Vaught Tributary of Lower Howards Creek Stormwater Model Extension & Study
CLARK COUNTY, KY
WATER RESOURCES
Palmer Engineering provides innovative stormwater management and water resources engineering solutions to help communities reduce flooding, improve water quality, and create long-term resilience.
One notable project was the Vaught Tributary of Lower Howards Creek stormwater model in Winchester, Kentucky. With the goal of reducing peak flood stages and improving water quality, Palmer developed and evaluated four alternatives against existing conditions at multiple analysis points along the stream.
Project scope
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Responsibilities
Hydrologic & Hydraulic Model Refinement: Expanded and refined the existing Lower Howards Creek flood study model (Palmer, 2008) to evaluate stormwater flooding within the Vaught Tributary
Alternative Development & Testing: Designed and analyzed multiple mitigation measures aimed at reducing peak flood stages and improving overall water quality
Comparative Stormwater Analysis: Assessed existing flood conditions against proposed improvement scenarios using advanced stormwater modeling tools
Preferred Alternative Selection: Identified the most effective solution and developed a planning-level cost estimate based on engineering judgment and recent construction bid data
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Preferred Solution
Biofiltration Basin Construction: Developed a new biofiltration basin on the Robert D. Campbell Junior High School property to manage stormwater more effectively
Outlet & Drainage Improvements: Installed a new outlet structure and modified the existing drainage pipe to optimize flow
Increased Storage Capacity: Excavated approximately 7,000 cubic yards of material to expand stormwater storage volume
Flood Reduction Performance: Achieved a 6-inch reduction in water surface elevation during a 100-year, 24-hour storm event through advanced hydraulic modeling
Enhanced Water Quality: Improved pollutant removal through sediment capture, infiltration, plant uptake, reduced flow velocity, and minimized downstream erosion
Ecological Enhancements: Incorporated native grasses and wildflower plantings to support habitat health and long-term ecological benefits
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Successes
Secured Grant Funding: Leveraged Palmer’s prior work on the Lower Howards Creek Watershed Management Plan to successfully obtain a 2021 319(h) grant from the Kentucky Division of Water
Completed Full Design & Documentation: Provided full design services for the water quality basins, including surveying, final hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and preparation of complete construction documents
Navigated Regulatory Approvals: Managed permitting within a jurisdictional water and FEMA floodplain, coordinating with the Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
Successfully Constructed the Project: Scheduled construction for summer 2023 to accommodate the school calendar, completed major earthwork, and finalized planting in spring 2024
Delivered Long-Term Environmental Benefits: Implemented a fully functioning biofiltration basin that improves water quality while supporting long-term watershed management goals
Key Team Members
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Stephanie Blain, PE, LEED AP
PROJECT MANAGER
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Brian Ward, PE, PLS
TEAM MEMBER
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John Pike, EIT
TEAM MEMBER