Gainesville gives final notice and explanation of proposed creek bank stablization

The city of Gainesville is publishing its final notice and explanation of a proposed creek bank stabilization project in this week’s legal section on page 10. 

The notice is in connection with the city’s proposal to reconstruct the damaged areas of Lick Creek to help curb further erosion of a bank that is near the city’s wastewater treatment facility. The bank was heavily damaged after the creek flooded in 2017, infiltrating the city’s lagoon system. The notice explains that the city has conducted an evaluation of the proposed project and explains the findings.

The program is being funded by a $302,575 Community Development Block Grant (CBDG).

The proposed project

The notice explains that the city seeks to reconstruct the damaged areas of the creek bank with suitable “semi-compacted impervious” material, allowing the bank’s original slope and grade to be attained. 

“Impervious borrow material and pervious sand would be added to the breach site to restore the area to pre-flood grade. All repaired areas of the stream bank would then be reinforced with a Type 2 rock blanket placed over a geotextile fabric which would be used to protect the stream bank extending at least 2-feet below natural grade and at least 2-feet below the stream flow line,” the notice explains.

The bank stabilization would also include planting trees along the top of the bank and vegetation to all disturbed areas that aren’t protected by the rock blanket. It’s expected that the trees and vegetation will slow the velocity of the water if the creek were to flood and flow over the stream bank in the future. 

The project would affect the bank along the east side of the stream, which would be cut back some, reducing the velocity of water flow against the bend in the west stream bank where the breach previously occurred. 

“This should help prevent overtopping of the creek where the water could infiltrate the existing lagoon system or the lumber yard, and if it did overtop, it would be at a lower velocity,” the notice states. “The east bank would also be reinforced using a type 2 rock blanket over geotextile fabric and the vegetation reestablished to all disturbed areas not protected by the rock blanket.”

A hydraulic analysis of Lick Creek where the breach occurred would also be included in the project. No historic properties have been identified within the project plan area. 

Erosion control will be maintained by use of blankets and matting, as necessary by the contractor. 

The city of Gainesville will benefit from this project by providing a more reliable protection provided by the stream bank, making the city’s wastewater treatment facility and businesses located near the creek less vulnerable to frequent flooding.

Comment on proposed project before Dec. 10

The city says there are three primary purposes for the notice. 

First, it says people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. 

Second, the city explains that an adequate public notice program is an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains can facilitate and enhance federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. 

Third, as a matter of fairness, when the federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk, the notice says. 

Written comments must be received by the city at the following address on or before Dec. 10 to be considered. Comments can be mailed to City of Gainesville, Attention Mayor Deanna Reich, P.O. Box 355., Gainesville, MO 65655,  emailed to cityofgainesvillemo@gmail.com or expressed by phone to City Hall staff by calling 417-679-4858. 

A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at City Hall, located on the northwest corner of the Gainesville square.