Case Study

Indian Creek Re-Meandering Project

Living Waters Consultants provided Stream Re-Meandering Design Engineering Services for the Indian Creek Restoration Project, completed by V3 Consultants. The project received the ACEC Merit Award - Water Resources. The project was also a finalist for the National Visionary Award. LWC Engineering Services including Fluvial Geomorphic Field Evaluations, Re-Meandering Engineering Design Plans, Details, Specifications, Cost Estimates, Permit Assistance, and Construction Observation services. The project scope included converting a channelized agricultural ditch into a naturalized and meandering 4,200 LF (0.75 mile) reach of Indian Creek in North Aurora, Illinois. The project site was became deeded to the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. Stream habitat restoration features include native planting and seeding, five wetland side channel features, two backwater sites, 20 natural rock riffles, 21 excavated pool structures, coir log bioengineering stabilization, rock deflectors, eight tree rootball revetments, boulder clusters, gravel bars and other measures. Since 2003, the re-meandered stream channel has maintained a relatively stable channel morphology. Inhabitation of native vegetation has been extensive. The site cross section, based on monitoring, has maintained flow and sediment conveyance capabilities. Project Management, Permitting, Floodplain Engineering, and Wetland Design for 80 acres of riparian wetland were provided by V3 Consultants. John Duerr, then Executive Director of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County (future site owner ), commented “I’m cautious about being a cheerleader...but they did a great job with this.” LWC observed construction by Countryside Industries.