Lambert Lake Pond and Meander

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Quick Facts:

VLAWMO, the City of Vadnais Heights, SEH engineering, the MPCA, and the University of Minnesota worked together to improve Lambert Creek. The project includes a sheet pile replacement for water storage in Lambert Pond, a meander along a portion of Lambert Creek south of Lambert Pond, and a biochar filter at Whitaker Pond.

Size of sheet pile replacement: 400 ft
Length of meander: 2,020 ft

Funding:

The project was funded through both grant and loan funding. Grant funds were through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 319 funds administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) with a match from VLAWMO. Loan funding was provided through a 0% interest loan from the Clean Water Partnership loan program, funded through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).  

The grant portion funded the meander and bacteria removal. The loan portion paid for a needed steel replacement of an existing vinyl sheet pile weir that was past its expected lifespan. Grant and loan contracts were approved at the end of 2019.

Reason for project:

A history of ditching and draining along Lambert Creek has altered the natural hydrology of the area, causing stronger stormwater surges, increased sedimentation, and increased erosion due to the increased water volume.

Throughout the United States, a trend of channeling and ditching natural waterways has had an unfortunate consequence on water resources and built infrastructure. While straight channels are effective at transporting water quickly, they sacrifice the storage space and natural sediment dispersal that floodplains offer. 

Construction:

Construction took place in winter 2020/2021, and was planned according to FEMA floodplain guidelines. Following construction, native plants were re-vegetated along the meander. While construction plans were being developed, University of Minnesota researchers conducted lab tests and built a design to add an innovative element: biochar. Biochar is a charcoal product that removes bacteria and nutrients. Lab tests determined the right type of biochar for the project and amount needed for bacteria removal.

Results:

The project enhanced water storage at Lambert Pond and improved floodplain access in the segment of Lambert Creek just south of Lambert Pond. The effort also removes excess bacteria, improves vegetation and wildlife habitat, and slows down water, which serves to reduce erosion. VLAWMO also learned from similar projects in neighboring watersheds. Reference these at the Rice Creek and Minnehaha Creek websites. 

Media:

Flyover Video - 2021: Click here

Public Info Session - May, 2020: Click here 

Lambert Lake Pond and Meander Fact Sheet: Click here

Introduction Video: Click here

Floodplain Friday: A video series looking at the function and management of floodplains.

 Part 1    Part 2    Part 3    Part 4

Completed Construction Footage: Click here

Frequently Asked Questions:

FAQ

Project Updates:

2020

March - December Updates

2021

Major construction updates: January-February
Post-construction

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Project Image Galleries

Pre-Construction: January, 2021

Construction: February, 2021

Planting: May, 2021

Completion: June, 2021

Project Design:

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