Thunderbird Hills Stormwater Improvement Project
Managing Stormwater: Solutions for Thunderbird Hills Subdivision
When the residents of Thunderbird Hills subdivision in the Town of Onalaska, WI consistently faced flooding issues after storms, GEC’s municipal expertise was brought into action to investigate and implement solutions for the neighborhood. The municipal team promptly devised and executed a range of measures, including the installation of roadside ditches, culverts, and rock check dams – structures made of rocks and stones designed to slow down water flow and capture sediment. These interventions effectively curbed erosion and prevented sediment from being washed away and into Town ROW and private properties.
Additionally, a dry pond was constructed within the subdivision park to serve as a reservoir for rainwater during heavy downpours. This strategic setup provided a designated area for rainwater collection, thereby mitigating flooding risks across the streets and yards of residential properties.
Notably, the project presented unique challenges due to its developed nature and location in a coulee – a small valley prone to filling up with water during intense rainfall due to the natural topography. Consequently, the engineering team had to devise innovative methods to redirect water flow and minimize the risk of further flooding, making the project more extensive and complex.
Funding for the project was secured through La Crosse County’s Stormwater Infrastructure Grant program, enabling the Town to implement the project while only paying 10% of the total cost. Without this funding opportunity, the measures taken would have been less extensive and less effective.
GEC Project Services Include:
- Secured funding
- Design
- Construction administration
