Master Plan for Jean�s Creek, Comegys Creek, Herndon Branch

							                                     Master Plan
                              for Jean’s Creek, Comegys Creek,
                                Herndon Branch & The Branch




                                            Prepared for:
                                       The City of McKinney
                                             Prepared by:
                                    Easterling Consultants PLLC
Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Introduction

      In 2005, the City of McKinney authorized Easterling
      Consultants, PLLC to:
        Prepare the McKinney Healthy Lakes & Streams Master
               Plan.
        Develop a Master Plan for Herndon Branch and the Branch
               (Throckmorton Creek).

        Jean’s Creek and a portion of Comegys Creek was added in
               2006.

       The assignment has been completed and a draft report of
       our recommendation was prepared. Our purpose today is
       to briefly review our findings and recommendations.

Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Master Plan – Stream Overview   (continued)




Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Master Plan – Stream Overview   (continued)




Easterling Consultants PLLC
   Master Plan – Stream Overview   (continued)




Easterling Consultants PLLC
      Master Plan – Stream Overview   (continued)




Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Master Plan – Tasks

      1. Assessment of the conditions of the four streams,
      including:
               Channel Stability
               Stormwater Capacity
               Environmental Concerns
               Aesthetics and Construction Access
               Operation and Maintenance Issues




Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Master Plan - Tasks                (continued)



       2. Formulate alternative solutions and make an estimate of
          probable costs.

       3. Develop conceptual designs of the physical
          improvements needed (if any) for protection,
          remediation, or rehabilitation of the four streams.

       4. Make an estimate of probable construction costs and
          provide phasing recommendations for implementation
          of the recommended alternative for each stream.




Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Master Plan – Tasks (continued)
       5.      Provide recommendations for changes to development
               standards and requirements as they relate to the
               specific watersheds of the four streams.

       6.      Prepare a report of the findings and furnish 25 copies
               of the report to the City of McKinney.

       7.      Participate in two Focus Group meetings and one City
               Council Presentation.




Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Master Plan – Public Input
    Meetings were held with two City designated Focus
    Groups (Comegys Creek and the Branch.) The
    following is a summary of their input:
           Stabilize the stream systems. Reduce the erosion.

           Maintain and restore natural conditions. Prevent the loss of trees.

           Reduce the sediment being deposited into the lakes and streams.

           Prevent the streams from being used as trash dumps

           Remove the sediment and decaying vegetation from the lakes.

           Provide access to the streams and install open areas, hike & bike
               trails, where feasible.
           Improve the aesthetics.



Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Master Plan – Planning Process

    The following general process
    was followed in developing the
    recommended plan for each
    stream reach:
       First Step: Field review of the four
            streams.




Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Master Plan – Field Assessments

    Technical Staff walked the
    entire length of all streams.
    Data gathered included:
       Active erosion locations

       Infrastructure locations

       Incised or floodplain access

       Geologic/Soil conditions

       Vegetation conditions



Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Findings: Active Erosion




Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Findings: Trash, Debris, Dense Vegetation




Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Findings: Nature Worth Protecting




Easterling Consultants PLLC
      Master Plan – Planning Process

     Second Step: Evaluation of the existing and projected
          health of the streams and lakes. Each stream was
          divided into study reaches (16 reaches). Present and
          projected conditions of the four streams were
          evaluated.




Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Master Plan – Planning Process                               (continued)




        Summary of Conditions:
              Health of most of the streams varies from fair to poor.
              The health of the streams continues to deteriorate.
              Erosion of stream banks and lowering of the bottom of the
               channels are the major problems.
              Weak, diseased, and dead trees, and a dense overstory along
               the streams.
              Numerous residences and commercial buildings are located very
               close to the streams.
              Erosion has damaged or threatens adjacent property, bridges,
               and valuable trees.



Easterling Consultants PLLC
      Master Plan – Planning Process                               (continued)




       Summary of Conditions (continued):
             Most, if not all of the residences, are located outside of the 100-
              year flood plain.
             Several reaches of the channels are deeply incised (depths
              greater than 20 feet.)
             Stream bank protection installed in a piecemeal fashion.
             Streams used to dispose of residential and construction trash
              (The Branch.)
             Sediment and debris deposited in lakes and streams reducing
              their capacity and their health.
             Restricted access for maintenance.


Easterling Consultants PLLC
      Master Plan – Planning Process                           (continued)




       Third Step: A wide range of options were identified.
             From No action to concrete channels.
       Fourth Step: A plan was developed for each stream
             reach. Factors that affected the recommended
             solutions were:
               1.     Level of development.
               2.     Size and depth of streams.
               3.     Access to the streams for construction and/or
                      maintenance.
               4.     Desire for natural conditions.
               5.     Ongoing sediment removal project.
Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Master Plan – Proposed Solutions

    Control stream bed elevations:
    Prevent downcutting with grade
    control structures




Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Master Plan – Proposed Solutions

    Limit stream bank erosion:
    Armor stream banks where
    active erosion is occurring




Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Master Plan – Proposed Solutions

   Improve floodplain functions:
   Provide a vegetated floodplain
   next to the stream channel
   wherever possible




Easterling Consultants PLLC
    Master Plan – Reach by Reach Plans




Easterling Consultants PLLC
   Master Plan – Implementation

        Phase One:
              1.     Remove trash and debris
              2.     Selective thinning of vegetation




         Phase Two:
               1.     Install grade control structures
               2.     Stabilize eroding banks
               3.     Improve floodplain functions
               4.     Enhance riparian vegetation



Easterling Consultants PLLC
          Master Plan – Prioritization

        Each stream is prioritized by reach


                 Stream Name     Priority 1   Priority 2   Priority 3   Priority 4




                  Jean's Creek   Reach 1      Reach 2      Reach 3




                Comegys Creek    Reach 2      Reach 1      Reach 3      Reach 5




                Herndon Branch   Reach 2      Reach 3      Reach 1      Reach 4




                  The Branch     Reach 2      Reach 1      Reach 3




Easterling Consultants PLLC
   Master Plan – Summary


      The Plan, if implemented, will help to either maintain
      or restore the health of the four creeks and help
      achieve the City’s vision.




Easterling Consultants PLLC