Commenting open: June 23, 2025 12:00AM CT - July 07, 2025 11:59PM CT.
401 Certification for Valley Creek Streambank Modification Project #2025-00104-BCB
We invite you to comment on the draft 401 Water Quality Certification for the Water Quality Certification for the Valley Creek Streambank Modification in Washington County.
Valley Branch Watershed District proposes to discharge fill material into 500 linear feet of Valley Creek for a floodplain restoration project. Valley Creek is located in Afton and is a public body of water. The project involves reestablishing the connection between the floodplain and Valley Creek by lowering the adjacent banks by one to two feet.
Over time, the mainstream creek has narrowed and disconnected from its natural floodplain. To address this, the existing adjacent floodplain areas will be lowered by excavating soil from both sides of the creek, extending up to 60 feet from the banks. Rock, riffles, root wads, and toe woods will be installed. An existing culvert will be sealed and abandoned, and the culvert apron will be removed and restored with field stone. Heavy equipment, including excavators, backhoes, and bulldozers, will be used for soil removal. The excavated soil will be transported off-site using haul trucks. The scope of work will encompass tree removals, soil excavation, leveling and grading of the newly constructed floodplain, and stabilization measures such as seeding and erosion control.
A 401 Water Quality Certification is required when an individual, business, or property owner proposes construction-related activities near a navigable lake, river, stream, or adjacent wetland. The MPCA reviews projects to ensure they will not violate Minnesota's more protective water quality standards. The 401 certification becomes an enforceable component of the associated federal license or permits issued under the Clean Water Act.
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Thank you for subscribing to the 401 Certification for Valley Creek Streambank Modification Project #2025-00104-BCB mailing list.
We invite you to comment on the draft 401 Water Quality Certification for the Water Quality Certification for the Valley Creek Streambank Modification in Washington County.
Valley Branch Watershed District proposes to discharge fill material into 500 linear feet of Valley Creek for a floodplain restoration project. Valley Creek is located in Afton and is a public body of water. The project involves reestablishing the connection between the floodplain and Valley Creek by lowering the adjacent banks by one to two feet.
Over time, the mainstream creek has narrowed and disconnected from its natural floodplain. To address this, the existing adjacent floodplain areas will be lowered by excavating soil from both sides of the creek, extending up to 60 feet from the banks. Rock, riffles, root wads, and toe woods will be installed. An existing culvert will be sealed and abandoned, and the culvert apron will be removed and restored with field stone. Heavy equipment, including excavators, backhoes, and bulldozers, will be used for soil removal. The excavated soil will be transported off-site using haul trucks. The scope of work will encompass tree removals, soil excavation, leveling and grading of the newly constructed floodplain, and stabilization measures such as seeding and erosion control.
A 401 Water Quality Certification is required when an individual, business, or property owner proposes construction-related activities near a navigable lake, river, stream, or adjacent wetland. The MPCA reviews projects to ensure they will not violate Minnesota's more protective water quality standards. The 401 certification becomes an enforceable component of the associated federal license or permits issued under the Clean Water Act.
Contact Information
*Indicates Required Fields