Elm Creek Dam and Stream Restoration

View the Environmental Project of the Year Award Press Release (PDF). 

The Elm Creek Restoration and Dam Replacement project, orchestrated by the City of Champlin, stands as a beacon of innovative public works. Beginning with the reconstruction of the Elm Creek Dam, shifting to the restoration of the Mill Pond and finishing with the restoration of Elm Creek, this multiphase project provides the area with significant improvements.

This extensive initiative encompasses a total of 2.7 miles along Elm Creek within the City of Champlin that has been improved and restored to better serve the community. This was accomplished with a robust budget of $18.124 million—remarkably, three-fourths of which were secured through grant funding. The project’s scope includes significant ecological enhancements, flood management improvements and recreational upgrades, all designed to transform Elm Creek into a thriving community asset.

Over 14 years and five design and construction phases, many members of the community have had the opportunity to support this project. The City of Champlin championed this project with WSB leading design, along with contractors from several firms including C.S. McCrossan, Blackstone Contractors, Minnesota Native Landscapes and Sunram Construction. The Elm Creek Restoration and Dam Rehabilitation reached substantial completion of its final phase in March 2024.

Construction Management

This project showcased a blend of traditional techniques and modern engineering solutions tailored to meet both ecological and community needs.  Rerouting of the dam during earlier phases of construction was a key element of the project’s success. Design of a hidden drop spillway and a below-grade pipe gallery managed increased flow rates effectively, crucial for reducing flood risk while maintaining the historic appearance and functionality of the dam. This dual-purpose design allowed the newly constructed spillway to mimic the original in form and function, cleverly blending modern engineering with traditional aesthetics.

During Phase 2, which focused on the Mill Pond restoration, a temporary lake drawdown was essential. This phase introduced a variety of in-lake habitat features such as spawning beds, submerged log root wads, and rock riffle structures, all designed to enhance restore the lake depths and improve water quality. The comprehensive approach extended to the shorelines with stabilization efforts and the planting of native vegetation, which helped re-establish a natural buffer against erosion while improving the aesthetic and ecological value of the lakefront.

As the project progressed through Phases 3-5, the focus shifted to stream restoration and the incorporation of instream habitat features like riffles, toe wood, and boulder clusters. These features are critical in creating a diverse aquatic environment capable of supporting various species throughout different stages of their life cycles. The construction management plan took a cautious approach by implementing a turtle monitoring plan to ensure the protection of sensitive species, notably the Blanding’s turtle, known to inhabit the area. The careful placement of timber mats and operations on frozen ground during Phase 5 minimized soil disruption, demonstrating a deep commitment to preserving both the archaeological sites and the natural landscape.

All construction phases were strategically completed in the winter months to minimize environmental impact, illustrating a forward-thinking approach to construction management that prioritizes ecological sensitivity and community values.

Environmental Considerations and Sustainability

Comprehensive efforts in the dam reconstruction and associated environmental restoration projects have significantly contributed to both ecological sustainability and community safety. The removal of approximately 55 homes from the FEMA designated floodplain during the Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) process is a prime example of proactive flood risk management. This strategic relocation not only mitigates the risk of flood damage in future events but also exemplifies a commitment to sustainable urban planning. The Mill Pond restoration project further underscores this commitment by addressing water quality issues. Removal of about 240,000 cubic yards of sediment has restored aquatic pond depths, enhancing water clarity and depth, thereby creating a more habitable environment for diverse aquatic species. This not only benefits the local ecosystem but also boosts biodiversity, which is a key indicator of environmental health.

In addition to aquatic enhancements, Elm Creek and subsequent stream restoration phases have tackled the challenges posed by increased urbanization. Design of a stream capable of managing "flashy flows" — rapid, short-term water flows due to urban runoff — illustrates an innovative approach to stream restoration that accommodates both ecological integrity and urban development pressures. The reconnection of floodplain areas and the installation of large wood structures for bank stabilization are crucial for maintaining natural hydrological processes and preventing erosion. These measures ensure that floodplains can perform their natural functions, such as water filtration and providing habitat, thereby supporting overall watershed health.

Furthermore, restoration projects have incorporated a holistic approach to environmental stewardship. Archeological assessments and construction monitoring have protected culturally sensitive sites, blending environmental conservation with cultural preservation. The efforts to safeguard state-endangered Blanding’s turtles during these projects highlight the integration of biodiversity conservation in public works. Moreover, the phased restoration strategies, including habitat enhancements from in-lake dredging to shoreline modifications and invasive species management, demonstrate a layered approach to ecological restoration. By gradually restoring the lake levels and reconnecting historic oxbows, these initiatives have not only restored ecological function but have also prepared the landscape to better withstand and adapt to future environmental challenges, ensuring sustainability and resilience.

Safety and Community Engagement

Safety protocols implemented throughout the entire duration of the project ensured successful completion. Due to the proximity of the project to privately owned land as well as vast public access, safety was a significant concern and heavily emphasized. Regular preplanning and training sessions with shoreline property owners were required to discuss the project and keep the community informed and involved. Numerous public forums, workshops and postings to the City of Champlin’s website provided insight to trail closures and reinforced that the active construction zone should be avoided until completion of the project. Establishing transparency with the community and building strong public awareness was critical in the overall safety of the project. There were no OSHA incidents reported at any of the phases of the Elm Creek project.

Extensive partnerships with state and local organizations were instrumental in driving this project forward, keeping community relations a top priority. Through partnerships with the MNDNR, the Elm Creek Watershed, Three Rivers Park District, Conservation Corps, Mill Pond Lake and the State of Minnesota further exemplify the project’s commitment to community integration and support. Each partnership was of significant value to this project. Whether aiding in preliminary design through permitting and construction or securing grant funding and the use of bonding dollars, having multiple partnerships among the community and state were driving factors in the Elm Creek Restoration and Dam Rehabilitation.

Future Value and Public Perception

Before initiating this project, the City of Champlin identified several restoration priorities, including water quality improvements, reduced flood risk, habitat improvements and improved recreational opportunities, that would best support the community to create a thriving culture. The vision of transforming Elm Creek into a greenway was a guiding principle in the necessity of establishing a floodplain. This provides a way to manage an urban stream that also serves as a community asset.