Significant Flooding Prompts Focus on Green Infrastructure and Dam Restoration

Problem

Frequent and severe flooding along Tar Creek caused significant damage to nearby warehouses, leading to financial losses. The strained relationship between the property owner and the City, which was nearing legal action, compounded the challenges. Outdated FEMA flood maps, unchanged since an upstream dam breach, added to the complexity. Obtaining permits required navigating through GAEPD buffer variance, USACE nationwide permits, FEMA CLOMR/LOMR processes, and state/local permits.

Solution

The solution focused on restoring Threadmill Lake and its upstream dam near the damaged warehouse properties. It also involved converting nearby City-owned lands to temporary stormwater storage for intense storms. The lake would benefit the County and City by acting as a water quality reserve. Additionally, the project would create wetlands designed as an outdoor classroom for local students, featuring a boardwalk and informational plaques.

Project Elements

• Topographic survey of site
• Hydrologic analysis/modeling of existing conditions, including HEC-RAS analysis of Tar Creek

CTI Services

• Summarization of findings and solution alternatives
• Estimation of probable design/construction cost