in : News & Events
Source: Innovation Magazine, May-June 2023 issue
In November 2021, emergency repairs were completed on the Sumas River Dike under flood conditions. Flowing and then standing water precluded the use of fine-grained fill to construct a low permeability barrier (core) as part of the repair. Crushed rock of varying sizes was used to close the dike breach and prevent flows from entering Sumas Prairie. Smaller sized crushed gravel was used within the central zone of the dike repair to facilitate construction of a barrier to mitigate through-seepage. In the fall of 2022, Cutter Soil Mixing (CSM) technology was implemented to re-establish a barrier comprised of the finer crushed gravel, mixed in place with bentonite and Portland cement. CSM technology eliminated the need to deconstruct the initial emergency repair.
Kerr Wood Leidal designed and constructed the daylighting and realignment of Kilmer Creek in North Vancouver using innovative techniques that reduce the risk of flooding and erosion while restoring fish access and creating a newly naturalized creek within a very narrow corridor.
The team designed a natural stream bed, an enhanced, fish-passable culvert, and bioengineered streambanks incorporating vegetated soil wraps, all while increasing flood conveyance. The design allows salmon to access Kilmer Creek, piped under Argyle school for over 70 years. Pool-riffle sequences and instream habitat complexes provide new aquatic and riparian habitats for local biodiversity. Dense riparian plantings filter runoff to the stream, reducing sedimentation.
