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Rody Creek Map Click on picture to enlarge | |
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Project Overview
Project Location: 6200 Block of Pioneer Way E., Puyallup, WA
Rody Creek is severely degraded with a straightened and confined channel, disconnected floodplain, and limited streamside vegetation. Fine sediment accumulates in the northern portion of the channel. Significant gravel builds up near Pioneer Way East due to upstream erosion. This causes the creek channel to become perched above adjacent land. During severe storms, this leads to flooding of nearby property, residential structures, Watson's Nursery, and Pioneer Way East.
In 2007, the general scope of the project was determined, alternatives identified, and land and development rights acquired. Between 2007 and 2012, the project is in the design and permitting process. Construction is planned for 2013.
Rody Creek Project Design
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Why is Surface Water Management restoring this part of Rody Creek?
To reduce flooding
During storms, urban stormwater runoff moves quickly and has high peak flow volumes which cause soil erosion. This runoff enters Rody Creek and erodes the channel north of 72nd Street East. When the creek reaches the nearly-flat valley floor, stormwater energy is reduced and the eroded materials deposit in the valley, first the large stones, then the sediment. Gravel movement and deposition is normal and healthy for streams. However, Rody Creek has been narrowed, straightened, forced to follow property lines,and the floodplain removed. The eroded rocks, gravel, and sediment filling the creek channel causes flooding during storms.
To comply with the Clean Water Act and the County's Stormwater NPDES Permit
Surface Water Management is responsible for compliance with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (Stormwater NPDES) Permit issued to Pierce County. Stormwater runoff is regulated under the federal Clean Water Act because it can contain pollutants such as oil, gasoline, sediment, and fertilizers. Removal of streamside vegetation, common in urban and rural development, allows the sun to increase water temperatures. Water temperature is a critical measure of water quality.
To comply with the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Pierce County is responsible for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act. The County is required to manage stormwater, surface water, and land use in order to not harm protected species or the habitat of protected species. In Pierce County, protected fish species include cutthroat trout, Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, and bull trout. The Rody Creek Restoration Project seeks to reduce the adverse effects on protected species from past, current, and future land use decisions, citizens, businesses, and government.
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Project Benefits
- Reduce flooding of property adjacent to Rody Creek
- Restore the floodplain of Rody Creek
- Remove barriers to fish passage
- Reduce the long-term maintenance cost of flood control
- Permanently protect the aquatic/riparian habitat of Rody Creek
- Increase the number of fish and aquatic species in Rody Creek
- Improve and protect the water quality of Rody Creek and Clarks Creek
  
(click on picture to enlarge)
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How can I get involved in this project?
As the project develops, Surface Water Management staff will be talking to property owners in the vicinity of Rody Creek, various permitting agencies, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the City of Puyallup, and other interested people.
We will send notices of meetings and post the notices on our webpage.
If you would like to be added to the mailing list for the Rody Creek Restoration Project, notify Marsha Huebner.
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Project Timeline
2007-2008: Project scoping and property acquisition
2009 - 2012: Project in design and permitting process
2013: Project construction
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Contact Information:
If you have any questions, comments, or want to be kept informed about this project, please contact:
Randy Brake
Project Manager
253-798-4651
Marsha Huebner
Planner/Co-Manager
253-798-4662 Email Us
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