The Cedar River Watershed District hired Barr to design and oversee the construction of two earthen embankments (classified as low-hazard dams) to reduce sediment loading and peak runoff rates in Dobbins Creek by detaining and treating stormwater runoff from the upstream agricultural watersheds. The outlet structure for each embankment releases the stored water at a slow, controlled rate to remove sediment and agricultural debris from inflows and reduce downstream flooding and erosion.
The project is part of a larger effort to revive the Cedar River and provide adjacent communities with long-term flood protection via stormwater detention, ravine stabilization, and flood-risk reduction projects at targeted locations throughout the watershed. The district is aiming to reduce peak runoff rates by 20 percent throughout the Cedar River watershed and subwatersheds. The Dobbins Creek project plays an incremental role in achieving this goal.