2008 stabilization project

Similar to many other urban streams, Bassett Creek suffers from erosion caused by increased runoff. Over time, erosion builds up and in turn pollutes Sweeney Lake and other local waterways. The stabilization project, with an estimated cost of about $630,000, extends along 5,100 feet of Bassett Creek. This total includes $476,200 within Golden Valley and $159,900 in Crystal. The project is funded by the BCWMC and a grant from Hennepin County.

Bank stabilization involves using a heavy layer of field stone and creating a “buffer zone” along the creek. The buffer zone will be a 15-foot wide area on both sides of the creek that stabilizes the soils and filters pollutants with the help of native plants, grasses, and riprap. Despite all these changes, the stream maintains its original bends and natural flow, says Al Lundstrom, Golden Valley environmental coordinator.

The project will also include stabilizing some of the storm sewers that discharge into the channel and establishing new vegetation in areas disturbed by construction.

Construction is expected to being this fall or winter and be completed by spring. It continues Golden Valley’s efforts to address bank stabilization concerns and to protect water quality. Bassett Creek is one of many local water bodies on the federal impaired waters list. Others include Sweeney Lake, Medicine Lake, and Wirth Lake.

Impaired waters are streams, rivers, and lakes that currently do not meet their designated use and associated water quality standards. Some lakes made the list because of excess nutrients (phosphorus), which can come from dead vegetation and fertilizer.

Phosphorus promotes algae and surface vegetation that make a lake murky and block sunlight from reaching plants on the lake bottom, plants that provide food for ducks, fish, and other marine life. As these plants decompose, they use up water oxygen, making it harder for aquatic life to survive.

Questions? Contact Public Works at 763-593-8030.