Coldstream SEP

Stream Restoration, Ecological Stewardship

As part of a Consent Decree settlement with US EPA and KY Division of Water, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government agreed to a $1 million Supplemental Environmental Project to improve water quality conditions of Cane Run Creek. This watershed is designated as a resource protection area that feeds the drinking water supply for the city of Georgetown. As a 303d-listed stream, it is impacted by agricultural operations, urban runoff and failing sanitary sewer systems. The combination of urban  hydrology and invasive weeds was destroying wildlife habitat. In 2017, EcoGro was chosen to construct a project along the Legacy Trail within Coldstream Park in Lexington, KY. The project included restoring over 4,000 linear feet of stream, as well as construction of a bioswale and three wetlands. The stream buffer and adjoining features were all planted with native vegetation.

After construction was completed, the work for EcoGro was not over. Requirements were set between LFUCG’s Division of Water Quality, the Kentucky Division of Water and the US EPA to ensure the project’s long-term success in improving water quality with 5 years of monitoring and ecological stewardship. Starting in 2019, EcoGro partnered with earthcycle design and RES / Redwing Ecological Services to provide as-built surveys, vegetation monitoring, erosion inspections, habitat assessments, and annual reporting. As monitoring and reporting occurred  intermittently  throughout  the years, EcoGro has regularly performed proactive site management to reduce invasive species and encourage the growth of woody vegetation. In response to monitoring assessments, additional trees and shrubs were planted in April 2020 to support project success criteria. Park users continue to learn the importance of restoration, preservation and stewardship of streams and wetlands through witnessing ongoing stewardship behaviors.

Construction Project Partners

• EcoGro

• CDP-mapsync

• Ridgewater

Post-Construction Project Partners

• EcoGro

• Earthcycle

• RES / Redwing Ecological Services

• CDP-mapsync

Owner and Funding Agent