After a Labor Day flood in 2003 severely damaged the White Lick Creek bank and threatened bridges as well as public and private property, the Town of Plainfield and its consulting contractors embarked upon a multifaceted cleanup and restoration project. The Indiana Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management (INAFSM) has now recognized the success of those efforts by bestowing the Town and lead designer Banning Engineering with its Outstanding Stormwater Project Award.
The flood, stemming from more than 7 inches of area rainfall in a 24-hour period, devastated the White Lick Creek bank. According to Jeff Healy, P.E., Vice President of Banning Engineering, White Lick Creek is "like many streams in developing areas," with its “history of stability issues because of frequent half-bank and higher flow events.“ But it was that one event, Healy says, that truly "wreaked havoc on the channel."
Tim Belcher, P.E., Town Engineer, says other property was also in danger. “I thought we were going to lose the historic iron flying truss bridge.“ Fallen trees and debris had accumulated at the pilings of that bridge and two others, forcing workers to work quickly to relieve a dangerous buildup of hydrostatic pressure.
Shortly after the flood waters subsided and the bridges had been made safe, the Town applied for emergency relief funding totaling nearly $6 million. Though FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) rejected the application, the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) later awarded a 75% grant (25% local match) through (continued) its Emergency Watershed Program. The grant helped make possible creek bank and bed restoration through the Town of Plainfield. Working with JDH Contracting, Inc. and John Hall Construction, Inc., the Town and Banning Engineering developed and effected a series of repairs and restoration measures.
Those measures utilized the bio-engineered wrapped earth lift method and included installing a “rock toe“ for stability at the base of the creek slope. This was then topped by several wrapped lifts of compacted topsoil. Plant cuttings and native seed were also applied to give the bank a green, bioengineered look. The bank has subsequently resisted full-and elevated-flow events; and today, White Lick Creek exhibits a green, forested corridor that invites year-round enjoyment by nature lovers.
While Belcher believes the INAFSM award validates the project's approach and its results, he says that the true reward lies in the preservation and protection of a community resource that residents can enjoy now and in the future.
TOX AWAY DAY PLANNED
The Hendricks County Solid Waste Management District will hold the year's final Tox-Away Day on Saturday, October 13th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm at Plainfield High School, located at 709 Stafford Road. For a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items, visit www.hendrickssolidwaste.com, or call (317) 745-9130 for more information.
TRAIL SYSTEM EXPANDS
The Town's greenways continue to grow and improve with completion of two important projects. A new parking area at the White Lick Creek Trailhead includes spaces for 76 vehicles and two buses. The Trailhead, located at 450 West Main Street just west of White Lick Creek on US 40, provides access to the ever-expanding trail system. Part of that expansion is the new Sugar Grove Path, which extends from Peacock Court on County Road 700 E to the Center Ridge subdivision on Hadley Road. The 8-foot wide asphalt path is nearly one-half mile long and connects into the west side of Hummel Park, giving residents of Center Ridge, Glenn Haven and Glenn Haven West easy access to the trail system.
HALLOWEEN FUN...TIME TWO
The Town will host a “Sa-Terror-Day“ Party on Saturday, October 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Recreation Center. Youngsters aged 12 and under can enjoy craft projects, pumpkin decorating, and treats, as well as a hayride. Radio Disney will be at the Indoor Aquatic Center from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with games, activities and prizes for those in costume. For more information, call 839-7665 and speak to Dan (ext. 546) or Adam (ext. 538). On Wednesday, October 31, children are invited to stop by the Plainfield- Guilford Township Library between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. for free goody bags in the lobby, courtesy of the Friends of the Library. Staff members will also give out Halloween treats in each department. Other special attractions will include the Chick-Fil-AŽ Wheel of Fun. Registration is not required; however, all children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact Debby Shaw or Susan Miller-Carter at 839 6602.
