor in a more sustainable manner and plan for nonpoint source pollution prevention prior to urban
infill redevelopment. This project proposes to work with partners to release and use a portion of Ogden
City’s existing municipal surface water rights from Pineview Reservoir to better manage stream function.
This effort will attempt to plan and manage reservoir releases in a collaborative manner for aquatic
habitat function, as well as wetland and floodplain connection. Restoration of the physical habitat will
improve the biological health of the river environment.
By implementing the proposed Ogden River restoration project with the Green Project Reserve funds,
the Utah Water Quality Board will join the citizens of Ogden to make a bold and powerful statement
about the importance of healthy river systems in Utah. This is not a project that can be successfully
developed piecemeal by slicing it into bite sized phases over many years. This encompassing
environmental restoration of a degraded urban river is just the sort of large, green infrastructure project
that the Clean Water programs strive to fund, but often fall short.
By implementing the Ogden River restoration in 2009, Utah water quality leaders will not only improve
water quality by restoring over one mile of an important river ecosystem, but will also embrace the
“Bright Green” spirit of the Stimulus Act. This first step will provide long-term economic benefits and
the creation of 80+ jobs directly and many hundreds of jobs indirectly, through the redevelopment of an
entire downtown business district oriented around the river.
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SECTION 1 GRANT PURPOSE:
Nonpoint Source Water Quality Improvements
Buffer stormwater return
Reduce random trampling
Increase riparian cover
Create wetlands
Hydro-modification Improvements
Modify channel dimensions to function with hydrologic impacts
Modify channel hydraulics for beneficial sediment transport
Release water and improve in-channel habitat function
Improve riparian connectivity
Improve biodiversity of aquatic and riparian communities
Improve passive recreation, angling and wildlife watching opportunities
Realign pedestrian pathway
Green infrastructure creation
Create wetland stormwater finishing areas that guide future stormwater plans
Create and retain jobs
80+ jobs directly created by restoration construction
Many hundreds of jobs created by urban redevelopment around the restored river
Promote economic recovery
Guide development of commercial and residential construction in the land immediately
adjacent to the river restoration project
Generate long term environmental and economic benefits from infrastructure investments
Reverse the trend of decay of the Ogden River and surrounding lands by sustainably
restoring the hydrologic and geomorphic function of the river environment.
Install stormwater return areas that anticipate future development needs.
Restore a community center piece that appropriately concentrates recreational use and
provide educational opportunities that will generate new river stewards.
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SECTION 2 ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS SUMMARY
REACH Stimulus Applicant Partners Total ($)
$46,000 $1,692,900 $1,338,707 $3,077,607
RAILROAD Construction Subtotal $2,489,969 $72,249 $0 $2,562,218
WALL Construction Subtotal $470,708 $47,071 $0 $517,779
LINCOLN Construction Subtotal $649,104 $64,910 $0 $714,014
GRANT Construction Subtotal $344,218 $34,422 $0 $378,640
TOTAL PROJECT COST $4,000,000 $1,911,552 $1,338,707 $7,250,259
ASSUMPTIONS FOR COST ESTIMATES
Cost estimates for the completion of the construction project elements, as well as other leveraged funds
referred to in this application, are presented in spreadsheets detailed in Appendix A. Summary
information regarding the leveraged funds is included in this section. Each line item in the cost
summary is outlined below with a brief explanation of the assumptions used to develop the probable
opinion of cost estimates.
1. Feasibility, Planning and Design
The cost of preliminary concepts, planning and design for the Ogden River restoration are being paid for
in full by the project sponsor and other project partners. This includes the cost of developing plans and
specifications for construction bid advertisement. Ogden City is not seeking DWQ/ARRA funding for
these elements. All state and federal funds awarded to the project will go directly to construction of the
river restoration project. The value of the planning and design is included as a portion of the project
sponsor’s leverage in the grant budget.
2. Permit Fees
The Utah State Joint permit for stream alteration which covers the sections 404 and 401 of the Clean
Water Act, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and National Flood Insurance Program
coordination will have fees associated with permit applications. Ogden City is not seeking DWQ/ARRA
funding for permit fees. The value of this portion of the restoration plan is included as a portion of the
project sponsor’s leverage in the grant budget.
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3. Construction
Construction of river improvements generally described in this application and detailed in the
preliminary construction drawings. (Attached.) The cost opinion for construction implementation is
$7,25 million based on generalized quantities estimates. Please refer to Appendix A for more detail.
4. Supervision and Administration
Supervision and Administration are estimated as 1% of implementation costs, and are included in the
expenses that Ogden City is seeking DWQ/ARRA funds for. A portion of the supervision, administration
and reporting will be provided by Ogden City staff and will be included as a portion of the project
sponsor’s leverage in the grant budget.
5. Land Acquisitions and Easements, Relocations, Rights of Ways and Disposals (LERRD’s)
As per the ARRA requirements, no funds will be used for the purchase of land or easements. All the land
within the project’s riparian boundary is being dedicated to the project by the property owners.
Participating landowners throughout the reach have indicated their intent to cooperate with the City to
protect the improvements from future modifications and encroachments by attaching protective
easements to the property that will be held by the City.
Landowners have also indicated their willingness to participate where appropriate by allowing
construction access and staging as well as continued maintenance of the improvements and monitoring
of the biological and physical habitat parameters. Because of the cooperation of the landowners along
the river, land costs are donated to the projects. LERRD’s costs estimate is based on an assumed
average of $30,000 per acre. This figure includes the cost of easement administration, survey, legal, and
title work by the City of Ogden. The value of the land and securing the protective easements is included
as a portion of the project sponsor’s and partner’s leverage in the grant budget.
The appropriate disposal of materials removed during the project excavation will require hauling and
landfill fees as an expense of the project. Concrete and metal waste will be recycled when possible.
There is not a public landfill owned by the City or County and at this time, no in-kind contribution of an
appropriate dump site has been secured on a definite basis, although this effort is ongoing. Waste
disposal is included in the project budget and we are seeking DWQ/ARRA funding for these elements.
6. Appropriate Identification and Disposal of Brownfield’s Waste
The EPA is providing Ogden City with a Brownfield’s grant to identify and test former industrial sites
across the city. The Ogden River restoration project will work collaboratively with the Brownfield
initiative to ensure all river front sites that are likely to be contaminated are tested prior to excavation.
All hazardous waste will be properly removed and disposed of through the river restoration project as a
cost in the construction budget. This is another example of the water quality benefits that will come to
fruition by combining Clean Water protection testing efforts with the potential to actually remove the
contamination once it is identified. Ogden City is not seeking additional DWQ/ARRA funding for testing
of these sites and the value of this testing will not be reflected in this project budget.
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7. Installing Stormwater Vaults and determining sites for future vault placements
There are two stormwater vaults that will be installed in sites where existing City stormwater enters the
river. Additional sites for future stormwater finishing will be designated as will wetland finishing areas.
Ogden City is seeking DWQ/ARRA funding for the vaults to filter existing stormwater pollution. We are
not seeking funding for vaults that will be installed in the course of future development.
8. Operation, Maintenance, Repair, Replacement and Rehabilitation (OMRR&R) Costs
The objective of all operations, maintenance, repair, replacement and rehabilitation (OMRR&R) plan is
to give the project a 50 year lifetime and commitment to success of the project. OMRR&R strives to
maximize native planting survival, to restore structures to as built conditions and/or to adjust structures
that are adversely affecting hydraulics. OMRR&R costs are calculated for the first year, years 2-5 and
year 6 through the project lifetime of 50 years. Costs for OMRR&R were estimated herein as 20 percent
of the construction costs over the 50 year project life. Repair of the paved bike path, maintenance of
the board walk and maintenance of the educational signage will be additional OMRR&R costs. These
costs will be the responsibility of the project sponsor, Ogden City. Ogden City is not seeking DWQ/ARRA
funding for OMRR&R. The value of this portion of the restoration plan is included as a portion of the
project sponsor’s leverage in the grant budget.
9. Collaborative Monitoring Plan
The Ogden River Restoration provides the opportunity for collaborative monitoring of parameters
selected to measure the physical and biological health of the Ogden River. Adaptive Management seeks
to interpret monitoring data and make recommendations for success in reaching project goals. For the
purpose of scoping the conceptual design, Adaptive Management and Monitoring costs were estimated
from the level of effort required over the first five years and re-monitoring every five years thereafter.
While the project application is not requesting any funds to support the monitoring plan, Ogden City and
the diverse agency partners recognize the importance of monitoring physical and biological indicators of
stream health. Ogden City is not seeking DWQ/ARRA funding for these elements. The value of the
monitoring plan will be included as a portion of the project partner’s leverage in the grant budget.
10. Educational, Recreational, & Social Elements
Ogden City understands that construction of project elements solely for recreational purposes without
associated water quality improvements will not be funded by the ARRA funds and we have not included
them in the project. A stewardship ethic is being generated through this project that will foster care
and protection of the river for generations to come. The Ogden River runs through an urban area.
Educating and encouraging the public to access and experience the natural riparian environment in
appropriate ways is a priceless commodity to pass on to future generations.
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There are social and educational elements of the project that are intended to protect water quality from
additional nonpoint source pollution and to protect the riparian planting from random trampling. These
elements include concentrated access points throughout the reach where people can reach the river for
angling opportunities and wildlife watching without causing negative impacts. Currently a paved bike
path has been established along the top of the river bank. Approximately 40% of the path will be off-set
from the stream during the project. Three educational signs will also be installed. These features are
included in the project budget and we are seeking DWQ/ARRA funding for these elements.
There have been suggestions that some recreational features, such as white water play features for
kayaks could be incorporated into the design in order to take advantage of the access and construction
staging opportunities afforded by the restoration project. If these elements are incorporated, they will
be paid for entirely by the project sponsor or other partners. Ogden City is not seeking DWQ/ARRA
funding for these recreational elements. The value of these features will be included in the project
budget as a portion of the project’s sponsor and partner leverage in the grant budget.
11. Voluntary Flow Management
With our stakeholders, Ogden City is exploring the possibility of releases of surface water rights held by
Ogden City in Pineview Reservoir as a component of addressing hydrologic alterations. Ogden City is not
seeking DWQ/ARRA funding for these releases. The value of the water associated with these releases
will be included as a portion of the project sponsor’s leverage in the grant budget.
12. No Other State Project Funding
No other state loans or grant funds are being requested for this project at this time. Project costs and
other leveraged funds are detailed in the spreadsheets in Appendix C.
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SECTION 3
DESCRIBE THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT:
Planning Background
The 1.1 mile restoration project presents an urgent opportunity to work with the Ogden City riverfront
redevelopment to improve the habitat and water quality in the Ogden River. Ogden City is working with
citizens and property owners to create a shared vision for a restored river corridor at the heart of a
revitalized downtown core.
The planning processes for both the Ogden River Watershed restoration and the downtown Ogden City
redevelopment have identified this area as the first major reconstruction priority in Ogden City. While
this first restoration priority is a significant undertaking, it is only one of many major green
infrastructure projects that Ogden City is pursuing to restore the Ogden River along its full length. The
preliminary process of cleaning acres of junked vehicles and dilapidated industrial buildings along the
river front has started. The City and the development community have recognized that the river is
blighted as well as the adjacent lands. Ogden City wants to start redevelopment with restoration one of
our community’s greatest assets: the Ogden River.
Science Based investigation, planning and design for river restoration
Ogden City is proposing river restoration recommendations based on a thorough technical investigation
of what actions will make the best investment for the long term functional health of the Ogden River. A
base line study has been conducted to understand the hydrologic, hydraulic, sediment transport and
geomorphic processes of the Ogden River. Projections of future conditions both with and without the
project have been stated. Goals of restoration and anticipated response have been clearly stated to
allow for adaptive management.
Alternative plans have been developed and are being assessed for cost vs. benefit and comparison with
a No-Action alternative.
Alternative 1 Dedicated Riparian Corridor requires taking action prior to redevelopment in-order to dedicate a defined riparian corridor. Alternative 1 is the preferred alternative as the restoration actions are not hindered by significant development encroachment.
Alternative 2 Post Redevelopment Restoration analyzes the benefits of restoration confined by adjacent properties without significant riparian dedication.
Alternative 3 No-Action Alternative assesses the trends of the degradations and stream health.
This scientific approach ensures that the restoration design is encompassing and the Ogden River functions can be sustainable. More detailed scientific analysis can be found in the Engineering Report.
Lands, Easements, Relocations, Rights of Way and Disposals
All the land within the project’s riparian boundary is being dedicated to the project by the property
owners. Participating landowners throughout the reach have indicated their intent to cooperate with
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the City to protect the improvements from future modifications and encroachments by attaching
protective easements to the property that will be held by the City.
Landowners have also indicated their willingness to participate where appropriate by allowing
construction access and staging as well as access for continued maintenance of the improvements and
monitoring of the biological and physical habitat parameters. Because of the cooperation of the
landowners along the river, land costs are donated to the projects. LERRD’s costs estimate is based on
an assumed average of $30,000 per acre. This figure includes the cost of easement administration,
survey, legal, and title work by the City of Ogden. The proposed “New” riparian corridor is in the
Floodway, which also inhibits future development. The Floodway will be remapped as part of the
project.
The EPA has provided Ogden City with a Brownfield’s grant to identify and test former industrial sites.
Based on past land use practices in the project vicinity, it is likely that contaminated waste will be
identified during the project investigation. The Ogden River restoration project will work collaboratively
with the Brownfield initiative to ensure all river front sites that are likely to be contaminated are tested
prior to excavation.
Construction activities are anticipated to produce significant solid waste materials, clean fill materials
and contaminated soils. Per the Stormwater Pollution, Prevention and Protection Plan, all hazardous
waste will be properly removed and disposed of through the river restoration project. Petroleum
contaminated soils as defined in UAC R315-315-8(3) and other soils or waste containing PCB's as
specified by UAC R315-315-7(2)(a) and (c) shall not be disposed of in the designated Clean Fill Areas and
shall be disposed of, with all other waste material produced during construction activities, in a Utah
Department of Environmental Quality Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste qualified Solid Waste
Facility.
There is a concrete recycling facility near the project that is intended to be used for the significant
amounts of concrete waste associated with this project. All concrete and metal waste will be recycled
when possible. There is not a public landfill owned by the City or County. No in-kind contribution of an
appropriate dump site has been identified on a definite basis, although this effort is ongoing.
Permitting
The Utah State Joint Permit for stream alteration which covers the Sections 404 and 401 of the Clean
Water Act will be required. This permit and the associated coordination with natural resource
managers have been initiated including meeting on-site with DNR staff. An Environmental Assessment
is not required for this funding, however, the permit applications will include alternatives analysis and
benefits comparison to help support any determinations by DWQ that the project has no significant
impact.
The 401 permit will cover lands below the ordinary high water line.
A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) will be required for construction activities disturbing
greater than 5000 square feet. The erosion control information necessary to file a SWPPP is included in
Appendix B. Ogden City is also working to ensure conformance with local MS4 requirements.
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Hydraulic models have been developed to demonstrate that the proposed design will be acceptable to
the Floodplain Coordinator, City Engineering, Pine View Reservoir and other stake holders. Analysis of
the floodplain is a major design consideration. The existing floodplain mapping is out of date with
changes to Bridges and encroachment throughout the project area. Design can maintain the floodplain
and floodway at or below the effective model elevations and in accordance with National Flood
Insurance Program requirements. Data and supporting documentation necessary for Conditional Letter
of Map Revision (CLOMR) submittal is being developed.
Restoration Actions
The proposed project consists of various habitat features to restore aquatic and geomorphic functions
of the Ogden River. Riparian and wetland enhancement is also proposed to buffer urban nonpoint
source pollution, reduce channel temperatures, and provide food sources. Stormwater return areas and
best management practices are proposed to minimize water quality impacts from urban runoff.
Project features include: delineating the riparian corridor, modifying the channel geometry, installing in-
stream habitat features for improved geomorphic and habitat functions, creating interior floodplains,
enhancing the riparian vegetation, bio-stabilizing the banks, installing stormwater finishing areas,
removing extensive concrete and litter and installing appropriately concentrated recreational access.
Future conditions will continue to improve as the hydraulics, sediment transport and geomorphology
would be balanced with the operations of Pineview Reservoir. The quantity, quality and diversity of
both riparian and aquatic habitats will be improved.
Restored Channel Geometry. The objective of modifying the channel geometry is to allow for
flood flow conveyance, decrease entrenchment, and achieve the desired hydraulic radius.
Modifying channel geometry will achieve a heterogeneous channel that diversifies the
depths and velocities, thus creating variable habitat.
In-channel Habitat Features. The objective of in-stream habitat structures is to create a mobile
bed, diversify flow by providing mixing of flow, and create object cover for in-stream
habitat. The plan attempts to restore a state of dynamic equilibrium. Improved
geomorphic function includes: balanced sediment transport, and appropriate riffle-pool
sequencing.
Boulder and log structures will be appropriately placed in the stream and along banks to
directly increase fish holding habitat. The structures will be placed to diversify currents,
scour sediments, reduce local shear forces, and provide adequate depths for aquatic
habitat during low flow conditions. In-channel habitat improvements may have incidental
improvements that reduce channel temperatures and increase dissolved oxygen by mixing
of flow.
The existing riffles are not functioning properly from development impacts; most notably
they are drowned out from entrenchment or altered from concrete and riprap. These
existing riffles will be augmented. Restored and enhanced riffle-pool complexes will
diversify flow, provide in-channel cover for fish and macro-invertebrate habitat, and
promote scour and deposition features.
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The river (plan form at RS 65+00) is recommended to be realigned 20 feet to the north to
increase the bend curvature in order to achieve an appropriate thalweg and balance with
down-stream hydraulics.
Gage Station. The gage station located at RS 57+00 will be replaced. The existing drop
structure is river wide and has 1.5’ of drop. A new control pool for the gage station will be
installed. Replacement of the drop structure will allow for 3 riffle sequences to be
established.
Alternating Bars. Three alternating point bars are proposed. These bars improve stream health
by providing macro-invertebrate and spawning habitat, providing deposition zones during
high flow events, and improving the thalweg during low flow conditions.
Interior Floodplains. Cross section surveys show that the channel is entrenched, and little to no
interior floodplains exist. Significant interior floodplains will need to be constructed.
Interior floodplains provide multiple stream health benefits, which include: increasing the
productivity of the riparian vegetation through microbial activity and nutrient availability;
providing a place for fine sediments to deposit; harboring a diverse community of macro-
invertebrates including early larval forms of stoneflies and mayflies; and increasing flood
flow conveyance.
Riparian Enhancement. A delineated riparian corridor that ranges from 15 to 125 feet wide
provides a defined habitat that will not be developed in perpetuity and will be protected by
an easement held by Ogden City. The existing 3.75 acres of riparian habitat will be restored
to robust conditions. An additional 8.25 acres of riparian habitat will be created. Actions
to restore the riparian corridor include: removal of senescent stands, diversify age groups,
diversify species, plant native barriers to reduce random trampling, and implement a long-
term management plan to control invasive species. The Ogden River will benefit by:
improved filtration from urban runoff, reduced random trampling, increased biologic
integrity of the riparian zone, increased food and habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species,
and increased over-story cover that will help reduce channel temperatures. The proposed
riparian planting plan is in Attachment I.
Bank Restoration. All of the litter, concrete, and crib walls will be removed. Eleven thousand
feet of banks will be stabilized with bioengineered techniques, and hard treatments when
appropriate. The entire length of the project is proposed for bank restoration.
Terrestrial Habitat Features. The increased riparian corridor creates the opportunity to install
terrestrial habitat features. The removed senescent trees, dead fall, and uncovered native
boulders would provide material to create isolated clusters for wildlife hiding spaces.
Stormwater. There are several stormwater pipes and ditches that discharge directly into the
river. Best management practices will be installed at all stormwater discharge points, these
include vaults, wetlands, biofilters, and basins. Water quality degradations from urban
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nonpoint source runoff will be reduced by allowing for settling, filtration, infiltration, and
uptake through biological processes.
Wetlands. Currently there are no wetlands within the project limits. Using donated lands, there
will be space within the riparian corridor to create wetlands. These wetlands will be
located at areas to provide existing and future stormwater return areas. Wetlands reduce
water quality impacts to the Ogden River by increasing the stormwater filtration capacity.
Wetlands will diversify the plant community types and associated wildlife habitat.
Creating wetlands increase the interaction of the river with the hyporheic zone and may
help moderate channel temperature.
Collaborative Flow Management Approaches Incorporated in the Scope of the Project
The Ogden River restoration project proposes to work with partners to release and use a portion of
Ogden City’s existing municipal surface water rights to restore channel functions. This effort will
attempt to plan and manage in a concerted manner the stream flow for wetland inundation, floodplain
connection, sediment mobilization and other geomorphic processes.
Ogden City has an excess storage capacity contract for 2,500 acre feet of water in Pineview Reservoir.
When the water is available to Ogden City, there may be the potential to use a portion of this water to
alter the flow above and within the project reach with periodic calls for water that may provide flushing
pulse flows throughout low flow periods. For example, if 500 acre feet were available for release to the
project reach, pulses of 200 cubic feet per second could be distributed in defined blocks of time for a
total of 30 hours.
The process of determining the hydrologic basis for modifying flow regimes will involve a rigorous
scientific approach using a quantified methodology to determine actual quantities and flow rates for
releases. There are other outstanding issues to be resolved including protecting the consumptive use of
the water and legal questions regarding whether a change of use application will need to be pursued
through the Utah Division of Water Rights.
This willingness to use a collaborative approach to address the root cause of degradation due to
hydrologic alteration is an outstanding example of how the Ogden River restoration is using
environmentally innovative approaches to support green infrastructure within the prior appropriation
system.
Operations Maintenance Repair, Replacement, Rehabilitation Plan
Future stream health conditions are expected to continue to improve as the hydraulics, sediment
transport and geomorphology are balanced with the hydromodifications for a sustainable system. The
quantity, quality and diversity of both riparian and aquatic habitats will be self sustaining along with
floodplain and wetland connectivity. The stormwater from future developments will be better buffered
from the receiving waters and human enjoyment of the natural areas will be encouraged appropriately.
The project will have a 50 year dedicated lifetime in which Ogden City will perform routine maintenance
and other repairs to ensure the robust function of the system and continually meeting the goals of the
project.
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Monitoring Plan
A monitoring plan is recommended as part of the Ogden River restoration project so that restoration
success can be measured. Monitoring data will provide the necessary information to determine if
project goals are met. Data collected will provide measurable status to the current and future stream
health of the Ogden River. Results may show trends toward stream health improvement, or Adaptive
Management may provide recommendations to implement future restoration measures.
This monitoring plan is a work in progress between RiverRestoration.org staff’s reconnaissance survey of
the Ogden River and feedback from Paul Burnett, Utah Division of Wildlife, Ben Holcomb, Utah Division
of Water Quality, and Jim Wells, Weber Ogden River Commissioner.
The objective of the monitoring plan is to obtain a quantitative measure of the geomorphic and
ecological processes and biota that may respond to restoration efforts (i.e. percent ecological change in
riparian cover and diversity, macro-invertebrate diversity, refreshed alluvium). It is necessary to
monitor baseline and future stream health conditions. Proposed restoration on the Ogden River is from
the Railroad Bridge 1.1 miles upstream to Washington Blvd; monitoring upstream, downstream and
within the project reach is recommended to link stream health to the restored reach and other reaches
on the Ogden River.
Adaptive Management
Effective adaptive management is based on clear identification of degradations and logical justification
for the project actions taken. After the intent of the implemented restoration is understood, the
success can be monitored. When the collected and interpreted monitoring data shows poor restoration
success; restoration measures may be modified or adapted to better improve stream health.
For example, monitoring results may indicate continued bank erosion and therefore may suggest the
need to reduce random trampling through more restrictive measures such as fencing at the top of bank.
Future development may require larger or more stormwater detention basins to be connected to the
wetland finishing areas as well as other BMP’s.
Adaptive management considers both long-and short-term effects of non-point sources of pollution and
recommends whether or not to modify the project. The adaptive management process strives to
continually improve best management practices and implement long term solutions.
Community Interface
A stewardship ethic is being generated through this project that will foster care and protection of the
river for generations to come. The Ogden River runs through an urban area. Educating and encouraging
the public to access and experience the natural riparian environment in appropriate ways is a priceless
commodity to pass on to future generations. Creating hardened access points throughout the reach for
passive recreation, angling access and watchable wildlife opportunities will facilitate community use
without the associated degradation of bank vegetation from random trampling.
Development Interface
Continued development of the urban core is anticipated by the project. Stormwater will be routed to
the finishing areas and sediment/oil/water separator vaults will be installed and maintained. Ogden City
is also developing building setback recommendations as a buffer for the riparian corridor.
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SECTION 4 ESTIMATED TIME FRAME OF THE PROJECT: SEPTEMBER 2009-OCTOBER 2010 Project permitting applications
As a demonstration of our ability to meet all necessary timelines for construction and stream
modification work permit deadlines, we have included the appropriate draft permit applications. We
have been in contact with all regulatory personnel and they are anticipating our applications upon the
award of funds to implement the construction activities. The permits necessary for this project will
include:
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, Utah DEQ, Division of Water Quality
Stream Alteration Permit 401/404, Daren Rasmussen, Utah DNR, Division of Water Rights with referral to US Army Corps of Engineers
National Flood Insurance Program coordination and draft Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR)
Anticipated Milestones
a) DWQ Award of Funds June 24, 2009
b) DWQ design review September 2009
c) Public Hearing/meeting September 2009
d) Design is Finalized September 2009
e) Construction Permits September 2009
f) Grant Contract with state closed Prior to bid advertisement
g) Advertise Construction Bid No later than September 15, 2009
h) Pre-bid contractors meeting 4 days after Saturday advertisement
i) Bid closing 3 weeks after first advertised
j) Bid review Immediately after bid closing
k) Award Construction Contract No later than October 6, 2009
l) Start Construction/Notice to Proceed October 2009
m) Quarterly Completion Status reports January, April, July, October 2010
n) Construction Completion September 2010
o) Final Report to DWQ October 2010
p) Big party! October 2010
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SECTION 5 DESCRIBE THE LOCATION OF THE PROJECT:
This Ogden River restoration is proposed through the heavily urbanized core of downtown Ogden City.
This 1.1 mile reach of the river is located between the old, mostly abandoned, industrialized area from
the railroad yard and bridge approximately at Gibson Avenue upstream to Washington Boulevard.
The geographic coordinates of the project are:
Downstream: Ogden River at Railroad Bridge near Gibson Avenue
North 41° 13’’56.42’, West 111° 59’’13.82’
NAD83 UT North Zone North 3608757 ft, East 1506426 ft
Upstream: Ogden River at Washington Blvd Bridge
North 41° deg 14’’1’, West 111° 58’’13.86’
NAD83 UT North zone North 3609201 ft, East 11511010 ft
The four reaches of the project:
For purposes of access, staging, and construction sequencing, reaches are
named for their downstream landmark location across the river.
RR Bridge 2,800’ of channel from RR Bridge near Gibson Ave upstream to Wall Ave. Bridge Wall 800’ of channel from Wall Avenue Bridge to Lincoln Avenue Bridge Lincoln 1,150’ of channel from Lincoln Avenue Bridge to Grant Avenue Bridge Grant 750’ of channel from Grant Avenue Bridge to Washington Blvd Bridge
Immediate Project Vicinity Description This area surrounding this reach of the Ogden River has supported industry along its river banks since
the late 1900’s. The railroad yard near the lower end of the reach was the junction of major industrial,
commercial and passenger rail activity from the late 1900’s until the mid 1950’s. As industry and
population continued to grow, so did the pollution and associated degradation to stream health. Roads,
bridges, commercial and residential development have confined the Ogden River, increased the
impervious surface and diminished the riparian corridor. With the growth of the interstate system and
the decline of Ogden as a major rail hub, the associated industrial activity in this vicinity began a
precipitous decline and many buildings were left abandoned without the removal of hazardous
materials. For decades this old industrial zone has been abandoned. These impacts have increased the
nonpoint source pollution, altered the physical habitat and disrupted the ecosystem along the river in
downtown Ogden City.
A renewal of this area is focused around restoring and revitalizing the river corridor with the vision that
commercial growth in this downtown core will create urban infill and redevelopment and prevent urban
sprawl. The community is eagerly awaiting the start of the Ogden River restoration project.
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SECTION 6 DESCRIBE THE WATERBODY AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT: Hydrologic Unit Code: 16020101
Watershed Vicinity Description:
The Ogden River watershed drains an area of 360 square miles on the western end of the Wasatch
Range. From the headwaters, three forks of the Ogden River join together in the broad Ogden Valley
and are impounded by the 110,000 acre-foot Pineview Reservoir. Below the dam, the river flows west
for about 7 miles through the narrow scenic Ogden Canyon which opens onto the valley floor into
Ogden City. After leaving the confines of the canyon, the river flows through residential areas for a few
miles then enters the industrialized heart of downtown (the project reach) before it reaches the
confluence with the Weber River on the west side of downtown Ogden. The lower end of the Ogden
River Restoration project is one mile upstream from the confluence with the Weber River. The Ogden
River is a major tributary to the Weber River about 12 miles upstream from where the Weber enters
Great Salt Lake.
Classification of Beneficial Use
The beneficial uses of this section of the Ogden River are designated as 2B (protected for infrequent
primary contact recreation, and secondary contact recreation), 3A (Cold water species of game fish and
aquatic life), and 4 (agricultural uses).
Current Conditions of the Waterbody to be addressed by the restoration
The State Division of Water Quality is proposing Ogden River Category 5 (including the project reach) for
inclusion on the EPA’s 2009 303d list of impaired waters based on biological assessment. The probable
impairments are channel alteration, habitat modification and total phosphorus. More analysis of the
data collected at the site is needed to confirm this preliminary assessment (Toole, DWQ April, 2009).
Today, the water quality and habitat condition of this section of the Ogden River is fair to poor. A
narrow to non-existent riparian corridor is confined by adjacent urbanization. The historic channel has
been encroached upon and banks have been artificially stabilized with debris such as concrete and
automobile bodies. The confined channel exhibits exacerbated bank erosion and limited wetlands.
Invasive vegetation has encroached upon the riparian zone. The narrow riparian corridor results in
diminished food sources, habitat cover, urban runoff filtering and shade for cooling channel
temperatures.
The flows of the Ogden River have been regulated by Pineview Reservoir which has adversely affected
sediment transport, habitat and water quality. The historic floodplain has been disconnected from the
channel by hydrologic alteration and levee building. The disconnected subsurface and surface water
exchange has diminished the moderation of stream temperatures. Fine sediment deposition in the
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channel bed has been exacerbated by the disconnected floodplain. Consequently the existing channel
suffers disrupted geomorphic processes, resulting in an overall degraded habitat.
Stormwater BMP’s
The current development along the Ogden River has minimal to no stormwater best management
practices. Most stormwater outlets discharge directly into the River. The effects of adjacent downtown
urban development and the associated increase in impervious area and storm water discharge has
degraded the water quality and adversely affected aquatic habitat.
In a 2004 RECORD OF DECISION regarding a nearby Pond that is outside the project area, the EPA
referred to one of the major stormwater drains in the project reach as a source of PCB’s entering the
river. Fish tissue samples collected from the pond fed by water in this reach have been shown to have
detectable levels of this contaminant although concentrations were below levels of concern for human
health risks (DEQ/EPA ROD, 2004). This storm drain will be replaced by a wetland to better filter
pollutants before the water enters the stream. [This proposed stormwater outfall and wetland site is
illustrated on the cover of the attached construction plan drawings.]
Common pollutants found in urban stormwater include suspended solids, organic compounds,
petroleum compounds, bacteria, trash and other by-products from urban activities. Additionally, the
hydro-modifications from urbanization cause a flux of non-point source pollution into the Ogden River.
Summer thunderstorm events in Ogden are common and the flux of fine sediment cannot be effectively
transported during the low flow season. Wetland detention, interior floodplains and restored channel
geometry will reduce embedded channel substrate.
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SECTION 7 Describe the purpose and need for the project: Purpose
The purpose of the project is to improve robust stream health in 1.1 miles of the Ogden River. This
project will be sustained through balancing channel function with nonpoint source pollution from
hydromodification.
The project area is in the heart of Ogden City where the river has been neglected for half a century. The
city has identified the area as blighted and is in the process of redeveloping and significantly updating its
land use planning and environmental policies. The project is needed to guide Ogden City's development
impacts to be in balance with the natural areas its community celebrates.
The restoration project will buffer non-point source pollution from urbanization with a widened riparian
corridor, wetlands, and stormwater finishing areas. The project success will be measured through a
monitoring program that proposes to evaluate baseline and future data of biological and physical
indicators of stream health.
Urgency
The purpose and need for proposing the restoration in 2009, (as opposed to next year,) is to create the
incentive for the landowners to dedicate all the necessary land for a functioning river ecosystem rather
than allow future development to continue to constrain the river as in the past. The imminent urban
redevelopment of the land adjacent to this reach of river creates an urgent need to restore the river
before redevelopment plans are determined on a definite basis.
Delineate and protect NEW riparian corridor
By first delineating the new riparian corridor easement boundaries and planning the location of
stormwater wetland finishing areas, this project is proactively creating and designating additional new
wetland habitats that will naturally filter and treat urban stormwater before it flows into the river. By
planning and designing green stormwater infrastructure, this project is not simply restoring a once
degraded river; it is planning for and installing natural wetland structures to minimize future stormwater
impacts. The implementation of this project ensures that the needs of a healthy river corridor are
prioritized PRIOR to more development so that future development can grow in a way that respects the
new more protective riparian corridor boundaries.
Address and modify the impacts of hydrologic alteration
The purpose of incorporating flow management tools into the Ogden River restoration project is to
explore the effectiveness of working within the prior appropriation system to adapt various voluntary
alternations to the flow of the Ogden River from releases of water from Pineview reservoir. This effort
will attempt to plan and manage in a concerted manner the stream flow for aquatic macro-invertebrate
habitat enhancement as well as provide robust riparian buffers, wetland inundation, floodplain
connection, sediment mobilization and other natural features.
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SECTION 8
Describe the surface water problem to be addressed by the project:
The existing problems with the function of the Ogden River can be categorized in four headings: hydro-
modification; stormwater; limited riparian vegetation; and community use. Actions taken to restore
the Ogden River may have multiple functions to address problems from multiple categories.
1. Hydromodification
Hydromodification is defined by the USEPA as the “alteration of the hydrologic characteristics of coastal
and non-coastal waters, which in turn could cause degradation of water resources”. Rivers are
continually flowing and changing and therefore we consider them to have different levels of function, or
“health”. Hydromodification is therefore a cause and effect process, where change to the waterway
may have an effect on the health of the river. Understanding the cause and effect can lead to
developing solutions that improve the health of the river. Hydromodification degradations specific to
the Ogden River are:
Hydrologic alteration from Pineview Reservoir
Uniform in-stream habitat
Embedded channel deposits
Monotypic macro-invertebrate composition
Disconnected floodplain
Development encroachment
Channelization
Concrete, automobile and metal waste in the river banks
Localized erosion of banks
2. Storm water discharge
Storm water discharge can be considered a hydromodification due to urbanization; however, we are
categorizing it separately in order to separate the differences between in-channel degradations that will
be directly addressed vs. those degradations outside of the scope of the project that the waterway
should anticipate on continually absorbing. The latter are:
Hydrologic alteration from urbanized impervious areas
Concentrated stormwater discharge
Filamentous algae blooms
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3. Riparian Vegetation
The limited riparian vegetation can also be considered a hydromodification due to urbanization but is
categorized separately to emphasize the terrestrial degradations that may extend beyond stream
health.
Invasive species establishment
Reduced buffer zone in riparian corridor
Reduced channel shading in riparian corridor
Reduced food sources and biomass input
4. Community use
Community use of the natural areas may also be considered a hydromodification due to urbanization
but is categorized separately herein because appropriate use is expected to generate a community
stewardship ethic that helps foster the protection of river health in the future. Already the desire to
restore the Ogden River and the establishment of the pedestrian path are examples of the community’s
investment in the river. Degradations related to community use are:
Denuded banks from trampling
Pedestrian path encroachment
Degradations – Actions – Benefits to Stream Health
The section outlines the degradations and briefly explains our recommended actions and corresponding
benefits to stream health that are based on the technical assessments that have been undertaken. The
proposed project consists of various features to restore healthy functions of the Ogden River. Future
stream health conditions are expected to continue to improve as the hydraulics, sediment transport and
geomorphology are be balanced with the altered hydrology. The quantity, quality and diversity of both
riparian and aquatic habitats will be self sustaining along with floodplain and wetland connectivity. The
future developments will be better buffered from the receiving waters and human enjoyment of the
natural areas will be encouraged appropriately.
Degradation: Hydrologic alteration from Pineview Reservoir
The installation of Pineview reservoir and the associated diversions changed the flow regime that
formed the historical channel. The aquatic habitat, native species, vegetation and channel shape all
evolved to be in balance with the historical channel. With the dramatic changes in the flow regime, the
channel is trying to find a new equilibrium and the habitat, species and vegetation all have to respond to
the changing form. Pineview also provided flood control that disconnected the floodplains and allowed
development to encroach on the riparian zone.
To address the degradations from Pineview, it is recommended to reshape the channel using grade
controls and specified gravel cobble to augment bars and riffles. The objective of reshaping the channel
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is to balance sediment transport, create appropriate riffle, run and pool sequencing and increase the
depth to width ratios. The plan attempts to restore a state of dynamic equilibrium that will generate
and maintain diverse aquatic habitat under the new flow regime.
Degradation: Embedded channel deposits
Diversified flows and secondary currents help to segregate deposits. Flow diversification will occur as a
result of reshaping the channel. The process of embedding channel deposits occurs when fine material
settles out and buries more coarse material. This process is increased both by the increased supply of
fine material from adjacent urban runoff and the prolonged reduction in mobilizing flows due to the
reservoir and diversions. The fine materials work into the gaps of the coarse material and lock it all into
place. Then when a channel forming flow does occur, the embedded gravels and cobbles cannot
mobilize and refresh.
Re-timing flushing flows and channel forming flows with the periodic deposition of fine materials will
help reduce embeddedness after the channel is re-formed. Ogden City has adequate water rights that
can be released from Pineview to help improve the timing of flows.
Degradation: Uniform in-stream habitat
Wood and boulder structures will be designed to provide additional aquatic habitat that has not yet
formed under the new hydrologic regime. The objective of constructing in-stream habitat structures is
to create a mobile bed, diversify flow by creating secondary currents, and create cover for holding more
diverse aquatic habitat. The plan attempts to maximize the diversity of the channel.
Degradation: Monotypic macro-invertebrate composition
A healthy stream has loose mobile deposits with interstitial spaces that are the main habitat for macro-
invertebrates. When a stream becomes embedded and very uniform, a typical response is for one
species to dominate that has a preference for the uniform habitat.
The combination of reshaping the channel, reducing embeddedness, and creating secondary currents
with habitat structures will create diverse macro-invertebrate habitat types and in turn create more
diversity in the robust species, all the way through the food chain.
Degradation: Disconnected floodplain
Cross section surveys show that the channel is entrenched, and little to no interior floodplains exist.
The historic floodplain forming flows are not expected to be restored with the Pineview impoundment.
A rivers typical response to an impoundment is to erode banks and create an interior floodplain at a
lower elevation than the historic floodplains.
The recommended action is to accelerate the process of forming interior floodplains by constructing
floodplain benches at elevations that interact with the channel forming flows of the new hydrologic
regime. Interior floodplains are proposed to be constructed. Interior floodplains have multiple stream
health benefits that work in conjunction with all of the other proposed actions including: groundwater
infiltration, productivity of riparian vegetation through increased microbial activity and nutrient
availability, place for fine sediments to deposit, harbor diverse community of macro invertebrates
including early larval form of stoneflies and mayflies.
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Degradation: Development encroachment
Flood control provided by Pineview allowed development to encroach on the floodplain right up to the
top of the bank. This in turn required that the river function for the single purpose of flood flow
conveyance. Development then stabilized banks to protect lands.
The unique opportunity of this project to guide redevelopment starts with addressing the land needs of
the river. The riparian corridor is both a property boundary where the channel is allowed to migrate and
adjust within the property, as well as the extents of the modified floodway. The National Flood
Insurance Program floodway will be remapped which allows the channel grades to be adjusted that
would otherwise flood adjacent development during periods of high flows. The ability to expand the
riparian corridor is a critical restoration action that is not available to most restoration projects,
especially through an urban core.
Degradation: Channelization
Development follows the rules of property lines and the historic property line for much of the Ogden
River was the center of the channel. Prior to development encroachment, this was considered
appropriate to allow the channel to meander; as it took land in one location it would add it in another.
However, development claimed the banks by hardening them with any available waste material such as
concrete, automobile and metal wastes. The channelization and hardened sections contributed to the
uniform channel, poor sorting of alluvium and localized bank erosion.
It is recommended to pull back the channel banks to a more subtle slope and bio-stabilize with fabrics
that allow vegetation to take hold. In some locations the entire bank will be rebuilt to the toe of the
channel and expanded meanders will be shaped. The bio-stabilized banks coupled with the expanded
riparian zone will allow the channel to adjust and interact with the riparian zone and continue to
balance the sinuosity of the channel with the gradient. Both sides of the channel will be treated,
restoring 11,000 linear feet of stream bank.
Degradation: Concrete, automobile and metal waste
Previous land uses adjacent to the channel were a dumping ground, sometimes in the name of river
stabilization. After appropriate bio-stabilization is implemented, the waste, estimated at 10,000 tons of
litter, can be disposed of in an appropriate disposal facility. There is an excessive dump of
approximately 5,000 tons of concrete without rebar that is anticipated to be recycled. In addition, metal
wastes will also be recycled whenever possible.
Degradation: Hydrologic modification from urbanized impervious areas
Urban development changes the impervious surfaces and therefore changes the runoff into the
receiving waters. Ogden City requires new developments to detain additional waters produced by
increases in impervious areas to release at pre-development rates. However, a larger volume of water is
still discharged and usually at a period when the receiving waters are low. This larger volume of water
will also likely bring in a larger volume of pollutants.
The increased riparian zone of 8.25 acres will help buffer the non-point source pollutants associated
with increased overland flows.
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Degradation: Concentrated stormwater discharge
Urban development also concentrates storm water discharge which can concentrate negative impacts
such as localized erosion and pollution loading. However, concentrated sources also provide
opportunities to buffer and finish storm water before it is discharged into the receiving waters.
A number of wetland areas totaling just over one acre are being developed in the riparian zone which
can also be coupled to buffer and detain concentrated stormwater flows.
Degradation: Filamentous algal blooms
Algal blooms are evident on the cobble gravel bed of the channel throughout the reach. These are likely
evidence of urban impacts transported by stormwater.
The increased riparian zone coupled with stormwater finishing areas will likely reduce nutrient, and
other pollutant, loading that has resulted in undesired habitats such as algal blooms. Furthermore,
adjustments to the channel form will help diversify flows and refresh alluvium to further reduce these
degradations.
Degradation: Invasive species establishment
Disturbed riparian areas and those with associated poor stream health exhibit invasion of non-native
species. The native species are likely weakened as the functions of the river they evolved with are out of
balance. Invasive species will be removed from the riparian area as part of construction and ongoing
maintenance.
Restoration of channel function and floodplain connection will create the advantages for the native
plants to outcompete the invasive plants. The recommended planting plan is for only regional native
species and the grading attempts to maximize the diversity of the vegetative zones within the riparian
corridor, from saturated wetlands to dry uplands.
Degradation: Reduced buffer zone in riparian corridor
The riparian corridor can be expanded by 9.25 acres from 3.75 acres to over 17 acres. This is beyond
what is anticipated to be adequate for stream health.
The larger riparian zone will further reduce non-point source pollutants from entering the water way,
further shade the water way and create a greater terrestrial corridor between the Weber River and the
Wasatch Front.
Degradation: Reduced channel shading in riparian corridor
Shading plays an important role in aquatic habitat and stream health for the rivers of the Rocky
Mountains. Water temperatures can quickly heat when directly exposed to the sun. Lower water
temperatures have higher capacity for dissolved oxygen, which is beneficial to aquatic life. For much of
the reach a single stand of mature to senescent trees are established in the mid elevation of the filled
south bank. Restoration of lower banks will likely remove mature vegetation that provides significant
shading. In other areas only upper bank restoration will be performed and mature trees will be
protected in place as part of the construction.
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Substantial additional vegetation will be planted in a wider zone at all elevations. It may take some time
for a mature canopy to be as effective in shading the waters as existing conditions. This will be offset by
deepened waters in many locations. Furthermore, now is the best time to start cultivating the
replacement canopy. If the senescent trees pass without replacements, large banks may be denuded.
Degradation: Reduced food sources and biomass input
The riparian zone plays an important role of providing biomass and food sources for the aquatic life. In
turn the aquatic life provides substantial food sources for the terrestrial species. The existing narrow
riparian zone provides a limited and reduced role for biomass input.
The increased riparian zone will provide future vigor for the food chain. The reformed channel and
floodplain interaction will help regenerate the riparian zone, creating a self sustaining system.
Degradation: Denuded banks from trampling
The Ogden River, in the heart of an urban center, has the potential to be loved to death. Currently
access to the river is random and ill defined. Human recreation use can be anticipated as a non-point
source impact that can be buffered.
Appropriate access will be designated and hardened with boulders or mulched. The riparian zone will
be densely vegetated with thorny shrubs along the fringes and closed paths to discourage random
access. Educational signs about protecting the riparian areas functions and local wildlife will be posted.
The river should be celebrated by the community as a healthy, native, wild place. Opportunities for the
community to recreate and enjoy the river environment will foster a stewardship ethic that protects the
river for generations.
Degradation: Pedestrian path encroachment
The community has already made great strides in reclaiming the river from the scars of neglect. A
pedestrian path has been constructed that allows for recreation throughout the riparian area. However
in many locations the path was constructed at the top of the bank, encouraging random access and
preventing the channel from interacting with the riparian zone. Two thousand feet of the pedestrian
path will be realigned away from the channel to allow for channel form changes and greater riparian
buffering.
Degradation: Low Head Dam
A low head dam was constructed downstream of Gibson Avenue to act as a weir for a stream gage. The
stream gage will be relocated and a rating curve will be developed based on a backwater curve. This will
allow the dam to be removed and three riffle-run and pool sequences to be restored.
In conjunction with removing the dam, a new real-time gage will be installed that will allows for water
quality data to be collected by the monitoring partners in the project. The existing staff gage is pictured
on the preceding page. The new and improved flow gage is an important improvement for providing
accurate, online information for river management decisions regarding flows in the river for municipal,
industrial and agricultural use.
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SECTION 9
DESCRIBE THE WATER QUALITY BENEFITS/LOAD REDUCTIONS TO BE REALIZED:
5,500 feet of Ogden River robust stream health restored and sustained
45,000 square feet of benthic macro-invertebrate habitat restored and diversified
55,000 square feet of overwintering habitat for fish created
11,000 linear feet (2.08 miles) of bank restored
3.75 acres of existing riparian habitat replanted with diverse age and type vegetation
8.25 acres of additional riparian habitat created by widening the riparian corridor 50-75 feet
360,000 square feet of diverse riparian vegetation installed
50,000 square feet of wetlands created
5,000 tons of waste metal and concrete recycled
10,000 tons of waste and contaminated soils properly disposed
80 acres of urban redevelopment no longer encroaching and dumping on the river banks
2 stormwater vaults installed with detention basins, return areas and BMP’s
375 cfs of storm water buffered and finished
1 NFIP Floodway corrected
2,000 feet of bike path no longer encroaching the top of bank
17 acres of riparian corridor protected in perpetuity
25 appropriate access points designated along the river for passive recreation
3 educational water quality protection signs displayed
1,000's of passive and active users accommodated
82,700 people reducing their nonpoint source impact on the river
1 more community embracing their river as a resource to celebrate and protect!
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SECTION 10 DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE PROJECT PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS?
The preliminary construction drawings for the Ogden River restoration are attached to this application.
These draft designs are in the process of being refined for construction level plans and specifications and
will be completed by September. While they may include significant detail, they should not be
considered as final design for construction purposes. As with all preliminary designs, we welcome
feedback and suggestions and will incorporate additional information as it becomes available to us. We
continue to refine the design based on a variety of ongoing assessments including hydrologic,
geomorphic, biologic, floodplain, wetland, vegetation, sensitive species, etc.
After funds are awarded in June 2009, construction level plans and specifications will be prepared for
Division of Water Quality approval then bid documents to be advertised in accordance with Ogden City
rules and requirements.
ATTACHED OGDEN RIVER RESTORATION DRAWINGS INCLUDE:
PROPOSED RIVER RESTORATION
RI 1 Sheet Index
RP1 Plan view Railroad Reach
RP2 Plan view Railroad Reach
RP3 Plan view Railroad Reach
RP4 Plan view Railroad Reach
RP 5 Plan view Railroad / Wall Reach
RP 6 Plan view Lincoln Reach
RP7 Lincoln Reach
RP8 Plan view Lincoln / Grant Reach
RP9 Plan view Grant Reach
RP 10 Plan and Profile STA 62+50 Storm
Water Return
RD1 Details
RD2 Details
RD3 Details
CWD1 Care of Water Details
ID1 Irrigation Details
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN
SWN SWPPP Notes
SWI Sheet Index
SWP1 Plan view Railroad Reach
SWP2 Plan view Railroad Reach
SWP3 Plan view Railroad Reach
SWP4 Plan view Wall Reach
SWP5 Plan view Lincoln/Grant Reach
SWP6 Plan view Grant Reach
SWD1 Details
SWD2 Details
PROPOSED RIPARIAN CORRIDOR
PI 1 Sheet Index
PP1 Plan view Railroad Reach
PP2 Plan view Railroad Reach
PP3 Plan view Railroad Reach
PP4 Plan view Wall Reach
PP5 Plan view Grant Reach
PROPOSED PLANTING PLANS
VC1 Vegetation Cover Sheet
VP1 Plan view
VP2 Plan view
VN3 Vegetation Notes
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Operations, Maintenance, Repair, Replacement and Rehabilitation (OMRR&R) Plans and Costs
It is standard procedure for holistic riparian restoration projects to identify an OMRR&R plan and to
identify how that plan will be funded over the life of the project in addition to the initial capital
construction for implementation. The plan is included in this section for your review.
The objective of all operations, maintenance, repair, replacement and rehabilitation (OMRR&R)
procedures is to maximize native planting survival, to restore structures to as built conditions and/or to
adjust structures that are adversely affecting hydraulics. OMRR&R costs are calculated for the first year,
years 2-5 and year 6 through the project lifetime of 50 years. The OMRR&R costs for the Ogden River
restoration project are the responsibility of the project sponsor, Ogden City.
Planting OMRR&R costs are anticipated to be totally incurred in the first five years for maintenance of
plants (such as irrigation, tree guards, support removal and fertilization) and replacement of non-
surviving plants. Woody ball and burlap and container plantings are expected to have at least 90%
survival in the first year. Year 2-5 costs of woody plantings (estimated as 5% of total costs) are expected
to be for irrigation, pruning, fertilization and removal of guards. Stake and pole plantings are estimated
to have 80% survival rate, requiring 20% replacement for years 1-5. Freshwater marsh costs are
estimated as 2% for the first year and 1% for subsequent years for replacement of non-surviving plants.
All plantings have costs associated with irrigation and maintenance of the irrigation system. Plants are
expected to be self sustaining, without irrigation, after 5 years. The irrigation system will require annual
maintenance to prevent freeze damage and random repairs as well as the cost of pumping or water.
All boulder structures and bank stabilization are expected to have OMRR&R costs, concentrated in
repair and replacement, equal to 5% of total structure cost over the first five years and a possibility of
20% over the last 45 years of the project. Repair costs are associated with realigning boulders that
become displaced by fluvial processes or boulders that are adversely affecting channel morphology.
Replacement costs are associated with new material being placed to augment or to totally repair a
damaged structure.
Equipment access to the project area will have additional associated costs. Permanent access locations
have been identified to facilitate future equipment access for the purpose of maintenance. Repairing
vegetation damage at the access locations, adequate BMPs (such as biodegradable hydraulic fluid and
turbidity curtains), and planning and permitting are OMRR&R costs associated with equipment access.
Storm water finishing areas will require maintenance after developments route the stormwater to the
designated discharge locations. Cyclonic vaults will require periodic vacuuming of sediments and
replacement of filter media. Wetland finishing areas need to be monitored for excess sediment
deposition, scour and vegetation kills and OMRR&R costs would be associated with repair of any adverse
conditions.
Repair of the paved bike path, maintenance of the board walk and maintenance of the educational
signage will be additional OMRR&R costs.
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SECTION 11 LIST CONSULTANTS OR AGENCY PERSONNEL THAT HAVE PARTICIPATED IN PROJECT DEVELOPMENT:
Shelly Andrews, Environmental Scientist, Engineering, Utah Div. of Water Quality, 801-538-6516
Paul Burnett, Aquatic Biologist, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 801-510-6965
Mike Enright, Gage Specialist, US Geological Survey, 801-908-5025
Terel Grimly, Manager, Pineview Reservoir, 801-621-6555
Ben Holcolm, Biological Assessment, Utah Division of Water Quality, 801-538-6055
Pat Lambert, Chief, Salt Lake City, US Geological Survey, 801-908-5033
Kari Lundeen, Environmental Scientist, TMDL/Watershed, Utah Division of Water Quality, 801-538-6760
Geoffrey McNaughton, Green House Manager, Utah State Forestry, 801-538-5460
Ben Nadolski, Aquatic Biologist, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 801-643-4953
Jeff Ostermiller, Water Section Chief, Utah Division of Water Quality, 801-538-6370
Daren Rasmussen, Stream Alteration Permit Specialist, Utah Division of Water Rights, 801-538-7377
Scott Stoddard, Sacramento District, US Army Corps of Engineers, 801-294-7033
Kent Sorenson, Habitat Restoration Biologist, Division of Wildlife Resources, 801-643-8342
Randy Tarantino, Utah Division Water Rights, Department of Natural Resources, 801-866-5303
Tom Toole, Environmental Scientist, Water Quality Mgmt., Utah Division Water Quality 801-538-6859
Scott Walker, US Fish and Wildlife Service, 801-476-2776
Jim Wells, Weber-Ogden River Commissioner, Utah Division of Water Resources, 801-673-5048
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Canyon Club, Keith & Belinda Rounkles, 801-668-8844
Weber Pathways, Geoff Ellis, 810-645-3648
Business Community, Christine Carver, Utah Homes 979-9539, Curt & Kamie Geiger, Descente, 394-5985
CONSULTANTS
RiverRestoration.org
Jason Carey, P.E. / Principal, 970-947-9568
Julie Curnutte, P.E. , 970-947-9568
Crystal Young, Hydrologist, 970-947-9568
Caroline Bradford, Project Coordinator, 970-827-4203
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SECTION 12
DESCRIBE HOW AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT
REQUIREMENTS ARE BEING SATISFIED BY THIS PROJECT:
The Ogden River Restoration project meets three of the five types of listed water quality projects in the
Green Project Reserves:
1.) Nonpoint source pollution: riparian enhancement, stream bank
stabilization, and erosion control.
2.) Green Infrastructure: Hydromodification to establish and restore
riparian buffers, floodplains, wetlands and other natural features.
3.) Environmentally Innovative: Green infrastructure stormwater
projects, and constructed wetlands.
The project meets the goals of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) by providing a
significant and immediate stimulus to the Utah economy through the associated redevelopment of the
downtown urban core in Ogden City. We will meet all ARRA requirements in addition to the Division of
Water Quality Nonpoint Source program requirements. We are fully prepared to meet the accelerated
deadlines, fair wage practices, “Made In America” and other reporting guidelines as well as document
the positive economic outcomes anticipated in the ARRA.
Accelerated Schedule for Implementation
In order to most quickly create jobs and stimulate the economy, the ARRA includes the requirement that
funds made available for capital projects must be under contract or construction by February 17, 2010,
which is exactly within one year from the date the bill was passed. The Ogden River restoration project
is prepared to move through all the necessary steps of finalizing plans and specs, securing permits, bid
advertisement, award and the issuance of “Notice to Proceed” to the contractor during October2009.
This is well inside the Federal deadline of February 2010.
Prevailing Wages / Davis-Bacon Act
As the project sponsor, Ogden City understands that prevailing wages must be paid for any capital
project using funds from ARRA. Ogden City understands that the project must comply with Section 1606
of the ARRA. The purpose of this requirement is to apply Davis-Bacon Act wage rules to all assistance
agreements made in whole or in part with funds appropriated under the ARRA. The Department of
Labor provides all pertinent information related to compliance with labor standards, including prevailing
wage rates and instructions for reporting that will be used by Ogden City to comply with this
requirement.
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“Made in America” American Iron, Steel, and Manufactured Goods
As the project sponsor, Ogden City understands that Section 1605 of the ARRA requires that none of the
appropriated funds may be used for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public
building or public work unless all of the iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in the project is
produced in the United States. This is specified in the project plans and specifications for the contractor
to comply with. We have verified that all products anticipated to be required for the construction of the
Ogden River Restoration project are available from US sources and are manufactured in the United
States. Specifically, the coconut fiber erosion control fabric commonly specified uses imported coconuts
and is manufactured domestically.
Weekly Reporting
The project sponsor and project supervisor understands that States will be required to report no less
than weekly on the uses of funds provided by the ARRA. We understand the purpose of these
requirements are to ensure Agency and State compliance with the requirements to track data in section
1512 of the ARRA. EPA will compile the data on a weekly basis, as required by OMB, for publication at
recovery.gov. We will ensure that there is a smooth flow of information to the appropriate State staff
person so that the State is able to fulfill their reporting obligations to the EPA on a timely basis.
Stimulate Economic Recovery and Provide Long Term Economic Benefits
The Ogden River restoration project will preserve and create 80+ jobs directly and will stimulate
economic recovery with the creation of many hundreds of jobs associated with the redevelopment of
the urban riverfront core properties in downtown Ogden City. Utah’s share of the ARRA Green Project
Reserve funds will provide the greatest long term economic benefits to the community and the State by
investing them in the restoration and environmental protection of the Ogden River through the
construction of Green Infrastructure proposed by this project.
The urgency of this project’s construction is of paramount concern. The window of opportunity to have
this river restoration project set the parameters for future urban growth is unique. We believe this
project provides significantly greater stimulus for measurable, long term economic activity than any
other project under consideration in Utah. As part of our final report, the Ogden River restoration will
measurably demonstrate any direct commercial activity and report how the project has stimulated the
economy in Ogden City. We will provide economic recovery information associated with the project in
their quarterly reports that can be used by the State in their reporting to the EPA.
“The reverse of decay is growth; starting at the receiving waters and working outwards, planning for
future development and minimizing impacts, this project will exemplify the green process of growth.”