Off-Channel Habitat Restoration Project - Fife, WA

This project consisted of the off-channel habitat restoration construction on the Jordan Property on Hylebos Creek in Fife, Washington. The Project Site is located at the northwest corner of 8th Street East, and 62nd Avenue East, City of Fife, Pierce County, Washington; on land wholly-owned by the City of Fife, Washington.

Extensive dewatering and tidal management was crucial on this project, as a portion of the project took place within the main channel of Hylebos Creek, which flows to the north on the western edge of the property. Hylebos Creek is tidally influenced with a daily range of three to four feet or more. Additionally, Hylebos Creek is subject to flooding in the event of significant precipitation events. Soil erosion, runoff control and pollution management were also of importance, as Groundwater has been encountered in monitoring wells at the site between four and seven feet below ground surface.

The specific elements of work in the project included, but were not limited to: construction surveying and staking, clearing and grubbing, demolition and debris removal, removal of existing wood pilings and the corresponding wood bulk head wall from within the main channel of the stream, earthwork and grading, disposal of excess site material, and soil preparation to allow planting. Both temporary and permanent erosion control measures were implemented, including the use of floating geotextile silt curtains, 7’ high wire backed geotextile silt fencing, certified weed free straw bales, grade control structures, check dams, gravel, and boulders.

Additional challenges included traffic control, establishment of on-site utilities, and the removal and disposal of an in-water bulkhead to be completed without disturbing existing vegetation designated to remain.

Project Performance

Phoinix personnel completed the restoration of this habitat successfully. The project was concluded with the construction a pedestrian trail and viewing platforms on the site, in order that citizens may enjoy this restored habitat without impact in the future.