Southern Sarpy Watershed Management Plan
Background
HEI developed the Southern Sarpy Watershed Management Plan (SSWMP) in conjunction with the Southern Sarpy Watershed Partnership. The southern portion of Sarpy County is a watershed over the ridgeline that drains the Omaha metropolitan area. The metropolitan area is expected to grow past this ridgeline and into southern Sarpy County very rapidly once a new sanitary sewer system is implemented.
In addition to the SSWMP being developed, planning for major transportation corridors and providing sewer service to the area (unique in that the development) will occur from the top of the watershed down versus the usual bottom-up direction.
The Project
The goal for the SSWMP is to protect natural resources and local infrastructure from the changes in stormwater dynamics due to development within the watershed. HEI addresses four technical factors related to development and its effect on stormwater: water quantity, hydraulics, water quality, and stream stability. Project stakeholders include the
Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District; Sarpy County; and the four watershed communities of Papillion, Gretna, Springfield, and Bellevue.
HEI analyzed baseline and potential post-development conditions to develop stormwater controls that will help guide the anticipated rapid development in the watershed. An alternatives analysis was performed to assess peak flow management and stream stability alternatives. We also provided stream assessments to determine existing habitat, wetlands, potential restoration, profile information, sediment transport, bank erosion, ordinary high-water marks, and existing vegetation. This information was used to identify future projects and associated costs as well as finalize policies and ordinances to be used within the watershed.
The project includes coordination with local agencies/stakeholders and public outreach efforts to gather input from the public and inform them of existing problems and proposed planning solutions. The SSWMP was completed in 2024.
- Performed stream assessments and stability analyses.
- Provided technical analysis to guide the development and prioritization of implementable projects.
- Developed a guidance document that will assist developers in implementing required policies and projects.
Project Details
Client: Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District
Location: Sarpy County, NE
Project Highlights
- Performed stream assessments and stability analyses.
- Provided technical analysis to guide the development and prioritization of implementable projects.
- Developed a guidance document that will assist developers in implementing required policies and projects.
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