Boelman Streambank Habitat & Restoration

This project site is located on the southern stretches of a TMDL listed stream, the Rock River. The Rock River has been listed by EPA as impaired for turbidity and fecal coliform. Studies have shown that 60-80% of the cause of turbidity is stream bank erosion. The existing banks have a 10' vertical face that has been eroding at a rate of approximately 10' horizontally each year adding approximately 1575 ton of sediment per year to the Rock River. The Rock River is designated as critical habitat for the Topeka Shiner (Notropis topeka). The Topeka shiner is a federally endangered minnow that is adversely affected by turbidity caused by stream bank erosion. This project consists of back sloping and stabilizing two stretches of stream bank approximately 600' long with the installation of 5 rock j-hooks. The stream barbs will redirect the erosive velocity of the stream away from the bank to prevent erosion and will also create still waters behind the barbs that are conducive to Topeka Shiner habit. The landowner will also establish a native grass buffer along the project sites to protect the stream bank and provide upland habitat.