The project involved repairing two historic dams that created a reservoir for a nearby grist mill and addressing severe erosion along the streambanks. The project site also posed challenges for the South Chickamauga Creek “blue way” due to its difficult accessibility. The primary challenges included gaining access and obtaining permits. Access to the dams and streambanks involved navigating buffer zones, working in waterways regulated by the Corps, using coffer dams for dewatering, and crossing the stream with equipment to repair the interior island banks. Additionally, some areas needing streambank repairs were located within a railroad right-of-way. Local environmental groups were particularly interested in the project due to its impact on wildlife navigation.
The repair of the dams included installing metal sheeting filled with gravel parallel to the upstream face. The sheet metal was driven just below the water line and capped with concrete to preserve the downstream face of the dam. Streambank restoration involved undercutting unsuitable soils and restoring them using GDOT Type I riprap with geotextile underlays. Improving the existing canoe portage was also part of the project scope.
CTI proposed diverting the entire creek using coffer dams as needed for sections under repair. To meet environmental group requirements, a fish passageway was proposed along an existing channel formed by erosion. An alternative canoe portage route was also suggested to bypass the dams and redirect users away from private property where trespassing had occurred previously.
CTI Engineers has been providing practical, but innovative, solutions to engineering challenges using nature’s inspiration to enhance and protect the natural world since 1991.
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