Crab Orchard Creek Watershed

A Flood Control Project in the Upper Crab Orchard Creek Watershed

A number of local farmers and residents from the City of Marion provided input on the project design.

Creek was modified and a new 7,450-foot structure called a “floodway,” was built. The floodway diverts stormwater from the community without impacting the water flowing in Crab Orchard Creek.

The total cost of the project was about $8 million, funded by federal, state, and local money. Nearly $6 million of this total was funded under the federal PL-566 Watershed Protection Program. Remaining funds came from the state, the City of Marion, Williamson County, and Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Water Resources.

The Results

Reduced Flooding-
The project has successfully reduced flooding in the downtown and the south end of town. The lives and safety of community residents are no longer threatened with every storm. Water drains quickly from city streets after it rains and traffic flows unimpeded. Fire trucks and ambulances reach their destination without delay. Stores stay open for business.

The potential for economic development has been enhanced. Profits once used to repair damaged buildings and replace inventory now can be reinvested in businesses. Some relocated businesses have used the opportunity to upgrade and expand.

There will be less stress and worry during storms for residents in Ashley Park and Gents Addition. There will be less flood damage and fewer burdensome home repair bills, and the investment value of homes is protected. Ten households in Gents Addition were relocated out of the floodplain. With government assistance they were able to establish better homes in flood-free areas. The Crab Orchard project has also enhanced existing conditions in Gents Addition. Vacant lots have been cleared of brush, and the debris that floodwaters left behind no longer mar the neighborhood. People comment that the area “looks real good” and residents say “it’s a vast improvement” and “neighbors want to keep their own lots a little neater too.”

Downstream of Crab Orchard Creek, agricultural flooding was also reduced. Because of the project, 60 acres of cropland are no longer vulnerable to annual flooding. Farmer’s access to their fields and to product markets has been improved.

The Crab Orchard project created more than 50 temporary jobs during several years of construction. Flood control also made possible $2.2 million in infrastructure improvements on Court Street by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Drainage improvements on Court Street had previously been impossible because increased flow in this area had no outlet. IDNR’s Office of Water Resources provided another $600,000 for the construction of new bridges in the area. The City of Marion also received $.5 million in state grants for internal drainage improvements.

Local people anticipate more spin off projects from the success of the flood control project. The City of Marion began experiencing a tremendous amount of growth in 1992. The potential for further growth has been enhanced with the community’s flood problems significantly reduced.

More Resource Conservation-
The Crab Orchard flood-control project provided additional cost share funding for farmers. About $500,000 in federal and state cost-share has been spent establishing conservation practices in the watershed since 1990. By the time construction of the flood-control project began, 80% of the farmland in the watershed had been treated for erosion and sedimentation control.

Enhanced Fish and Wildlife-
Although it’s still too early to see all the long-term environmental benefits, the Crab Orchard project was designed to enhance fish and wildlife habitat and reduce negative impacts on the environment.

The “Floodway” holds only high flows during storms, leaving the present hydrology of Crab Orchard Creek intact. Construction activities avoided disturbing a 72-acre forested wetland. Flooded land to the right of the floodway was enhanced by the project to provide geese habitat.

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