Project Area
The project will take place in the wetlands and natural areas along the Springwater Corridor Trail from Beggars Tick Natural Area to Zenger Farm. The project is located on public property between SE 111th and 122nd Avenues, from SE Harold Street and SE Foster Road.
The graphic reflects a simplified map for the Springwater Wetlands and Floodplain Restoration Project. Please note - this map is not up to scale.
Project Schedule
Construction is expected to begin in April of 2024. This work will take about a year and a half to complete. Regular work hours are Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Construction will occur in phases, and planting work will be completed during the appropriate seasons. All work is weather-dependent and subject to change due to contractor availability.
What’s Happening Now?
Site preparation work has begun. This work includes brush and tree cutting, nuisance removal, and site protection. This Spring, crews will mobilize on site to begin earth moving and other construction activities. We will notify nearby neighbors of the specific date 5-10 days in advance.
What to Expect During Construction
Construction creates noise, vibration, and dust and can disrupt normal neighborhood activity. We want you to be safe around the work site. Please keep children, pets, bikes, cars, and trucks away from the tools, machines, supplies, and construction workers. A city inspector will be on-site during work hours and may be able to assist you with construction concerns. Inspectors typically wear a hard hat and safety vest with “City of Portland” on the back.
Learn more about what to expect during construction.
We Want to Hear from You
Environmental Services will inform residents and businesses about project activities and respond to questions and concerns in a timely manner. The following resources will help you stay informed and report concerns:
- Questions: Call 503-823-5759 or email city staff stating that Springwater Wetlands and Floodplain Restoration Project is your area of concern.
- Sewer Emergency: In the event of a sewer backup or basement flooding, call the Maintenance hotline immediately at 503-823-1700. It is staffed all hours and all days, 24/7.
Project Background
The Springwater Wetlands and Floodplain Restoration Project will be Environmental Services' third floodplain project east of the I-205 Freeway in the Lents and Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhoods. The Brookside Wetlands Project was built in 1997. The Foster Floodplain Natural Area was completed in 2012. While those projects reduced local flooding and improved the health of Johnson Creek, more work is needed.
The Project will restore publicly owned property. This project will hold more floodwater on public land to reduce flood risk to local homes and businesses. As part of the project, BES will update the National Flood Insurance Maps for the Johnson Creek floodplain in this area.
What will this project do?
- Reduce how often homes, businesses, and streets flood in the project area.
- Enhance habitat for sensitive wildlife.
- Improve the water quality of Johnson Creek.
How will this be done?
BES will make several changes in the wetlands to restore the natural areas and reduce flood risks. The project will:
- Add places on public property where flood water can go when Johnson Creek is high.
- Install culverts under the Springwater Corridor Trail and between the wetlands.
- Remove non-native plants and replace them with native plants.
- Build trails for maintenance access and emergency response.
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