Public Meeting Regarding Spring Creek Watershed

Did you know that erosion from Spring Creek could fill more than 2,000 dump trucks each year?

If you want to know more about flooding, erosion and water quality issues in the Spring Creek Watershed, the Sedgwick County Stormwater Management Advisory Board invites you to attend an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. September 18, 2013 at the Derby Welcome Center, 611 N. Mulberry, Derby. The event is designed to be flexible so that stakeholders can come and go as they please. Identical, brief presentations will be given at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.

The Spring Creek Watershed Study is one of two studies being undertaken by Sedgwick County as it begins its efforts to develop such plans for all of the watersheds in the county. To assist in that effort, the county engaged a team led by Water Resources Solutions to analyze the flooding, erosion and water quality issues in the Spring Creek basin.

The county hosted an initial public meeting in May, coinciding with a survey made available online. At the meeting and through the survey, residents indicated the following:

• They are generally knowledgeable about stormwater runoff and the sources of pollution to streams and rivers.
• Understand that water quality can affect their health and that they play a role in the water quality of local streams but do have some frustration regarding a lack of specific information or data on the quality of water in Spring Creek.
• Know that erosion and stream bank stabilization are major issues.

Residents also indicated they lost backyards, spent personal funds to try to stop erosion of their properties, and witnessed major changes to Spring Creek since purchasing their properties.

Over the course of the summer, the team of stormwater experts has conducted extensive field research and analysis of the watershed. At the September 18 open house, the team will share these findings and provide preliminary information regarding potential solutions to the identified issues.

The Spring Creek Basin encompasses 32-square miles between Derby and Wichita, generally draining to the Spring Creek above the Arkansas River at Derby, bounded by Buckner Street, McConnell Air Force Base, Pawnee, 143 rd St. East and 95 th St. South. The study began in March and will be completed by November 2013.

Ultimately, the results of the Spring Creek Watershed Study will provide a basis for Sedgwick County and the cities of Derby and Wichita to make informed decisions about infrastructure needs and appropriate development.