Protecting our water quality 

Stormwater improvements were conducted along the McMurdo Gulch to protect water quality and maintain a healthy stream system in response to impacts from urbanization. Evidence of erosion was observed in various locations along the channel. McMurdo Gulch is a western tributary within the Cherry Creek drainage basin and is located on the east side of Town.

Castle Rock Water, in partnership with the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority, completed two additional phases of stream stabilization in 2020. Stream stabilization occurred in four locations with a combined length of approximately 2,700 lineal feet, using a bio-engineering approach to environmentally fit the project into the natural surroundings. Work included grading the incised channel banks, reconstructing the channel bed, installing riffle drops and cascading boulder structures, and planting native grass and willows. Stream stabilization efforts such as these support the mission to preserve and protect water quality within the Town’s open space and the watershed.

Timeline

March 2020 - Spring 2021

Construction is complete with wetland plantings, willow stakes and shrub revegetation planned for Spring 2021.

Contract

The contracts were awarded to 53 Corporation and the projects were completed, under budget, at a cost of $1,513,524. The projects were funded through the Stormwater Enterprise Fund, with contributions from the Authority and the local developer.