Redpath Phase 1 - TCD 35 Water Quality Improvements

The Bois De Sioux Watershed District (BdSWD) is partnering with the Traverse County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and petitioning landowners to complete a 103E drainage system improvement proceeding as part of the multiphase Redpath Project. As part of this proceeding, the BdSWD intends to design and construct this project utilizing the Clean Water Ditch Retrofit elements seen on the previous five projects funded by BSWR's Clean Water Fund to facilitate erosion and sediment reduction practices that improve water quality while protecting drainage system efficiency and reducing drainage system maintenance.

This project proposes installation of 41 grade stabilization structures (i.e., side inlet structures) and 5 miles of continuous berms to be constructed as a permanent part of Traverse County Ditch (TCD) 35. This project will reduce sediment loading to both the Mustinka River and Twelvemile Creek by 230 tons per year and phosphorus by 65 lbs per year. This project will meet 20% of the annual sediment reduction and 17% of the short-term goals set in the Comprehensive Water Management Plan (CWMP). The improvement proceeding will acquire and establish all legally required grass buffers throughout the drainage system. The overall, long-term benefit of these efforts include reduced soil erosion and sedimentation of the drainage system, reduced pollutant loading, increased ditch functionality, and reduced peak flows. Like the previously funded projects, this project will result in lower drainage maintenance costs and an increase in water quality to the receiving waters.