For Browning-Ferris Industries and Ox Mountain Land Fill
Half Moon Bay, California

Questa completed a comprehensive creek restoration design, including CEQA review, project permitting, and preparation of plans and specifications for a highly eroded, 1,800-foot reach of Corinda Los Trancos Creek, near Half Moon Bay, California. The preferred solution included the enlargement of an existing upstream detention basin, the construction of a series of willow planted rock drop structures within the creek, and regrading and revegetation of the existing nearly vertical 20- to 30-foot high banks.  The project included eight step pools and protected slopes through the use of planted coir logs and blankets.

California red-legged frogs, which are resident to the Creek, were relocated during the construction work; the final design included enhancement features for the species, such as new breeding pools. Another primary design consideration was the maintenance of existing farmland at the top of bank. HEC-1 and HEC-RAS models were developed as design aids for predicting how the project would influence creek hydrology and hydraulics. This project was constructed in late summer/fall of 2002.