West Side Creeks
The Westside Creeks (WSC) project, spearheaded by MSMM Engineering in collaboration with the San Antonio River Authority, addresses significant ecological degradation resulting from historical flood risk management (FRM) practices. The engineering challenge was to restore the riverine ecosystem while maintaining flood management capabilities. MSMM Engineering employed a multifaceted approach including hydraulic analysis, environmental engineering, and landscape architecture. The project involved reconfiguring the channel design to enhance sediment transport balance and aquatic life support. A pilot channel network was developed, utilizing natural channel design principles to restore sinuosity and reduce the channel’s slope, thereby reinstating native aquatic structures and riparian vegetation.
The technical scope encompassed the restoration of 67% of the lower trophic organism carrying capacity over an 11-mile stretch of the WSC. Specific measures included the construction of a 6.5-mile pilot channel network featuring 147 pool-riffle-run sections and 143 slackwater areas. MSMM Engineering's solutions focused on ecological restoration without compromising the existing FRM functions. The design incorporated bioengineering techniques with the strategic placement of cross vanes, constructed riffles, rock vanes, and double wing deflectors to stabilize the stream bed and enhance aquatic habitats. The pilot channels were carefully designed to support diverse densities of riparian woody vegetation, factoring in hydraulic constraints to ensure effective flood conveyance.
The restoration project delivered substantial ecological benefits, improving habitat quality by 114% compared to the no-action alternative, and offering a habitat refuge for migratory birds along the Central Flyway. The ecosystem restoration was complemented by the National Economic Development (NED) plan, which introduced recreational infrastructure harmonious with the environmental enhancements. This included the addition of concrete trails, shaded areas, and educational signage, significantly enriching community engagement and accessibility. The successful implementation of these integrated solutions by MSMM Engineering not only revitalized the WSC but also set a benchmark in sustainable civil engineering practices, demonstrating a profound commitment to enhancing biodiversity and community life through expertly engineered environmental restoration.