Dec. 9, 2011
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SCHENCK CREEK, Calif. — ERDC Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory's (CHL) David Derrick was recently recognized by District 8 of the California Transportation Authority (Caltrans) for his contributions to the state Route 330 Road Repair Project and the restoration of Schenk Creek near Big Bear Lake, Calif., last spring.
State Route 330 was shut down for six months after heavy rains and flooding badly damaged the highway and the downstream reaches of Schenk Creek. A 65,000-cubic-yard slide buried an entire stream valley in sediment in addition to closing this major highway. Derrick provided shoal formation and fluvial analysis on the project. He also guided a large group of diverse specialists in developing a plan for stream restoration.
"In my 33 years of professional experience I had never witnessed an entire stream valley filled 17-feet-deep with sediment, blocking the stream and burying valuable habitat," said Derrick. "It was exciting to help guide such an outstanding group of skilled scientists toward finding functional solutions. Thinking outside the box doesn't even start to explain it."
According to Jason Bill, Caltrans associate environmental planner on the project, Derrick and Veronica Chan of the USACE Los Angeles District were instrumental in coordinating individuals within a multidisciplinary team representing USACE, Caltrans, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Forest Service, setting priorities and goals for the creek restoration project.
"Their partnering efforts resulted in the successful implementation of one of the most extensive stream restorations in Southern California," said Bill.