In the winter of 2011 Aquatic Contracting worked closely with Inter-Fluve Inc. and The Johnson Creek Watershed Council to begin developing a design/build restoration plan to enhance the confluence of Johnson Creek and the Willamette River. Over several months, prior to construction the three partners worked with local landowners, the City of Milwaukie and ODS to come up with plans that fit budget allocations, protected existing infrastructure and mimic historic conditions while greatly increasing habitat. The design/build approach allowed for flexibility and adaptation to address the site’s unknowns including: location of utilities, composition of substrate, and best location of log jams.

Construction began with AC hauling, unloading and rafting logs at a nearby boat ramp. The logs were then floated to the confluence using a tug boat and secured until installation began several weeks later.

Restoration elements included the placement of nearly 200 logs, construction of a roughened riffle to protect an exposed sewer pipe and placement of several hundred boulders to increase stream complexity and facilitate fish passage. The project was completed under budget allowing for future maintenance and increasing the budget for riparian planting.