Open house for Lyon Creek flood reduction project September 10

Lyon Creek flooding in Towne Centre, December 2010

The public is invited to the Lyon Creek bypass flood reduction project open house on Monday, September 10, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:30pm in the Lake Forest Park City Hall, Council Chambers. 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155, 206-368-5440.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Lyon Creek bypass project and ask any flood reduction program questions you may have. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

Click here to view the City’s flood reduction project website

Project Summary from Aaron Halverson, Environmental Programs Manager

Flooding causes Lyon Creek to overflow its banks into McAleer Creek resulting in the flooding that is experienced in the Sheridan Beach, Town Center and Bothell Way area.  To address this issue the City collaborated with engineering and environmental consultants to study the problem and determined that a high-flow bypass is needed to capture and divert floodwater before it enters the floodplain. A bypass on Lyon Creek will provide the following flood reduction and stream enhancement benefits:

• Flood protection for the Lake Forest Park Town Center, Northshore Fire Department station, State Route 522 (Bothell Way), and over 20 residences in Sheridan Beach
• Fine sediment will be captured behind the intake screens while larger sediment and cobble will move downstream, enhancing the most critical area of the stream bed
• Reduced stream bank erosion
• Installation of large woody debris upstream and downstream of the intake and outlet portions of the facility to create habitat opportunities for aquatic organisms
• Reduced accumulation of sediment at the mouth of Lyon Creek that negatively impacts lake access for the Civic Club and adjacent neighbors

The cost estimate for the project is $4.3 million. The City anticipates that federal and county funding will provide $3.7 million toward design and construction of the project. The current schedule provides for design in 2013 and construction in 2013-15.