Valley Creek Infiltration and Ravine Stabilization Projects

Valley Creek is one of only a few high-quality, naturally reproducing trout streams in the Twin Cities. Stormwater runoff, which causes bank erosion and carries excessive sediment and contaminants into the creek poses the largest threat to this stream and to the phosphorus-impaired Lake St. Croix. Overall, two projects are expected to reduce sediment delivery to Valley Creek by 36 tons per year. The reduction in sediment load will also prevent 31 pounds of phosphorus, per year, from entering Valley Creek and Lake St. Croix.
The first project will include construction of stormwater infiltration areas at the top of Ravine Two to provide stormwater storage and infiltration opportunities. These measures will attenuate peak flows, reduce runoff volumes, and reduce the rate of erosion and sediment transport. The second project will address erosion issues near the intersection of 30th Street and Trading Post Trail through slope stabilization and revegetation. The goals of the projects are to minimize sediment erosion in the ravines adjacent to Valley Creek, protect trout stream habitat, and reduce sediment and phosphorus load to Lake St. Croix.