Tenino to Umatilla Culvert Replacement (complete)

photo of old culvert at SE 21st and Tenino photo of new culvert at SE 21st and Tenino

In summer 2012, Environmental Services worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other partners to replace two culverts, remove a culvert, and restore a 1/3-acre site along Crystal Springs Creek.

The new culverts at SE 21st Avenue and SE Tenino street and at SE 21st Avenue and SE Umatilla Street improve stream flow, reduce flooding, and improve fish passage, especially for juvenile threatened salmon and trout. The fish-friendly culverts open up nearly three miles of prime habitat for threatened native fish species.

The project also removed a triplex with a driveway and carport over the creek, a culvert and concrete lining along the creek and restored nearly half an acre of high quality fish habitat. Root wads, boulders, and native plants now provide shade, shelter, and food for fish and wildlife. The city deconstructed the triplex and carport and the site now is a small natural area park with a short trail and fencing.