Protecting our water quality 

Stormwater improvements are being 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.

The project includes channel improvements at four locations along McMurdo Gulch that were identified in the 2016 Stream Assessment Report and found to be eroding and unraveling. The improvements include a combination of bio-engineered features, bank protection measures, constructed riffle drops and cascade boulder drops consistent with improvements used on prior McMurdo Gulch Stream Reclamation projects. This project will use a bio-engineering approach to environmentally fit the project into the natural surroundings. 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

The next phase is scheduled to begin construction in fall 2021.

Contract

The projects were funded through the Stormwater Enterprise Fund, with contributions from the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority and the local developer.