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Doraville project close to final design; Army Corps approval is final permitting hold‑up
Summary
Engineers told the Doraville council the Northwoods stream bank restoration is 95% designed and funded by a 319 grant; Georgia EPD approval is complete but U.S. Army Corps sign‑off was delayed by the federal office closure — council asked staff to proceed to bidding once the Corps issues final authorization.
City stormwater staff and the project manager for Peckenwood reported Nov. 12 that the North Fork Peach‑Tree Creek stream bank restoration project (funded in part through an EPA 319 grant) is at 95% design. Georgia Environmental Protection Division review is complete; the remaining permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is pending because of federal office delays.
Project elements include laying back steep slopes to 3:1, removing invasive vegetation, placing in‑stream structures to direct flow away from eroding banks, replanting with native species, constructing short sections of sidewalk and an overlook, and preserving several community‑planted trees. The team discussed fencing limited to locations where the sidewalk closely approaches steep banks; the proposed fence is a 42‑inch wood slat design with openings at overlooks.
Project manager Jenny Olivo said contractors’ bid documents are ready and the city may put the job to bid once the Corps issues its permit; the earliest realistic construction window is spring if permitting concludes (March–April start). Jude Waggaspache estimated the cost split near a 60/40 ratio (city share higher), though he said he would confirm exact percentages for the record.
Council members asked about maintenance responsibilities (one‑year warranty expectations), potential downstream impacts, and whether additional public access to the creek would be created. Olivo said a no‑rise hydraulic analysis indicates downstream flood elevations are not expected to increase and may slightly lower locally because of widened flood storage. The design declines full ADA access down the bank because slopes would require lengthy switchbacks, but it adds seating, lawn areas and an accessible sidewalk alignment with guarded overlooks.
Why it matters: The restoration addresses erosion, safety and community amenities in a floodplain neighborhood and leverages state and federal environmental funding. The Corps’ permit is the last regulatory milestone before construction procurement.
Next steps: Staff will confirm the final funding percentages, continue coordination with the Army Corps and place the project out to bid once permits are secured.
