HomeMy WebLinkAbout20150398 Ver 1_S2O-Conceptual-Design-Study-Final_20150421Site Visit and Conceptual Design Study
Asheville Whitewater Park
Asheville, N.C.
February 19, 2015
Prepared for:
Ben Van Camp
Asheville Parks and Greenway Foundation
P.O. Box 2362
Asheville, NC, 28802
Prepared by:
Scott Shipley, P.E.
S2o Design and Engineering
318 McConnell Drive
Lyons, CO, 80540
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Contents
Introduction: ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Section1: Whitewater Parks .......................................................................................... ...............................
5
WhitewaterParks Defined ......................................................................................... ...............................
5
The Whitewater Design Process ................................................................................ ...............................
7
Design Factors for Whitewater Facilities: .................................................................................................
8
Stability................................................................................................................... ..............................9
Costs....................................................................................................................... .............................10
Typical Economic Impacts of Whitewater Parks ...................................................... ...............................
10
Section2: Site Information ......................................................................................... ...............................
11
Asheville, NC .............................................................................................................. .............................11
TheStudy Reach: .....................................................................................................................................
12
ChannelMorphology ..................................................................................................... .............................14
Flowinformation: ....................................................................................................................................
14
Flood Modeling Within the Reach ......................................................................... .............................17
ProjectSites ............................................................................................................... .............................17
JeanWebb Park Site ............................................................................................. ...............................
18
BowenBridges Site .............................................................................................. ...............................
23
PearsonBridge Site .............................................................................................. ...............................
27
AdditionalConsiderations .......................................................................................... .............................30
HistoricStructures ............................................................................................... ...............................
30
EndangeredSpecies ............................................................................................... .............................30
Whitewater Park Potential at These Sites: .............................................................................................
32
Section 3: Proposed improvements ............................................................................ ...............................
35
ProjectObjectives .................................................................................................... ...............................
35
DesignFunctionality ................................................................................................... .............................36
JeanWebb Park Site ................................................................................................... .............................40
ConceptualDesign ............................................................................................... ...............................
40
Costsof Construction: .........................................................................................................................
41
ConceptualDesign ............................................................................................... ...............................
42
Costsof Construction: .........................................................................................................................
43
PearsonBridge Site .................................................................................................... .............................44
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
ConceptualDesign ............................................................................................... ............................... 44
Costs of Construction: ......................................................................................................................... 45
Design, Permitting, and Engineering Costs ................................................................ .............................45
Section 4: Process and Permitting ............................................................................... ............................... 46
Process..................................................................................................................... ............................... 46
Federal and State Permitting: ................................................................................................................. 47
BuncombeCounty: .................................................................................................................................. 47
Cityof Asheville: ...................................................................................................................................... 48
Construction Requirements Analysis: ..................................................................................................... 48
Other Construction Issues: Endangered Species Act: ........................................................................ 49
SiteEvaluation ............................................................................................................... .............................49
Conclusion.................................................................................................................... ............................... 50
Appendix A: Buncombe County Permitting Checklist .................................................. ............................... 52
Bibliography................................................................................................................. ............................... 63
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Introduction:
Asheville, NC is a City that has re- invented itself and developed a brand, nationwide, as a destination for
active outdoor recreation. Formerly a center of industry and commerce with ties to the Vanderbilts, the
City has experienced a renaissance and has become a mountain destination in the heart of the
Appalachians. Asheville's city center is now a tourist destination with walking malls, boutique
restaurants and shopping experiences. The City has worked to continue this transformation through
development of the Arts District in concert with greenways and parks creation along the French Broad
River. The Arts District redevelopment seeks to transform warehouses and historic industrial facilities
into a thriving district that will further the City's reputation as a destination. As a part of this effort, the
City has attracted nationally recognized breweries such as the New Belgium Brewery and Sierra Nevada,
amongst others, to this area. One of the unique characteristics of the arts district is that it abuts the
French Broad River along a reach that is popular for tubing and floating. The community wishes to
maximize the potential of this recreational amenity by creating a whitewater park that will attract
kayakers and rafters and that can host competitive whitewater events in the heart of Asheville.
Whitewater parks are community parks that are centered on the river. The parks include waves, eddies,
and other features that are attractive to in- stream users to pursue recreational kayaking, surfing, and
floating. These parks, surrounded by trails and recreational areas, have not only achieved their original
objective of attracting paddle sports enthusiasts, but have often exceeded expectations by becoming
focal points for their communities and recreational destinations for outdoor tourism. Whitewater parks
often play host to major events centered on slalom or freestyle competitions or host river festivals that
feature local arts and culture. In addition, Whitewater Parks can have a positive economic impact on
the local community, as visitors spend money at local restaurants, lodging, and retail establishments.
Some cities, like Golden, Colorado; and Reno, Nevada have reported impacts on the local economy,
from tourism generated by the park, on the order of millions of dollars per year.
The timing for this project is ideal. The City has recently received significant grant funding for
Greenways improvements along this reach of the French Broad. Additionally, significant private
investment is poised to develop the Arts district. The creation of this park would maximize the
reputation of the Arts District and draw visitors on a regional basis.
This study was commissioned by the Asheville Parks and Greenways Foundation to determine the
viability of creating recreational improvements in this reach of the French Broad. The objective of this
study is to identify the feasibility of a potential whitewater park within the reach extending from Carrier
Park (near Amboy Road) to just downstream of Pearson Bridge and to identify potential project sites
within the study area.
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Section 1: Whitewater Parks
Whitewater Parks Defined
Figure 1: The Hawea Surf Park is a natural -river type surf park, placed in the Hawea River, NZ
Whitewater Parks are river parks in which the whitewater has been designed in order to create a
regional attraction'. In some cases whitewater parks are built in natural rivers and consist of natural
rock "drop structures ". At higher flows these parks create waves, eddies, deflectors and other features
conducive to recreational, instructional, and often competition -level kayaking as well as rafting. At
lower flows these features are less powerful and allow for all -types of in- stream usage including tubing
and other float traffic. The parks are designed to function in a number of ways providing streamside
access for fishermen and other visitors to the park as well as viewing for spectators and spaces for the
general public to gather and recreate on the banks as well as in the water.
In other cases —cases where natural flow and gradient sufficient for whitewater do not exist -
whitewater rapids are artificially created through the use of pumps and purpose -built channels. These
systems recirculate water in the same manner that theme parks or fountains draw from a single source,
and do not rely on the flows of nearby rivers and streams. Figure 2, shown below, is an example of a
pumped recirculating, whitewater park:
' Whitewater Parks, like many specialty fields, have a language all their own. Definitions for typical terms are
shown in Appendix B
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
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Figure 2: The US National Whitewater Center is a pumped whitewater park that pushes water from the bottom pond to the top
where it then flows naturally through four channel segments.
Figure 3 shows the US National Whitewater Center in use. These types of whitewater parks are typically
designed to host all types of users from highly experienced competitors who come to these whitewater
venues for Olympic- standard events to families and tourists who come to these venues to experience
whitewater for the first time. The venues provide for commercial rafting wherein visitors are able to
buy a rafting pass and take a guided raft trip down the channels, as well as recreational kayaking,
floating, streamside seating and events.
Figure 3: The US National Whitewater Center features commercial rafting as well as a number of other active outdoor activities.
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Both in- stream and pumped whitewater parks can become significant regional attractions that draw
people not just from surrounding states, but from throughout the country and world. Often the visitors
are drawn not just for the whitewater, but for the events that are hosted at these parks.
Designing whitewater parks to accomplish all of these objectives is a process. Often the process is
iterative and includes opportunities for local stakeholders to comment and update the designs. The
following section details this process.
The Whitewater Design Process
Figure 4: Whitewater Parks are designed for many differing kinds of users.
Whitewater Parks typically require several stages of design. These stages include:
a) Feasibility /Conceptual Design —this is the first must -do part of a project. This phase is tasked
with determining whether a particular project is possible and, if so, how it could look and
function and what the approximate costs of the project would be. If done right this part of the
project is very powerful as it provides the client with the materials necessary to pursue funding
and grants. Deliverables include a report and design documents such as a conceptual design
and cost estimate, tasks required to complete a project, and permit requirements.
b) Preliminary Design —this phase gets to the heart of the design elements of project. If the
Feasibility phase is about identifying what needs to be done to complete a project, Preliminary
Design is about doing them. It is a phase tasked with completing the necessary actions required
to finalize the design functionality and layout and to gather and process the data necessary to
undertake detailed design. Preliminary Design often includes all of the tasks related to
preparing for permitting, surveying, creating baseline models, meeting with stakeholders and
agencies to define constraints and objectives, and completing design documents to the
permitting level.
c) Permitting — permitting is a process that permeates most of the design phases. It is typical to
work with regulatory authorities during the preliminary design phase to establish criteria and
priorities for the project. Permit applications are typically submitted following the completion
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
of Preliminary Design. Some permits, as outlined below, have lengthy review times for specialty
projects such as Whitewater Parks.
d) Detailed Design —the detailed design is about getting to the nuts - and -bolts of the project. Now
that the project has been defined and adapted to the constraints and objectives laid out in
Preliminary design the project is ready for detailed calculations and modeling. Often the level of
computations and modeling is defined by the nature of the project. In some cases, such as the
Holme - Pierrepont Whitewater Park, the project can be accomplished with 1- dimensional
modeling. In other cases, such as the Calgary Whitewater Park, detailed physical models were
undertaken.
e) Construction Documentation —this is the "after- design" phase. Documents are created that
help define the project for the contractor including all sections, details, specifications and bid
items. Often the whitewater park designer will work with the client or the community to step
through these processes.
f) Project Bidding and Construction —the project is put to bid by the project owner and a
contractor is selected and contracted.
g) Construction Oversight and Inspection —this is the dirty work. In this phase the contractor and
the design team work together to build the project to our exacting specifications. Often we
have representatives in the field virtually full -time to ensure an accurate build that is
aesthetically beautifully and highly functional!
h) Course Commissioning —the final phase and the one where we finally get to get wet! Paddling
experts get in the water and test the project, often tuning wave characteristics and project
features until the project is fully functional and meets design objectives.
The process of design is informed by the input given from local stakeholders and regulatory agencies
and is typically based on a standard of care that is evolving for this new industry. The following section
details the many design factors which impact a project.
Design Factors for Whitewater Facilities:
Figure 5: A before and after view of the Hawea Whitewater Park
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Figure 5, above, shows the improvements made to the Hawea Whitewater Park. This park, much like
the proposed Asheville Whitewater Park(s) was created in a relatively low slope river. Design can be a
challenge in some river environments due to the many factors that make up a river's morphology.
Whitewater Parks are a new phenomenon and typical design standards are just beginning to be created.
There are some standards and guidelines which lend guidance to the design of in- stream whitewater
parks that often define the character of whitewater parks in a given reach. The most comprehensive set
of standards defined for Whitewater Parks was set by the Colorado Board of Professional Engineers in
their review of Gary Lacy, P.E.'s work on the Steamboat Springs Whitewater Park. The Board found that
the following tasks should be standard for whitewater park design:
a) Plans specifications and calculations should contain the following information:
- Existing and proposed topography
- Exact dimensions and proposed elevations /distances for any of the improvements
- Methods of water control and erosion control during construction, or any type of
construction phasing.
b) Calculations should contain the following:
- Structure calculations
- Stability analysis
- Seepage analysis
- Backwater calculations
- Analysis of sequent depths and hydraulic jump movement tendencies for smaller or larger
flows
- Calculations for smaller or larger flows other than the design flows.
c) Technical Specifications should include the following
- Stability analysis
- Backfill
- Water control
- Erosion control
- Un- grouted rock /rip -rap or landscaping
Stability
The structures which are built in the riverbed need to be stable and robust and need to be anchored in
such a way that they are not moved by flows up to the 100 -year flood event. Typical design guidelines
for these types of drop structures are found in the Denver Urban Drainage Handbook (Urban Drainage
Criteria Manual, 2013)
Experience shows that the structures tend to fail from scour /erosion and piping. These failure modes
are a function of the soils upon which the structure is built with bedrock, for example, being the most
stable foundation for a structure, and sandy soils being the most problematic. In order to determine
stability a geotechnical analysis is typically conducted and a scour and piping analysis are undertaken as
a part of the design process.
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Guidelines for the stability of drop structures can be found in the Urban Drainage and Flood Control
District Handbook called the Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual (Urban Drainage Criteria Manual,
2013).
Costs
There are many factors that could affect the cost of a particular Whitewater Park. These factors include
physical constraints, such as the nature of the soils or the width of the river. Structures built on
unstable soils, if feasible, require extensive construction in order to construct a stable platform for the
drop structure. In some cases this includes expensive requirements such as sheet -pile cut -off walls.
Width of the river can also affect costs. Typical drop structures are founded on arched structures
anchored into the bed and banks of the river. Arches are typically exponentially more expensive with
width. An efficient drop structure is typically located in a narrow part of the river such that project costs
are not prohibitively high.
The scope of the project can also affect costs. Some projects, such as whitewater parks at the base of
dams, are necessarily large in scope and require multiple structures. Other projects are created in
locations ideally suited to smaller scale improvements. In some cases a phased approach is
recommended such that manageable portions of the project are completed per phase.
Location of the park in relation to sensitive ecosystems can also be a factor. Parks that are planned in
critical habitat are more difficult to design and permit and often require extensive review periods and
costly redesign. Selection of a site that is already impacted and that could benefit from the inclusion of
a whitewater park to provide, for example, fish passage, can have the opposite affect and make
permitting and approvals easier to attain.
Typical Economic Impacts of Whitewater Parks
Whitewater Parks that have been built in similar Towns and Cities in the United States have become
significant attractions. They bring enthusiasts and spectators alike to the residing communities, and
have significant economic impacts through increased property values, direct spending at the site,
tourism dollars, and dollars spent at local restaurants, shops and businesses. A whitewater park like
the one proposed in Asheville can attract tourists and have an economic impact that is measured in the
hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. In- stream whitewater parks located in Colorado have had
impacts as high as $7 -9 million dollars per year. Table 1, shown below, illustrates some typical economic
impacts of these parks:
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Table 1. Economic Impacts of Whitewater Parks (per year in US Dollars) (Multiple sources)
Economic Impacts of Whitewater Parks
River
Location
User Days
Additional Spending
Total Impacts
(Millions)
Clear Creek
Golden, CO
13,000- 14,000
$910,000 -$1.1
Million
$1.3 -2.2 Million
Blue River
Breckenridge, CO
1,200 -2,300
$220,000 - $460,000
$0.4 -$1.1 Million
Gore Creek
Vail, CO
1000 -2,300
$3.5 Million
$3.5 -$4 Million
Sacandaga River
Saratoga /Warren County, NY
17,600 - 25,400
$1.8 -$2.8 Million
$2.3 $3.7 Million
Cuyahoga River
Kent, OH
10,000- 40,000
$200,000 - $800,000
$0.5 -$1.7 Million
Yampa River
Steamboat Springs, CO
75,700
$4.9 Million
$7.2 Million
The impacts of these parks are manifold and are based on regular usage at the Whitewater Park, as well
as instructional programs, competitions, festivals, and other attractive events. Freestyle events that
occur in Colorado every year can bring millions of dollars into the local economy on a single weekend
alone. For example, the TEVA games in Vail, CO have a documented yearly economic impact of $3.5
million dollars. In addition to creating economic impacts, these events also help to market a particular
community as an outdoor town and whitewater destination.
Section 2: Site Information
Asheville, NC
Asheville is a City of approximately 83,000 people located in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
The larger metropolitan area surrounding Asheville includes the cities of Hendersonville and Waynesville
with a total population of over 400,000 people. Asheville is located at the confluence of the Swannanoa
and French Broad Rivers in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has many national rankings from a variety of
sources including, "One of the Best Outside Towns" from Outside Magazine (Motsinger, n.d.) as well as
one of the top whitewater destination in the US (Kahn, n.d.) .Asheville has many waterfalls, swimming
holes, and rafting opportunities nearby and can be considered to be at the center of Appalachian
whitewater with famous boating destinations such as the Nantahala Outdoor Center, the narrows of the
Green, the Chattooga, and other popular destinations in the near region in addition to the French Broad.
There are a number of significant cities in the near region that contribute to Asheville's growing tourist
economy. Asheville is located approximately 125 miles from Charlotte, the largest City in North
Carolina. The Site is also a destination for visitors from a number of nearby southern cities such as
Atlanta and Knoxville. Figure 6, shown below, illustrates a 100 mile radius around the City of Asheville
(Free Demographics, n.d.). Atlanta lies roughly an additional 50 miles outside of this radius.
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Figure 6: There are a significant number of large Cities that contribute to Asheville's tourist economy (Free Demographics, n.d.).
The Study Reach:
Asheville is a river City and the study reach is in the heart of the City's former industrial district.
Historically this region of the riverfront was home to a manufacturing and warehousing base that
included textile, tobacco, and manufacturing. The Town forms the confluence of the Swannanoa and
the French Broad Rivers. The location of the river in the City's industrial and Arts district provides the
opportunity to maximize the potential impact of the proposed park by placing it adjacent to restaurant,
retail, and hotel opportunities. Figure 7, shown below, shows the location of the Arts district and the
study reach of this project in relation to the central part of the City of Asheville. The entire study reach
is located along the French Broad River and extends from Carrier Park downstream to below the
Pearson Rd. Bridge.
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Figure 7: The project area with respect to Asheville's City limits and the River Arts District
Three potential sites were identified within the project reach. The three sites include the Jean Webb
Bridge Site, the Bowen Bridges Site and the Pearson Bridge Site. The site locations are shown below in
Figure 8. Design for these sites was highly dependent upon the river's morphology in this reach.
Figure 8. The project area is located west of downtown Asheville. The three sites include the lean Webb Park Site, the Bowen
Bridges Site, and Pearson Bridge Site.
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Channel Morphology
From its headwaters, high in the Appalachian Mountains, the French Broad River cuts through gently
sloping topography with relatively expansive floodplains along the river's southern reaches upstream of
Asheville, NC. Here average bed slopes are as little as 3 feet per mile. Downstream of Asheville the river
channel narrows and bed slopes increase to between 16 to 30 feet per mile as the river descends into a
series of gorges as it approaches the Tennessee State line.
Similar to the New River, the French Broad cut through the Appalachians as they rose up around it. Here
the mountains are primarily composed of metamorphic rock that was uplifted during relatively recent
collisions between two continental crusts.
The French Broad River in this reach is moderately sized river that is characterized as generally broad
(hence the name) and slow moving. The riverbed is largely bedrock with apparent outcroppings
throughout the reach. There has been significant development in the river corridor including several
road bridges and road development along both sides of the river.
Within downtown Asheville, the French Broad flows through a combination of residential and
commercial zones downstream of its confluence with the Swannanoa River. Here there is extensive
infrastructure within the active channel and floodplain including residential and industrial
developments, railroad lines and facilities, bridge crossings, roads, and utilities.
There are a significant number of structures within the floodplain including numerous aging industrial
buildings and warehouses. Some of these buildings have been restored and currently function as
commercial properties. Others are abandoned and decrepit and are in need of removal or
redevelopment. Some of these structures in the project area reside in the active floodway and removal
of these buildings from the floodway will decrease flood risks to adjacent property and allow for the
restoration of a green buffer between the City and the French Broad.
Flow information:
The French Broad in this reach sees significant average flows and can have large flood events. Figure 9
shows the mean monthly flow data for the French Broad River at Asheville according to the USGS Gauge
03451500. Flow rates are shown in Cubic Feet per Second (CFS):
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Flows In the French Broad River at Asheville, NC. (cfs)
USGS Gauge 03451500
3, 500
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
Jan Feb
Mar Apr May
Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Figure 9: Average Monthly Flows on the French Broad River at Asheville (cfs)
Figure 9, shown above, shows flows that are significant throughout the year with peak flows that
average almost 3,000 cfs in the spring and flows that average greater than 1500 cfs throughout the
remainder of the year. These flows are higher, on average, than most whitewater parks in America and
are sufficient to create attractive whitewater within a whitewater park that features sufficient drop.
Flooding within the French Broad river system typically occurs in the spring following seasonal rain or in
the summer or fall during tropical storm events. The flood of record occurred on July 16th 1916, with an
estimated magnitude of 110,000 cfs, whereas the mean annual flood event is calculated as 16,663 cfs.
The most significant floods in recent history occurred on September 8th, 2004 with an associated
magnitude of 43,100 cfs and flooding on May 6th 2013 with an associated magnitude of 23,200 cfs.
Finding a low water period of time with a lesser risk of flood events will help to set the likely window of
construction for this facility.
As can be seen, flood flows in this reach are significant and dangerous. The size of these floods is of
concern to this project and significant flood modeling will be required to understand the impacts of the
proposed structures within the floodplain. Table 2, shown below, shows the 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and
200 year return flood flows for the French Broad at the Asheville Gauge. Note that the regulatory 100
year flood discharge is 63,000 cfs at Pearson Bridge on the French Broad River (Flood Risk Information
System, 2014). This calculation represents a higher level of recurrence analysis than used for the Table
below:
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Table 2: Flood Recurrence Intervals in the French Broad River (OSU, 2014)
Recurrence Interval (years)
1 2
1 5
1 10
1 25
1 50
1 100
1 200
Flow Rate (cfs)
11,551.86
17,764.19
22,724.91
30,021.74
36,275.41
43,269.49F51,113.03
Table two shows that significant flooding events occur on a regular basis. A histogram of historical flood
levels in the French Broad River are shown below in Figure 10
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Figure 10: Peak Stream flows on the French Broad River at Asheville, NC
Figure 10, shown above, shows the peak flood each year for the period of record at the USGS gauge in
Asheville. The figure describes a river in which historic flows in the reach regularly exceed 20,000 cfs
with many near or around 40,000 cfs. The size of these floods within the French Broad River corridor
suggests several project concerns. Asheville is a part of the Federal Flood Insurance Program (FIS) which
places several limitations on the proposed project. In order to understand the limitations it is important
to understand how the FIS delineates the river corridor.
Floodplain —The Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, regulates development within
the 100 year floodplain of the river. The 100 -year floodplain is defined as the area that has a 1
percent chance of being flooded in any given year. One of the purposes of the Flood Insurance
Study is to determine the boundaries and elevation of the 100 -year floodplain at each location
along the area of study. The area inundated during the 100 year flood is defined as the 100 year
floodplain. Development is limited in the 100 year floodplain.
Floodway— within the 100 year floodplain an FIS defines a sub -area known as the active
floodway. The regulatory floodway is designated as the river and adjacent lands required to
dissipate flows without increasing the base flood elevation by a certain height, typically 1 ft
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
(Floodway, n.d.). The floodway, also known as the conveyance zone, is the portion of the
floodplain which the government preserves in order to ensure that the river actively conveys
flood flows through the river corridor. Development within the active floodway is typically
limited to changes that do not cause a rise to the 100 year flood elevation. Such a project can
receive a "no rise" floodplain development certificate. This is a typical permit approval for
whitewater parks. In some limited cases a rise within the active floodway can be allowed. This
requires an extensive Letter of Map Revision ( LOMAR) process with FEMA. One of the
requirements of approval for a LOMAR is no negative flood impacts to insurable structures
within the floodplain'.
Given the wide and flat nature of the French Broad in the study reach, creating a significant whitewater
feature without causing a flood impact will be a challenge. The combination of this geometry with
significant flood flows and a number of insurable structures located in the floodplain requires a project
that artificially creates drop at a given location at average flows while not causing an impact to the 100 -
year flood elevation. This will be a design challenge that likely requires an innovative design approach.
Flood Modeling Within the Reach
The existing flood models for the reach are antiquated and done in an earlier version of floodplain
modeling software. These HEC -2 models are limited in accuracy and difficult to update. The project
could be moved forward under a "no- rise" if geometry at the varying sites allows, but this is not
advisable. S2o recommends that an updated flood modeling exercise be undertaken and that this
model be used to aid in the design of in- stream structures. This task would include modeling of an
extended reach of the riverbed with accompanying bathymetric survey. Depending on the results of the
study, it may also be advisable for the City to undertake a Letter of Map Revision Process with FEMA in
order to adjust the regulatory floodplain to match the new and more accurate study. A site - specific
flood study could be undertaken for this project, however, this study would require migrating HEC -2
results to HEC -RAS prior to beginning the typical design process.
Project Sites
A site visit was conducted by S2o representatives on 22nd of October, 2014. S2o toured the river from
Carrier Park to Pearson Rd. Bridge and conducted meetings with project sponsors, stakeholders, and
representatives from the City's Riverfront Development Office (Monson, 2014). Three sites along the
French Broad in the study reach were identified as possible locations for a Whitewater Park. These
include Jean -Webb Park, the Bowen Bridges Site, and the Pearson Bridge Site.
Z A full description of required permits is shown below in the permitting section of this report.
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Jean Webb Park Site
Site Description
Figure 11: Jean Webb Park is located near the Arts District and features existing river access and parking.
Jean Webb Park is an existing park facility located along Riverside Drive near the Arts District. The
parking area of the park is located underneath the Haywood Road Bridge which crosses the French
Broad River.
The proposed Greenways project is funded in this location and will provide trails and park
improvements in this reach. There is also development and redevelopment planned along both the east
and west banks of the river. The west bank will feature the new location of the New Belgium Brewery.
A proposed walking trail will also be constructed on this side of the river. The East bank features
redevelopment of the industrial district into what is becoming the City's Art's District. Riverside Drive
will also be re- aligned in this area providing for additional on -road parking as well as additional park
development space. Figure 12, shown below, illustrates the layout of this site:
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Figure 12: Aerial Image of the Jean Webb Park Site (Google, 2015)
The river in this reach is broad and largely flat with a slight riffle crest underneath the Haywood Road
Bridge. The crest is composed of bedrock and had a measured hydraulic drop on October 22nd, 2014 of
approximately 5 inches. Figure 13, shown below, shows this riffle crest a medium to low flows:
Figure 13: Jean Webb Park features a slight riffle crest with minimal drop.
The amount of drop available at the Jean -Webb site is minimal in comparison to other whitewater parks
around the world. A typical minimum amount of drop for whitewater parks is approximately 1.5 feet for
the amount of flow present at the site. The need to create drop at this location will present a design
challenge at the site.
Discussion with project proponents indicates that there is a deep pool downstream of Haywood Bridge
that was excavated as part of a failed riverboat project attempted in the past. The downstream length
of this reach is calm with ample room for recovery before floaters proceed downstream.
19
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Land Ownership
Figure 14: Land Ownership surrounding the lean Webb Park Site (source: (Buncombe County, 2014)
Land Ownership at the site is dominated by two landowners. The entirety of the river right bank
throughout the project area is owned by the City of Asheville. The downstream portion of the river left
bank is also owned by the City of Asheville. However, the area on river left from just downstream of the
Haywood Bridge extending upstream throughout the reach of this site is owned by Progress Energy of
the Carolinas and Carolina Power. (Buncombe County, 2014)
Not shown on the Buncombe County Assessor's website is the ownership of the riverbed itself.
Ownership of the river is presumed to be by the State of North Carolina. The ownership of some reaches
of river in North Carolina is currently in dispute between North Carolina and Alcoa (North Carolina vs.
Alcoa, (Haughey, 2013)). An article by BlueNC summarizes the current status of riverbed ownership in
North Carolina:
The title to riverbeds is determined under the equal footing doctrine. The State owns the
riverbed if that section of the river was navigable in the customary mode of trade and
travel under the natural and ordinary conditions at the time of statehood. For North
Carolina that was 1789. This is based in the U.S. Constitution and is interpreted by
federal case law. In North Carolina, riverbeds that are not navigable and therefore not
owned by the State are owned by adjoining property owners.
The public trust doctrine applies to the public's right to use the waters of the rivers for
fishing, boating, swimming, recreation, etc. This is governed by state law. ( (Lance,
2012)
A Table showing land ownership near the Jean Webb site is shown below:
20
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Table 3: Land Ownership near the Jean -Webb site (Buncombe County, 2014)
PINNUM
OWNER
'963896679100000'
PETERSON CHRISTOPHER JAMES
'963897009200000'
PROGRESS ENERGY OF THE CAROLINAS &
CAROLINA POWER
'963887587300000'
CITY OF ASHEVILLE
'963897003700000'
CITY OF ASHEVILLE
'963897009900000'
CITY OF ASHEVILLE
'963897167400000'
CITY OF ASHEVILLE
'963896596900000'
CITY OF ASHEVILLE
'963892348400000'
PROGRESS ENERGY OF THE CAROLINAS &
ICAROLINA POWER
It is important to note that this study does not state that these lands will be acquired nor that
this is the City's current intention. The study merely states that, in order for construction to
occur, ownership or easements are required at the project location.
Flood Impacts
For all Flood Insurance Rate Maps provided by FEMA Table 4 shows the naming convention used to
delineate the varying flood risk areas.
Zone AE: Floodway Areas: The floodway is the channel of a stream plus any adjacent floodplain areas
that must be kept free of encroachment so that the 1% annual chance flood can be carried without
substantial increases in flood heights.
Shaded Zone X: Other Flood Areas: Areas of 0.2% annual chance flood; areas of 1% annual chance flood
with average depths of less than 1 foot or with drainage areas less than 1 square mile; and areas
protected by levees from 1% annual chance flood.
Unshaded Zone X: Other Areas: Areas determined to be outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.
Table 4: FEMA FIRM Naming Convention for Flood Risk Areas
FEMA Zone
Percent Chance
Name Convention
AE
1 % Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Floodplain
X
0.2 % Annual Chance Flood Hazard
500 year Flood Event
Figure 15, shown below, shows the flood insurance mapping for the Jean -Webb Site:
21
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
C 3
ZONE X
f
�a
i
C 29 RESET
F&D:5E
C -H 19B4
.r
11
� I
�I
Figure 15: Flood Zoning Information for the Jean Webb Park Site. (Buncombe County, 2014)
The flood hazard area shown in Figure 15 above is significant to this project. Figure 15 features three
flood delineations. Of significance is the fact that the whitewater park, which will be located in the
active floodway, is situated in a reach in which there are a significant number of insurable structures.
Figure 15, shown above, shows that the floodplain extends across Riverside /Lyman Street and includes
such businesses as Asheville RAID and 12 Bones Smokehouse. Some of these businesses will be
relocated as a part of upcoming park development and the Riverside Road Re- alignment, but the
requirement that the park not cause an impact (a measurable rise) to insurable structures will remain.
22
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Bowen Bridges Site
Site Description
Figure 16: The Bowen Bridges site is located in the unused space beneath the 1 -26 bridges.
The Bowen Bridges site is located underneath the Interstate 26 eastbound and westbound bridges. The
Site is currently undeveloped with a primitive parking area located amongst the bridge abutments on
the east side of the river. The site is accessed from Riverside road and is located downstream
approximately 2100 feet from the Jean Webb Site. The site has several advantages:
The City has plans to further develop this site as well. City representatives (Monson, 2014) have looked
at several options for improving this site which could include:
• A possible bicycle amenity.
• Connecting of the greenway through the property providing trail access up to Jean Webb and
the arts district.
• Construction of a pedestrian bridge just upstream of the site that would provide direct
pedestrian /bicycle access to New Belgium Brewing's new facility.
• Possible removal of the warehouse buildings located to the east and west of Riverside Drive just
upstream of the interstate bridges on the east bank. Based on the current location of the active
floodway, this would provide some opportunity to create a drop that is more constrictive at this
site than is available at the other two sites.
The river in this reach is similar in nature to the river at Jean Webb Park. Figure 17, shown below,
illustrates the character of the river at this site:
23
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Figure 17: The Bowen Bridges site is also broad with a gentle slope and a slight riffle crest.
The French Broad in this reach is also wide and slow with a slight riffle crest. Measurements at the site
suggest that there is approximately 11 inches of drop at 1,310 cfs (USGS, 2014) on October 22, 2014.
The riverbed in this location is also predominately bedrock. As shown in Figure 17, bridge pylons are
present at this location as well.
Figure 18, shown below, shows the aerial image of the Bowen Bridges site:
Figure 18: Aerial image of the Bowen Bridges Site ( (Google, 2015)
24
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
The aerial picture of the site shows that the dominant feature is the interstate. The area surrounding
the site is highly developed industrial with a number of bridges in the reach. Riverside drive parallels the
river right bank of the river and an industrial site is located across the river from the site. A full
description of land ownership at the site is shown below.
Land Ownership
Figure 19: Land Ownership surrounding the Bowen Bridges Site (Buncombe County, 2014)
The ownership map in Figure 19 shows that the river left bank is owned by the City of Asheville. The
river right bank is owned by a combination of owners including the plot labeled 4862 (Anders) and the
plot labeled 3302 (Riverside LLC). The remainder of the riverfront land in the reach of interest is either
owned by the City of Asheville, or is the right -of -way for the Interstate. The implications of this right of
way need to be investigated prior to construction of the whitewater park as permission for the
structures will be required. City representatives (Monson, 2014) have implied that discussions with
regards to utilizing the right of way beneath the bridge at this location have already been considered.
The City's representative has also suggested that the Anders property may also be acquired in a flood
mitigation /recreation process. Table 5, shown below, lists land ownership in the project area:
25
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Table 5: Land Ownership at Bowen Bridges (Buncombe County, 2014)
PINNUM
OWNER
'963888781900000'
T &T ENTERPRISES
'963887587300000'
CITY OF ASHEVILLE
'963878964600000'
CITY OF ASHEVILLE
'963888486200000'
ANDERS WARREN & ANDERS MARIE
'963889330200000'
233 RIVERSIDE LLC
1'963879461600000'
1 FIRC WESTGATE LLC
It is important to note that this study does not state that these lands will be acquired nor that
this is the City's current intention. The study merely states that, in order for construction to
occur, ownership or easements are required at the project location.
Flood Impacts
P96C' I. Y. 12 -!
x
I I F9C772
i RV 3
I Fl4G•93
ZONE
_, 63r
r 75
Y '
ZONE AE
,,,JJJ4 11 z+]N x
... ZONE X ..-
r
ZONE AF
�'- \471)7. Y t�lyl 1
r t ✓ l+
ZONE 7€ �� •,
� j til
rl 'ri RF:,,T C. / l
Figure 20: Flood Zoning Information for the Bowen Bridges Site (Buncombe County, 2014)
FEMA flood mapping shows that there are also a significant number of insurable structures in the
floodplain at this location. However, the configuration of the active floodway includes the Anders
properties within the boundaries of the active floodway. If this and (possibly) the building on the T & T
property (7819 in Figure 19) are acquired and torn down as a part of this project, then there could be
significant room for a whitewater structure at this location without impacting the existing conveyance
26
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
through this reach. In any event, design to minimize flood impacts at this site will be a significant
challenge and will require extensive modeling as with the other two potential locations.
Pearson Bridge Site
Site Description
The Pearson Bridge Site is the downstream -most site of the three identified. This site is located just
downstream of the Pearson Street Bridge. The site has many advantages including:
The site is located directly adjacent to an existing river access point. The put -in /take -out is primitive
now but is slated for improvements in the near future. The improved access /egress point, and steps will
provide easy access directly to the proposed site and will leverage existing investment into the
Asheville /French Broad River corridor.
• The site has existing public parking.
• The site is adjacent to an existing river outfitter location.
• There is an existing riffle crest in the river.
Perhaps the site's biggest disadvantage is that it is far from the growing Arts District located near Jean
Webb Park. It is a 1.8 mile walk /drive from Pearson Bridge to the nearest point of the arts district.
While this is easily attainable on foot, bike, or in a car, it does not provide the City's desired direct
connection.
The site features a defined rifle crest that extends from upstream of the bridge and ends in a calm pool
downstream of the site. Level measurement on the day of the site visit suggest approximately 13 inches
of drop within the reach at 1,310 cfs (USGS, 2014) on October 22, 2014. Typically 18 inches of drop is
optimal for freestyle park- and -play type features.
27
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Figure 21: Aerial image of the Pearson Bridge Site. (Google, 2015)
Figure 21 shows a map of the site. Although this site is located the furthest distance from the Arts
District, there are several advantages to the location including:
• The site has an existing improved public take -out.
• The site has an existing improved parking area.
• The site includes an existing paddle sports shop at this location that would benefit from the
increased traffic and business at this location.
• The site is easily accessible from both Pearson Road and riverside road.
Land Ownership
The image below shows the parcel numbers and land ownership information for the land surrounding
the potential whitewater park.
28
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
0802
1460
100 1217
0173
201��
� 3
4�
N
3877
o\ I
6aa1 �v� F
5402
1:
4260
3f
494
r 9
253
1575
Figure 22: Land Ownership surrounding the Pearson Bridge Site (Buncombe County, 2014)
On the river right bank Riverlink LLC is the primary landowner throughout the reach of interest. The
river left bank appears to be a railroad right -of -way. Railroad right -of -ways can be a challenge to the
construction of public parks as these entities typically have strict development requirements that are
defined by the need to ensure safety along the tracks. In other locations, public improvements adjacent
to railroad right -of -ways have required safety fences. Negotiations with the railroad should begin
immediately after this site is selected in order to ensure that the improvements can be implemented at
this location.
The table below provides additional information regarding the parcels shown in Figure 22.
Table 6: Land Ownership information for land surrounding the Pearson Bridge Site
PINNUM
OWNER
'963965540200000'
ROBERSON ENTERPRISES
'963965668300000'
CITY OF ASHEVILLE
'963967080200000'
OSHUN MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY INC
'963966201400000'
METRO SEWERAGE DIST OF BUNCO
CO
It is important to note that this study does not state that these lands will be acquired nor that
this is the City's current intention. The study merely states that, in order for construction to
occur, ownership or easements are required at the project location.
29
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Flood Impacts
r
''9 I f ZONE K
Z 179:`
FEIJ'8y
FE.ARSOM BRIDGE
r ti ,AF 8953
ZONE -K.
ZONE AE I? CIRIC ?C
Figure 23: Flood Data for the Pearson Bridge Site (Buncombe County, 2014)
This reach is also extremely flood prone. The active floodway is contained within the riverbed in this
reach but the floodplain is wide and flat. The 100 year floodplain features a central island there much of
the development exists but there are insurable structures within the 100 year floodplain adjacent to the
site. As with all of the sites identified along this reach, flood risks will be significant.
Additional Considerations
Historic Structures
The National register of Historic Places lists several locations that are registered as historic places in
Buncombe County (Wikipedia, 2014). Two of the listings are near the project area. These include:
• The Clingman Avenue Historic Distric which includes 33 buildings located in what has historically
been an African American section of the Town.
• The Riverside Industrial Historic District which includes 27 buildings and an additional structure
of an industrial nature.
No significant impacts to the buildings would occur from the proposed project.
Endangered Species
A list of all endangered species in the region according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is shown
below in Table 7. The species highlighted in red are those that are either threatened (T) or endangered
(E). All others are listed as Federal Species of Concern (FSC), and are not defined in the federal
Endangered Species Act. This category is defined in North Carolina, by the Asheville and Raleigh Field
Offices of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) "as those species that appear to be in decline or
otherwise in need of conservation and are under consideration for listing or for which there is
30
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
insufficient information to support listing at this time. Subsumed under the term "FSC" are all species
petitioned by outside parties and other selected focal species identified in Service strategic plans, State
Wildlife Action Plans, or Natural Heritage Program Lists" (Endangered Species, Threatened Species,
Federal Species of Concern and Candidate Species, Buncombe County, NC, 2014).
Table 7: List of Endangered Species for Buncombe County.
Common Name
Scientific name
Federal Status
Vertebrate:
Allegheny woodrat
Neotoma magister
FSC
Bog turtle
Clemmys muhlenbergii
T (S /A)
Carolina northern flying squirrel
Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus
E
Cerulean warbler
Dendroica cerulea
FSC
Eastern small- footed bat
Myotis leibii
FSC
Gray bat
Myotis grisescens
E
Hellbender
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
FSC
Mountain blotched chub
Erimystax insignis eristigma
FSC
Northern long -eared bat
Myotis septentrionalis
P
Northern saw -whet owl (Southern Appalachian population)
Aegolius acadicus pop. 1
FSC
Pygmy salamander
Desmognathus wrighti
FSC
Red crossbill (Southern Appalachian)
Loxia curvirostra
FSC
Southern Appalachian eastern woodrat
Neotoma floridana haematoreia
FSC
Southern water shrew
Sorex palustris punctulatus
FSC
Yellow- bellied sapsucker (Southern Appalachian population)
Sphyrapicus varius appalachiensis
FSC
Invertebrate:
Diana fritillary (butterfly)
Speyeria diana
FSC
French Broad crayfish
Cambarus reburrus
FSC
Spruce -fir moss spider
Microhexura montivaga
E
Vascular Plant:
Blue Ridge Ragwort
Packera millefolium
FSC
Cain's reedgrass
Calamagrostis cainii
FSC
Darlington's spurge
Euphorbia purpurea
FSC
Fraser fir
Abies fraseri
FSC
French Broad heartleaf
Hexastylis rhombiformis
FSC
Gray's lily
Lilium grayi
FSC
Gray's saxifrage
Saxifraga caroliniana
FSC
Mountain catchfly
Silene ovata
FSC
Mountain heartleaf
Hexastylis contracta
FSC
Piratebush
Buckleya distichophylla
FSC
Spreading avens
Geum radiatum
E
Sweet pinesap
Monotropsis odorata
FSC
Nonvascular Plant:
Lichen:
Rock gnome lichen
JGymnoderma lineare
JE
The project will need to consult with Fish and Wildlife to ensure that there is not habitat for species of
concern in the project area. If there is habitat for concern, the project will need to work with Fish and
Wildlife to determine if the project, in design or implementation, can minimize impacts in an acceptable
manner.
31
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Whitewater Park Potential at These Sites:
Figure 24: Whitewater parks have the potential to create surfing waves that are attractive to all types of users, not just
experienced kayakers.
The real question for these sites is, given the low amount of slope and therefore limited drop, is a
whitewater park feasible at these locations? The International Canoe Federation (ICF) which is the
international governing body of paddle sports attempted to define potential for whitewater parks in a
study conducted in 1989. At the time, the study was targeted at identifying sites that were candidates
for future development into whitewater parks. The metric that was created as a result of this study was
called the Power Surface Index (PSI)
The Power Surface Index
Understanding the potential energy available at the site is key to understanding how great a
potential resource this project could be. One way to quantify this potential energy is to use the
Power Surface Index, and its derivatives, to characterize the potential energy available at this
site.
A study was undertaken by Goodman and Parr (R. Goodman, 1994 )3 from Great Britain to try to
develop an empirical method for determining the suitability of particular sites for Whitewater
Park improvements. The study's authors were the original designers of the Holme - Pierrepont
32
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
National Watersports Centre 4. The study uses typical flows, widths, and channel slope to
determine the Power Surface Index (PSI) for a particular venue. The number created — though
largely targeted at slalom developments at the time of the study — provides a way to compare
potential energy available for development of Whitewater Parks at various locations.
The Power Surface Index, created by Goodman and Parr, Equation 1 and Equation 2, considers
factors including width of the river and surface roughness. This metric measures the available
power normalized by the factors that cause diffusion of this power, namely roughness over the
surface area of the river. The Power Surface Index (PSI) is shown below:
The PSI can be expressed as,
(P _
(discharge)(Drop)(1O0OO)
(Length)(Width)
for smooth concrete channels and,
tp _
For natural waterways.
(discharge)(Drop)(10000) s
(2) (Length) (Width)
Equation 1
Equation 2
This metric can be used to establish that a site has adequate drop and slope to provide for an
international level slalom whitewater park. However not all of the sites analyzed in this study
are necessarily slalom sites. Another common usage, as shown above, is Freestyle, or trick,
kayaking. Another metric has been created, the Freestyle Surface Index, to aid in the analysis of
potential for this type of Whitewater Park as well.
The Freestyle Surface Index
With regard to freestyle attractions, there is no existing metric that can be used to establish
potential for a freestyle feature. However, it is of note that the Power Surface Index was
intended to quantify the available power at a slalom /boating park site and relate it to other
slalom sites. A similar analytical approach for existing freestyle sites, though it may suffer from
some of the same shortcomings as the previous metric, will help to compare claims and design
choices made at a one park with other similar parks. A modified Power Surface Index can be
used to consider available energy at the drop normalized by area of the drop structure. This
modified index, called, for purposes of clarity, the "Freestyle Surface Index' 6 (FSI) can be used
4 The author of this study was a part of a redesign effort of this channel in 2008
S Note that in Equation 1 and Equation 2 the value of 10,000 has replaced the published value of 10-4 from
Goodman and Parr's document. Recalculation of their table revealed that this constant was listed incorrectly.
6 Note that the author acknowledges that this is not a unique metric of his own invention. The name has been
modified to provide clarity in this discussion.
33
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
to compare available energy at each drop normalized by roughness over the width of the river.
This index is similar to the Power Surface Index with the exception that the constant of 10,000
has been changed to 10 to put the numbers in a range more easily understood.
(discharge) (Drop) (10
FSI = (Drop Length) (Width)
Equation 3
For this whitewater park the FSI is the metric of most interest to the study.
The Power Surface Index for this site is interesting. While the design needs to meet certain minimums (it
has been found through experience that a minimum of 1.5' of drop is required for this type of feature),
the power surface index allows the potential of this project to be compared to other projects. Figure 25
shown below, illustrates the Power Index for this site vs. other projects that have been built:
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
Comparison of Freestyle Surface Index for Existing Boating Parks
D D D D cn cn fn In = cn p 1
N fn fn W in 2 N 2 fu 2 W 2 L1 O 2 C O 0
3 S O S s O Q O Q O Q O Q �p 3 O 3 O C
Nom �m o0D °oy mm _md mm mm m° PCn
C) o x. a r 0 3 - a
4C o O CD 1Z o O 009 OO 0 C A 3
0
'O `2 "O �2 0 (p 0 q
(O c0 0 (D 0 I (D O N 0
Figure 25: The power index of the proposed sites in Asheville in comparison to those of other, similar features, that have been
built.'
' Note: The first set of bars are the available power in the river without artificially raising the water surface
elevation. The second set shows the available power in the river with the use of adjustable features that allow the
water level to be raised.
34
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Figure 25 shows that there is a tremendous amount of potential energy available at these sites if
sufficient drop can be created. This would typically require an adjustable head gate of some kind which
often adds costs to a project, but also adds versatility.
Section 3: Proposed improvements
Project Objectives
Figure 26: Spectators watching the Animas River Days event.
The project has multiple objectives. The primary objective with which S2o was originally tasked is to
create an in- stream Whitewater Park near the City's growing arts district in order to create outdoor
branding and positive economic impacts to the region while creating a recreational amenity that could
be used by many types of boaters.
The design of these whitewater features will need to meet the current regulatory requirements for work
within waters of the United States. In so doing, it will need to show no net negative impact to the
regulatory floodplain and will need to be of a design and construction method that is foreseen to allow
for permitting under the Federal Clean Water Act. Additionally, the designs should be designed to allow
for the restoration of in- stream and riparian habitat as well as the migration of fish upstream through
the site. In Asheville, where digital flood models of a current standard do not exist, this is problematic in
the conceptual stages. A flood model must be created in order to better understand the impacts of this
project or a design must be created that can reasonably expected to have no impact to 100 -year flood
elevations in any scenario. This is the design approach taken by S2o in this instance.
In a scenario in which multiple sites are considered, as this study has done in Asheville, it is typical that
the study would utilize the site - specific characteristics of each location in order to create unique designs
based on the constraints and advantages of each location. In this instance S2o has proposed the same
design at each location. The design proposed is adaptable and can be designed to have no impact on
flood elevations. This solution creates a unique venue that can be configured for differing types of
recreation at varying levels and can also be articulated to a low- impact configuration during high flood
events. The use of articulating structures has a significant impact on project costs. These costs can be
minimized during preliminary design through the use of accurate flood modeling which will decrease
articulating parts.
35
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
The park, or parks, depending on which locations are chosen for construction, will create recreational
whitewater through drop structures that are designed to allow for surfing and river running as well as to
create eddies, chutes, wave trains, and other features that will be attractive to whitewater boaters. Due
to the relatively low slope of the reach the structures will be spaced far from each other.
Though shown in concept only in these drawings, the final design should include parking and access
improvements to allow for the general public as well as boating enthusiasts to responsibly access and
utilize the site. These access points should include areas for access and egress to the river via designed
and maintained pathways. The three proposed designs are shown below:
Design Functionality
Figure 27: Each of the designs utilizes a layout that constricts the river using Obermeyer Gates into a main wave forming chute.
The designs would consist of a main wave feature in the central portion of the structure.. In the
conceptual design of this project the main feature would be a RapiclBlocsT"^ compatible feature in which
the wave could be adjusted and configured to an optimum shape. This would allow for a dynamic
feature that was tuned during low -flow events and that was than adaptable to evolve as the sport
evolves.
36
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
RIPRAP
0 BARS @ 14'-
C.C. EACH WAY
WATER SURFACE
ELEVATION
_ �CONCRETE SLAB
& STEMWALL
STRUCTURAL FILL
CCNCRE
EXISTING FOOTER
BEDROCK
RAPIDBLOCK RAMP - SECTION (TYP.) I -I'
SCALE_ 1:2.5
Figure 28: The wave forming chute utilizes RapidBlocs(tm) to create a reconfiguroble wave
The remainder of the overflow portion of the river would be an articulating dam feature known as an
Obermeyer Gate. These types of pneumatically adjustable gates can be raised and lowered and can be
further configured to deflate automatically during large flooding events. During low and normal flows
the articulating gates could be used to raise the water surface elevation by 1' -2' thereby creating drop
over the main wave feature that does not exist in the current configuration. Lowering of the gates
would also allow for fish passage, flood conveyance, or the passage of other watercraft either through
two chutes (water allowing) or during times when surfing is not occurring at the venue. The amount of
articulating structure that is required will be designed during the detailed design phases and can be
minimized to save on project costs. The remainder will be faced in natural rock from the region in order
to create an environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing structure.
37
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
#6 BARS @ 14"-
fl_C_ EACH WAY
RIPRAP APRON
EXISTING—/
BEDROCK
HINGED
STEEL RLATE
,—SLIDING
SUPPORT ARM
WATER SURFACE
PNEUMATIC ELEVATION
BLADDER
/CONCRETE SLAB
& STEMWALL
ILI �G
- 4
COMPACTED ,>
STRUCTURAL FELL
CONCRETE
FOOTER
OBERMEYER GATE - SECTION (TYP.) H -H'
SCALE: 1:2.5
Figure 29: The Obermeyer gates are articulated pneumatically using an airbag that lifts the main plate of the structure.
One of the key technologies that makes this design approach viable is the use of the Obermeyer -type
gate. This gate, shown below in Figure 30, allows the river to be modulated but then, at higher flood
flows, collapses and has no impact on flood water surface elevations.
38
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Figure 30: The Obermeyer gates are actuated pneumatically. S2o proposes to use a more natural appearing version of this
gate.
The gates would provide many functions. By utilizing the versatility provided by the actuators:
• Certain gates could be open for providing a bypass to the wave for the existing tubing.
• Certain gates could be opened for maintenance at the site
• Certain gates could be actuated to allow for fish passage.
• All of the gates could be collapsed to provide for capacity during a flood event or to create a flat
water site in the event of a safety issue.
• Certain gates could be actuated for adjusting the character of the wave.
While Figure 26 shows a large amount of concrete and mechanical items, S2o proposes a design that
would be more natural appearing and that would be further camouflaged by excess water flowing over
the gates. Additionally, while the gates are currently shown as a river wide implementation in the
concept drawings, detailed design would allow S2o to minimize the amount of Obermeyer gate used,
thereby minimizing costs as well as improving the overall aesthetics.
This design for the project significantly contributes to the safety of the park. Expert feature can be
configured in the main flow while beginner bypasses can be configured on the side of the river.
39
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
The role of the novice channel is important to this design. The novice channel will operate in parallel
with the main feature and will provide for the existing usage in the river including tubing, rafting, and
inexperienced hard boaters. This novice channel will provide a class 1 -11 option that can be easily
navigated.
Additionally, differing gates can be actuated in the event there is an issue in order to aid in the rescue
effort. This type of design is ideal for accommodating existing users, such as tubers and rafters, while
allowing for expert level boaters to use a more advanced feature. The design of both the main feature
and the novice channel will include roughened bed elements along the banks to provide for fish passage.
Design of these features will be done in cooperation with local governmental authorities to ensure
compatibility with native species.
Jean Webb Park Site
Conceptual Design
Figure 31: Rendering of the Whitewater Park at the lean Webb Park Site.
40
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Costs of Construction:
Project: Asheville Jean Webb Design
Issue Date: 1/12/2015
Developed By: DW
Phase 1: Estimated Construction Costs
I Description I Quantitv I Unit I Unit Cost I Item Total Cost
Site Setup
Traffic Control 1.0 LS $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00
Install & Maintain Best Management Practices 1.0 LS $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00
Operate & Maintain Water Control 2.0 LS $ 50,000.00 $ 100,000.00
Drop Structure &Terracing
45.0
EA
$ 100.00
$ 4,500.00
Install Equipment Access Ramps & Roads
2.0
EA
$ 1,500.00
$ 3,000.00
Reclaim Equipment Access Ramps, Roads, & Staging Areas
2.0
EA
$ 2,500.00
$ 5,000.00
Furnish & Install Rapidblocks
45.0
EA
$ 100.00
$ 4,500.00
Furnish & Install Boulder (Avg 36" B Axis)
1118
Tons
$ 85.00
$ 94,997.46
Furnish & Install Unistrut Rails
300
LF
$ 3.05
$ 915.00
Furnish & Install Pneumatic Gates
136
LF
$ 4,000.00
$ 544,000.00
Excavate & Grade Native Alluvium
250
CY
$ 22.00
$ 5,500.00
Excavate & Grade Native Bedrock
250
CY
$ 50.00
$ 12,500.00
Furnish & Install Bedding Material
329
Tons
$ 30.00
$ 9,861.33
Furnish & Install Mirafi 180n Filter Fabric
590
SY
$ 6.00
$ 3,541.67
Furnish, Install, & Finish Concrete Ramp (CDOT Class D)
239
CY
$ 300.00
$ 71,644.44
Furnish & Install #5 Rebar
8895
LF
$ 2.00
$ 17,790.00
Unclassified Hauloff
500
CY
$ 20.00
$ 10,000.00
Circualtion Path & Access Steps
Furnish & Install Concrete Walkways
195
CY
$ 200.00
$ 39,040.22
Furnish & Install Class 6 Road Base
264
Tons
$ 35.00
$ 9,223.25
Furnish & Install Quarried Limestone Steps
11
Tons
$ 300.00
$ 3,259.26
Excavate & Grade Native Material
390
CY
$ 15.00
$ 5,856.03
Unclassified Hauloff
390
CY
$ 20.00
$ 7,808.04
Additional Included Items
Additional Excavator Time as directed by S2o
80
HR
$ 220.00
$ 17,600.00
PROJECT SUBTOTAL
$ 976,036.71
Contingency (20%)
$ 195,207.34
CONSTRUCTION SUBTOTAL
$ 1,171,244.05
Construction Bonding /Ins
$ 35,137.32
Mob and Demob
$ 35,137.32
Construction Stakeout
$ 10,000.00
Construction Monitoring
$ 75,000.00
TOTAL PROJECT COST OPINION
$ 1,326,518.7
Bowen Bridges Site
41
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Conceptual Design
� PAF9( AREA
f�rr
J
A
RIVER AC.(FSS
FUTURE PEUFSIRIAN BRIUGE
PV O ��-40
im
~� PoVERCIVERIODI(/
PICNIC AREA
RIVER ACCESS
FIVER ACtI },
TMACLD SLAI lNf,
i
OVER OViPLWKY
RIVERTRAIL PI�K..ARFA
PAVILION]
� E %15TING !
- KI G's FOUNTAIN
PARIRNC
► i t, � -` �' \�
PROPOSED
PARK MEA
RFNIOW F KI5TIN(i
RUILLNNte
POSSIBLEOUTIITTLR
LucanrxN �s
D
Figure 32: Rendering of the Whitewater Park at the Bowen Bridges Site.
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
V
42
Costs of Construction:
Project: Asheville Bowen Bridge Design
Issue Date: 1/12/2015
Developed By: DW
Phase 1: Estimated Construction Costs
I Description I Quantitv I Unit I Unit Cost I Item Total Cost
Site Setup
Traffic Control 1.0 LS $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00
Install & Maintain Best Management Practices 1.0 LS $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00
Operate & Maintain Water Control 2.0 LS $ 50,000.00 $ 100,000.00
Drop Structure &Terracing
45.0
EA
$ 100.00
$ 4,500.00
Install Equipment Access Ramps & Roads
2.0
EA
$ 1,500.00
$ 3,000.00
Reclaim Equipment Access Ramps, Roads, & Staging Areas
2.0
EA
$ 2,500.00
$ 5,000.00
Furnish & Install Rapidblocks
45.0
EA
$ 100.00
$ 4,500.00
Furnish & Install Boulder (Avg 36" B Axis)
1410
Tons
$ 85.00
$ 119,808.56
Furnish & Install Unistrut Rails
300
LF
$ 3.05
$ 915.00
Furnish & Install Pneumatic Gates
136
LF
$ 4,000.00
$ 544,000.00
Excavate & Grade Native Alluvium
250
CY
$ 22.00
$ 5,500.00
Excavate & Grade Native Bedrock
500
CY
$ 50.00
$ 25,000.00
Furnish & Install Bedding Material
415
Tons
$ 30.00
$ 12,436.88
Furnish & Install Mirafi 180n Filter Fabric
744
SY
$ 6.00
$ 4,466.67
Furnish, Install, & Finish Concrete Ramp (CDOT Class D)
206
CY
$ 300.00
$ 61,866.67
Furnish & Install #5 Rebar
7695
LF
$ 2.00
$ 15,390.00
Unclassified Hauloff
750
CY
$ 20.00
$ 15,000.00
Circualtion Path & Access Steps
Furnish & Install Concrete Walkways
230
CY
$ 200.00
$ 45,940.89
Furnish & Install Class 6 Road Base
310
Tons
$ 35.00
$ 10,853.54
Furnish & Install Quarried Limestone Steps
11
Tons
$ 300.00
$ 3,259.26
Excavate & Grade Native Material
459
CY
$ 15.00
$ 6,891.13
Unclassified Hauloff
459
CY
$ 20.00
$ 9,188.18
Additional Included Items
Additional Excavator Time as directed by S2o
80
HR
$ 220.00
$ 17,600.00
PROJECT SUBTOTAL
$ 1,020,616.77
Contingency (20%)
$ 204,123.35
CONSTRUCTION SUBTOTAL
$ 1,224,740.12
Construction Bonding /Ins
$ 36,742.20
Mob and Demob
$ 36,742.20
Construction Stakeout
$ 10,000.00
Construction Monitoring
$ 75,000.00
TOTAL PROJECT COST OPINION
$ 1,383,224.5
43
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Pearson Bridge Site
Conceptual Design
Figure 33: Rendering of the Whitewater Park at the Pearson Bridge Site.
44
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Costs of Construction:
Project: Asheville Pearson Bridge Design
Issue Date: 1/12/2015
Developed By: DW
Phase 1: Estimated Construction Costs
I Description I Quantitv I Unit I Unit Cost I Item Total Cost
Site Setup
Traffic Control 1.0 LS $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00
Install & Maintain Best Management Practices 1.0 LS $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00
Operate & Maintain Water Control 2.0 LS $ 50,000.00 $ 100,000.00
Drop Structure &Terracing
45.0
EA
$ 100.00
$ 4,500.00
Install Equipment Access Ramps & Roads
2.0
EA
$ 1,500.00
$ 3,000.00
Reclaim Equipment Access Ramps, Roads, & Staging Areas
2.0
EA
$ 2,500.00
$ 5,000.00
Furnish & Install Rapidblocks
45.0
EA
$ 100.00
$ 4,500.00
Furnish & Install Boulder (Avg 36" B Axis)
1620
Tons
$ 85.00
$ 137,690.44
Furnish & Install Unistrut Rails
300
LF
$ 3.05
$ 915.00
Furnish & Install Pneumatic Gates
164
LF
$ 4,000.00
$ 656,000.00
Excavate & Grade Native Alluvium
250
CY
$ 22.00
$ 5,500.00
Excavate & Grade Native Bedrock
500
CY
$ 50.00
$ 25,000.00
Furnish & Install Bedding Material
476
Tons
$ 30.00
$ 14,293.13
Furnish & Install Mirafi 180n Filter Fabric
856
SY
$ 6.00
$ 5,133.33
Furnish, Install, & Finish Concrete Ramp (CDOT Class D)
221
CY
$ 300.00
$ 66,222.22
Furnish & Install #5 Rebar
8235
LF
$ 2.00
$ 16,470.00
Unclassified Hauloff
750
CY
$ 20.00
$ 15,000.00
Circualtion Path & Access Steps
Furnish & Install Concrete Walkways
39
CY
$ 200.00
$ 7,722.00
Furnish & Install Class 6 Road Base
52
Tons
$ 35.00
$ 1,824.32
Furnish & Install Quarried Limestone Steps
29
Tons
$ 300.00
$ 8,555.56
Excavate & Grade Native Material
77
CY
$ 15.00
$ 1,158.30
Unclassified Hauloff
77
CY
$ 20.00
$ 1,544.40
Additional Included Items
Additional Excavator Time as directed by S2o
80
HR
$ 220.00
$ 17,600.00
PROJECT SUBTOTAL
$ 1,103,128.70
Contingency (20%)
$ 220,625.74
CONSTRUCTION SUBTOTAL
$ 1,323,754.44
Construction Bonding /Ins
$ 39,712.63
Mob and Demob
$ 39,712.63
Construction Stakeout
$ 10,000.00
Construction Monitoring
$ 75,000.00
TOTAL PROJECT COST OPINION
$ 1,488,179.7
Design, Permitting, and Engineering Costs
The design costs, within the accuracy of this study, are similar for each site. Estimated Costs are shown
below:
45
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Table 8: Estimated Engineering Costs
Phase 1: Estimated Engineering Costs Per Site
Description
Quantity
Unit
Unit Cost
Item Total Cost
Site Setup
Survey Costs
1.0
Sites
$35,000
$ 35,000.00
Detailed Floodplain Study
1.0
LS
$ 27,000.00
$ 27,000.00
HEC -RAS Study
1.0
LS
$ 27,000.00
$ 27,000.00
Physical Model
1.0
LS
$ 195,000.00
$ 195,000.00
Permitting
1.0
LS
$ 35,000.00
$ 35,000.00
Detailed Design
1
LS
$48,000
$ 48,000.00
Construction Documents
1
LS
$14,500
PROJECT SUBTOTAL
$ 332,000.00
Design Contingency (20 %)
$ 66,400.00
TOTAL PROJECT COST OPINION
$ 398,400.0
Given that work is beginning at the recommended site within two years S2o urges that the financing and
design phases begin early in order to be a part of the process for this site. S2o recommends undertaking
a detailed bathymetric survey of the site and updating the City's existing HEC 2 model in this area to a
HEC RAS model. This process, combined with design to the 30% level will allow for permitting at the
site.
A physical model is also recommended. Given the amount of investment into a single structure S2o
recommends that the physical model be undertaken in order to ensure the maximum utility and of the
proposed project. Permitting can occur in parallel with the Physical Model Study.
Following permitting S2o recommends completing detailed design and construction documents. In
preparation for construction. This estimate has been made based on costs for similar projects.
Section 4: Process and Permitting
Process
This study has evaluated three sites and suggested one possible design solution for each that would
meet the site constraints and requirements and that would provide a recreational attraction. This is not,
however, a completed design that is ready to be constructed. Typically our design process would
incorporate Preliminary Design, Detailed Design and Construction Documents design phases. Following
the preliminary phase permits would be submitted and would need to be attained. This may require
some design adjustment. It is also suggested, given the lack of available information and extensive flood
risks in the corridor, that the City also undertake a floodplain modeling exercise which would include
some regulatory process with FEMA as well. The design and permitting phases of a project of this type
are typically approximately 2 years but can be accelerated if required.
Once construction documents have been completed and the permits have been attained the project will
need to be constructed. Typical construction times for a project of this size would be approximately 4
46
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
months. Construction typically takes place during the months when the flows are lower and when there
is less impacts to in- stream species. Construction windows are often set by permitting authorities.
The project will require Federal, State, and Local permits in order to be completed. At a minimum the
project will require:
Federal and State Permitting:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
Clean Water Act, 404/401 Permits (Joint Application): Although there are numerous
federal and state laws that affect wetlands, the Clean Water Act (CWA) is the main
regulatory tool. There are two sections of the CWA that are of particular significance:
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act enables the USACE to grant permits for certain
activities within waterways and wetlands. Construction projects affecting
wetlands in any state cannot proceed until a §404 permit has been issued. In
deciding whether to grant or deny a permit, the Corps must follow certain
guidelines, which are discussed below.
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act gives EPA the authority to prohibit an activity,
including a construction project, if it can adversely impact water quality or have
other unacceptable environmental consequences. For most states, EPA has
delegated this authority to state environmental agencies. In North Carolina, the
Division of Water Resources (DWR) is the state agency responsible for issuing 401
water quality certifications (WQC) . When the state issues a 401 certification
(which is required for any federally permitted or licensed activity that may result
in discharge to waters of the U.S.), this certifies that a given project will not
degrade Waters of the State or violate State water quality standards. (North
Caronlina Division of Environment and Natural Resources, 2014)
Whitewater Parks typically require an individual (404) permit which can be a lengthy
review process that includes review of all impacts of the park to the environment
including both in- stream and riparian zone as well as impacts to affected stakeholders.
It would be typical that other departments, such as the Department of Environmental
Conservation, fish and wildlife, and others would be consulted as a part of the process
Buncombe County:
Buncombe County provides a complete checklist covering permitting and planning requirements
for any development within county limits. To see the full checklist please refer to Appendix A:
Buncombe County Permitting Checklist. While all steps must be completed on this checklist the
main planning requirements include contacting Buncombe County Planning Department
regarding both zoning requirements and flood zone information. The permitting requirements
are also outlined in this document. The main items of importance to this project include:
47
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
• Stormwater Management Permit (If disturbing >1 acre of land)
• Erosion Control Permit (If disturbing >1 acre of land)
• Floodplain Development Permit
• Building Permit
A number of tasks will be required in order to attain these permits including a detailed site
survey with wetland delineation, a flood model to establish no -rise, and design drawings
stamped by a licensed professional engineer. Other studies may be required in order to assess
habitat, environmental, or other impacts.
City of Asheville:
The City would require a floodplain development permit that shows no flood impacts to other
properties, and a grading permit. The contractor will typically also require a stormwater run -off
permit prior to the onset of construction.
Construction Requirements Analysis:
The construction of whitewater parks typically requires a detailed construction plan. Whitewater Parks
normally require a large staging area for materials, access to and from the riverbed, and the ability to
control the water through temporary berms or dams that will create a dry work area.
Figure 34: The Durango Whitewater Park was constructed in 2014 during a low water time period and using water control to
maintain a dry work area per 404 and 401 permitting.
The type of construction shown in Figure 34 wherein water is diverted away from the work area is
typical of in- stream construction of Whitewater Parks. Typically low flows are required for this type of
work. In a river of the size of the French Broad water control can be a significant cost item.
Another typical concern for Whitewater Parks has to do with fish passage up and down the structure.
S2o will work with regulatory agencies during the design phases of this project to ensure that the
structures are passable by native fish species in the reach.
48
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
River access is also a concern. The contractor will require a staging area as well as vehicle access to the
riverbed. Often this requires restoration of the bank areas as the construction project is completed.
Other Construction Issues: Endangered Species Act:
Endangered Species in the area could limit construction access and construction timing. This will require
consultation with the Fish and Wildlife service as outlined above.
Site Evaluation
Figure 35: An eleven -year old boater surfs the Hawea wave during competition.
In order to aid the City in evaluating the proposed sites and selecting a preferred solution or solutions,
S2o has created a site - selection matrix which evaluates the proposed designs against the objectives and
challenges of this project. This matrix is shown below:
Table 9: Site Selection Matrix
Item
Description
Jean Webb
Bowen Bridges
Pearson Bridge
1
Parking and Access
0
+
0
2
Potential Flood Impacts
-
0
-
3
Relative Costs
0
+
-
4
Land Ownership
0
+
0
5
Recreational Opportunity
+
+
+
6
1 Economic Impacts
+
+
0
7
JAccomoclates or Enhances Existing Uses
+
+
+
49
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
The matrix evaluates the sites against seven differing criteria. Based on the information available S2o
recommends that the Bowen Bridges site be considered the preferred alternative. This site has ample
opportunity for expanded park amenities, parking, and access. The acquisition of this site will allow for
further expansion of the City's greenways as well as opportunities for new business development.
These acquisitions also allow for decreased impacts to the floodplain.
The matrix is interesting also in that it shows that there is potential to meet recreational objectives at all
of these sites and to accommodate existing uses, including benefits to the habitat as well as fishing and
floating uses, amongst others. The designs proposed are highly versatile and allow for significant
adaptability to varying flows and flow rates.
Conclusion
04
4
Figure 36: Spectators watching rafters surf the wave
t
F f;.
A whitewater park is proposed in the City of Asheville, NC on the French Broad River. Three sites were
investigated and were found to be feasible. Of these three sites the preferred site is the Bowen Bridges
site. This site will meet project objectives and will have complementary benefits in terms of expanded
parkland, parking and access, flood mitigation, and economic development.
Given the low -slope nature of the French Broad River in this reach the proposed features would be low
in drop compared to other whitewater parks but would feature higher flows than typically seen in
50
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
similar parks such as Salida, CO and Durango, CO. In order to compensate for the low slope nature of
the river S2o recommends whitewater features that are adjusted through the use of Obermeyer -type
head gates that allow for the creation of more drop during average flow times without causing a flood
impact at the site.
51
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Appendix A: Buncombe County Permitting Checklist
Buncombe County Per►►ritting Center
Checklist for development in Buncombe County
Please remember to ask about any perrnittingforms or fees associated with plan review as you
Contact each Departinent listed beloui.
THE PLANNING STAGE
Step 1: Deed Restrictions and Covenants
p Contact your closing attorney to determine if there are any deed restrictions or
subdivision covenants which may limit the development of the property. To locate a
COPY of Your deed, contact the Buncombe County Res=ister of Deeds office
(250 -4300) located at 35 Woodfin Street. Suite 226, Asheville, North Carolina 28801.
Step 2: Hazardous Waste Sites
❑ Contact 1;.5. IiPA Region 4 Superfmid Division at 1 -800- 241 -1754 or
wvow,epa,gov cnvirolindex.html.
❑ Contact the Division of Waste Management with the N,C. Department of
Environment and Natural Resources at (914) 508 -8400 or littw/lwastgnotric.org
Information you should have before you call:
❑ The property's tax identification number (PIN) or street address.
Questions to risk:
❑ Is the property located near a hazardoi s waste site?
Step 3: Zoning
❑ if the property is located outside of municipality or a municipality's Extra
Territorial Jurisdiction, contact the Buncombe County Planning Department at 250 -4830.
Information you should have before you call:.
❑ The property's tax identification number (PIN) which can be found using the
County's Geographical Information System (GIS).
blip: /,-- www.buncombecuunt }'.or__= , ovenunUdeptsigis.'disclaimer.as p-, and is also listed
on your tax bill. If you are unable to locate the PIN for the property, please have the
owner's name, street address. and: or deed book/plat book and page reference available.
52
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Questions to ask:
❑ Is the property zoned for the project you intend to build or place?
❑ the there any setback%, height restrictions, or limiLs on disturbed and impervious,
surfaces that I need to be aware. or?
❑ Will a site plan be required as part of my submittal for zoning review?
❑ Does my project constitute a Conditional Use and require approval by the Board of
Adjustment prior to construction? Conditional Uses vary by zoning district but include
such items as: multifamily developments above a certain number ofunits, more than two
principal structures on a lot, buildings greater than 35,000 square fi=s=t in size, etc.
Step 4: Other Development Regulations
❑ Contact the Buncombe County Planning Department at 250 -4830.
in/ortnation yvaa should have before you eall:
❑ The property's tax identification number (PIN) or street address
Questions to ask:
❑ Is the property located in the Ivy Water Supply Watershed (i.e., Ivy Township or
Eastern Flat Creek "Township ?)
❑ the there any development regulations that apply to my project? (i.e., junkyard,
subdivision, adt&oriented business, communication towers, manufactured home parks,
stormwater ordinance)
❑ If building a retaining wall or retaining wall system, is the wall subject to the
standards of the Retaining Wall Chdinance (separate from Building Code standards)?
Step 5: Flood ZAme
If the property is in close proximity to a stream or river:
❑ Contact the Buncombe County Planning, Department at 250 -4830.
Irl /brnaation ycau should have before you call:
❑ The property's tax identification number (PIN) or street address
Questions to ask:
❑ Is the property in a floodway or 100 -year floodplain?
53
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Step 6: Sewerage
To detennine if public sewer is available:
❑ Contact the Engineering Division of the Metropolitan Sewerage District at 251 -4781
located at 2028 Riverside Drive
Innformation you should have before you call:
❑ The property's tax identification number (PIN) or street address
Questions to ask:
❑ Is public sewer existing or available for this property?
If public sewer is not available:
❑ Apply for a site evaluation from Buncombe County Environmental Health at
254 -5016 located at 30 Valley Street
Information you should have before applying at Environmental Health:
❑ The property's tax identification number (PIN)
❑ A plat or tax map of the property which is available through public access query or
from Environmental IIealth, Land Records, Planning, or Permits and Inspections
❑ The number of bedrexmis of the proposed home; or the number of rest rooms of a
commercial project (commercial proiects may require additional information)
Request the following:
❑ Site evaluation for septic tank system (fee involved), or contract with a private soil
scientist
Step 7: Water
There are several water utilities in Buncombe County. Please contact the appropriate utility_
❑ Asheville Water Resources Department at 251 -1122.
❑ Woodfin Water District at 253 - 5551.
❑ 1'own of Wcaverville Public Works at 645 - 7116.
❑ Town of Black Mountain Water :'administration at 419-9300.
Infiorrnation you should have before you calla
❑ The property's tax identification number (PIN) or street address
54
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Questions to ask-
❑ Is municipal water available for this property?
Step 1: 5torniwater Managenrent
Required when disturbing an acre or more for residential development or on lots sired an acre or
more for commercial development as described in Chapter 20, Article VII of the Buncombe
County Code of Ordinance. If'any land disturbance is planned for the purpose of•installing
infrastructure for a subdivision, preliminary subdivision approval must be obtained prior to land
disturbance. If the project is located within a zoned area which regulates impervious and
disturbed surface, zoning approval must be obtained prior to any land disturbance.
❑ Contact Buncombe County Stormwater Management Office at 250 -4848.
❑ Visit the website for more intortnation:
lute: / www. buncombecotaity .org_govemittgidepts'Plauming stonm ater.lutnu
.information you should have before you call:
❑ The property's tax identification number (PIN) or street address
❑ Number of acres disturbed
❑ I) pc of development (residential, commercial, industrial or institutional)
Request the following:
❑ Stornwater Management Permit application packet or visit the Buncombe Comity
Stormwater Management website
http:;'wwrt.htmeombcuttant} org �ovcn�inydi pi4 %Planning storniwatLr_a4 and go to
"Forms"
Step 2: Erosion Control
If disturbing an acre or more of land:
❑ Contact Buncombe County Erosion Control at 250 -4848.
❑ Visit the website for more information;
http: 'NvxNrw.bu ncombecounty.org /govemingl depts lPlanninglrosionContro1.asp
Information you should have before you call:
55
318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
❑ Ilie property's tax identification number (PIN) or street address
❑ plumber of acres to be disturbed
Request the following:
❑ Erosion Control permit application packet or visit the Buncombe County Erosion
Control websitc
(ltttp iiwi,,wbimcotnbecocintv.orggoveming depts / Planning ErosionControl.aspY] and go
to "Forms.,`
Step 3: Floodplain, Streants and Wetlands
When developing within the 100 -year floodplain, a Flood Development Pennil is required, as
described in Chapter 34 of the Buncombe Cotutty Code of Ordinances.
❑ Contact Buncombe County Planning Department at
250 -4830.
Information you should have before you call:
❑ '11ic property's tax identification number (PIN) or street address
If disturbing streams or wetlands:
❑ Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 27 1-79 80 for information on
relevant requirements.
❑ Contact NC13k:NR Water [;duality Section at 296 -4500 for information on
relevant requirements.
Step 4: Street Address
If the property does not have an established city style street address (street name and house
number, not rural route and box number);
❑ Contact the Buncombe Coun[N� Street Addressing Department at
250 -4845.
Information you should have before you call.:
❑ The property's tax identification tnamber (PIN)
❑ I,ocation of planned driveway
❑ Addresses of neighboring properties (helpful information, but not
required)
Request the following.
❑ Street address for the property
Step 5: Sewerage
If public sewer is available:
❑ Contact the Engineering Division of the Metropolitan Sewerage
District at 251 -4781.
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Request the following:
0 Sewer tap application and fee information
If public sewer is not, available and the property has been determined suitable for a septic tank
system:
❑ .Apply for an Authorization to Construct at Buncombe County
Environmental Health (250 -5016) located at 30 Valley Street.
Information you should have before applying at Environmental Health
❑ "1-he property's lax identification number (PIN)
❑ A plat or tax map of the property which is available through public access query or
from Environmental Health, Land Records, Plannuig, or Pernuts & Inspections
❑ 111c number of bedrooms of the proposed home or the number of employees of a
commercial project (commercial projects may require additional information)
Request the following:
❑ Application for Authorization to Construct (fee involved)
❑ Flags for identifying lot and house corners
Information you should haiv before meeting with the Environmental Health ,Specialist at the
pro erty:
E Placement of 4 lot comer flags for properties of 2 acres or less
❑ Placement of 4 house comer flags
❑ Knowledge of location of driveway
❑ Knowledge of water source (well or municipal water)
Step 6: Water Well (Note: Septic system must be permitted prior to this step)
If municipal water is not available:
❑ Contact a licensed water well drilling contractor. A permit is required from Buncombe
County. The septic tank Authorization to Construct kvill indicate proper distance from the
septic tank system, and any existing bodies of water.
Step 7: Building Permit
❑ .Apply for a building permit from Buncombe County Permits & Inspections (250- 5360)
located at 30 Valley Street in downtown Asheville (fee. involved).
Information you should have regarding the property and the proposed structure before
applying at Permits & Inspections
Manufactured Ilornc
❑'117c property's tax identification number (PIN)
❑ The property's street address
❑ The property's lot number if in a manufactured home park
❑ The home'% manufacturer
❑ Th,� home's year built
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
❑ The home's model number
❑ T'he home's box sirs
❑ The home's base cost
❑ The home's type of heat
❑ T'hc name of the setup contractor who will place the home
❑ Sewage approval from MSD or Environmental health
❑ Water approval from the Asheville Regional Water Authority if
applicable
Residential home: (slick built or modular)
❑ The property's tax identification nuiuber(PIN)
❑ The property's street address
❑ T'he home's type of heal
❑ Two full scats ofhuiUng plans
❑ Aic name of the building contractor
❑ The name of the electrical subcontractor
❑ The name of the plumbing subcontractor
❑ The name of the mechanical subcontractor
❑ Sewage approval from MSD or Environmental Health
❑ Water approval from the Asheville Regional Water Authority if
applicable
Commercial
❑ 'llie property's tax identification number (PIN)
❑ The property's street address
❑ Three frill sets of building plans with Appendix B
❑ A site plan
❑ The name of the building contractor
❑ The name of the electrical subcontractor
❑ The name of the plumbing subcontractor
❑ The name of the mechanical subcontractor
❑ Sewage approval from MSD or Environmental Health
❑ Water approval from the Asheville Regional Water Authority if
applicable
Ste 8: Zoning
�] Bring building permit to Buncombe County Planning Department (250 -4830) at 46
Valley Street in downtown Asheville
If property is located in one of the following zoned areas:
Town of Biltmore Forest —"Town Administrator, Nelson Smith (274 -0824)
Town of W eaverville or the Weaverville ET.I /,oning Department,
Shelby Shields (645 -7116)
rroWn of Woodfida - -'Down !Administrator, Jason Young (253- 48117)
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
❑ Obtain zoning permit from the appropriate authority and submit to Buncombe County
Permits & Inspections.
Step 9: Driveway Permit
If the project is comincreial or rnultifarnily and connects to a public road:
❑ Obtain a driveway permit from the Forth Carolina Department of Transportation, District
Engineering office (298- 2741).
Step 711. Fire Marshal Certification
If the project is commercial construction:
❑ Submit extinguishing system plans to the Fire Marshal's Office for review prior to
installation.
❑ Submit fire alarni plans to the fire Marshal's Office for approval prior to installation. A
certificate of completion will be issued after acceptance tests have been completed.
❑ For specifics on exit lights and fire eINtingUishers, ar related matters, contact the Fire
Marshal's Office at 250- 5620.
I f the project includes the subdivision of land, the Fire Marshal's Office must inspect and
approve road design and lor° existing roads on the property prior to the final plat being
approved and recorded.
❑ Contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 250 -6620 for road review and approval_
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Appendix B: Glossary
These terms are often used in the white water parks business. Let us know if you are left wondering
about a term or phrase —we'll add it to the list!
2- Dimensional Flow Models: Flow models such as River 2d show the nature and distribution of flows.
Flow 2d models are often useful for establishing fish passage by adjusting the design to meet flow
criteria established with permitting authorities.
3- Dimensional Flow Models: Flow models such as Fluent or Flow 3d that use computational fluid
dynamics to compute virtually every characteristic of the flow including vortices, turbulence, water
surface character, and more. These models are often less informative and more expensive than creating
an actual physical model.
Business and Market Analysis: A study that establishes what the market potential for a whitewater
park is in a given community including total expected visitorship and the character and demographics of
these visitors. We also use research data to establish price point and complementary amenities. Based
on this information we create a business and operations model for the client. Our models are very
robust and have, without comment, been reviewed by independent as well as state and banking
reviewers in preparation for grant and loan funding. Beware of freebie and cheap "general purpose"
business models. These are the only white water park business models that provide operators and
financiers the information that they need, for their project, to make it happen.
Class I -VI: Whitewater rapids can be classified according to difficulty and risk. A generally accepted
classification system typically uses roman numerals between I and VI with I being the easiest to navigate
and appropriate for beginners with obvious lines and very little power and class VI being the most
difficult with steep and powerful lines that are difficult to attain and maintain even for the best expert
boaters.
Dangerous "Keeper" Hydraulic: Hydraulic jumps vary in power and character. In general the gamut of
hydraulic jump types varies from glassy green wave to a hydraulic jump that features dangerous
recirculating currents that swimmers have difficulty existing. The designers challenge in whitewater
park design is to create a whitewater feature that has sufficient power to be a play feature, but not so
much power that it creates a hazard to beginner boaters.
Economic Impact Study: A study completed in cooperation with a PhD in economics. We study the
economics of the region surrounding the park and establish, based on published data (or surveyed data
if published data does not exist) what the economic impact of a whitewater park will be to a host
community in terms of total dollars, increased tax revenue, increased average incomes, increased jobs,
and other pertinent economic metrics.
EPDUK: S2o's design partner in Great Britain. S2o and EPDUK partnered together on several projects
including the London Olympic Park Project.
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Floodplain Analysis: A process that undertaken to understand the effect of a whitewater park on a
floodplain at a particular project site. Often the floodplain analysis is conducted hand -in -hand with the
project design to minimize or eliminate flooding impacts.
Freestyle Feature: A surf or play feature of sufficient size and power to be used for Freestyle, or trick
kayaking, competitions.
Freestyle kayaking: A type of whitewater competition in which paddlers surf in a wave or hydraulic and
perform tricks over a set time period. The paddlers are scored according to style, difficulty, and number
and variety of tricks. Large events such as the Teva Mountain Games, which are held in the Nick Turner
(now of S2o) designed pneumatically adjustable play feature can have an economic impact of $3.5
million dollars in a single weekend event!
HEC -RAS Model: a one dimensional flow model developed by the Army Corps of Engineers to predict
flood elevations in rivers. This software has limited applications to Whitewater Design — particularly
within floodplains.
Kayak Park: A whitewater park designed specifically for kayaking. Many of the freestyle whitewater
parks are custom designed to create waves and play -holes specifically for kayaking
Physical Model: A Froude scaled model that is hydraulically scaled (using the Froude number
relationship) to mimic the behavior of a full -sized river. If done properly this model can accurately
predict wave size, height, and shape as well as depths, velocities, and other pertinent course features.
Play Features: Similar to Surfing Features. Surfing features in whitewater parks are waves or hydraulic
jumps which are conducive to surfing a kayak, stand -up- paddleboard (SUP) or surf board. These waves
are called standing waves and remain stationary in the current (in comparison to waves in the ocean
which transit a body of water and break on the beach).
Run -Of- The -River Type Features: Whitewater Park features which are a challenge or that augment the
experience of running the river. These features contrast with Freestyle and Play features in that they
provide a navigational challenge to varying levels of boater.
Slalom kayaking: A type of whitewater competition in which kayakers are timed going through a set
course of slalom gates (poles hung from wires above the river /channel). Paddlers are timed and scored
with the winner posting the fastest time. Large events, such as the 2008 Olympic Team Trials can have
as many as 30,000 spectators in a single weekend and can have millions of dollars in economic impact to
a hosting town or city.
Slalom Racing /Slalom Features: Whitewater Slalom Racing is a timed event wherein kayakers race
through a set of 18 -25 slalom gates hung in a whitewater rapid. Athletes are scored based on total
running time plus assessed penalties for touching or missing the gates. Slalom Features are features
that are conducive to setting challenging slalom courses.
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
Surfing Features: Similar to Play Features. Surfing features in whitewater parks are waves or hydraulic
jumps which are conducive to surfing a kayak, stand -up- paddleboard (SUP) or surf board. These waves
are called standing waves and remain stationary in the current (in comparison to waves in the ocean
which transit a body of water and break on the beach).
Swift water Rescue Park: a park designed specifically to help train rescue authorities in swift water
rescue. These parks can hold cars, trees, and platforms in the main flow and can be turned off in an
instant if a rescue or scenario becomes dangerous.
White water Park Design: The planning, design, market and business analysis, and creation of
construction documents for a white water park.
Whitewater Raft: a watercraft that is inflatable that is typically designed to carry paddlers through a
whitewater rafting. Rafters can be commercial rafters as a part of a for - profit business, or private
rafters, who own or acquire their own inflatable watercraft.
Width, Depth, And Aspect Ratio When Referring to Whitewater Features: Constructed whitewater
features —in particular freestyle features — typically span the river or channel in which they were built.
These features, in order to meet permit and FEMA requirements need to match existing river
morphology in the reach. As a rule the existing bed therefore defines the width, depth, and aspect ratio
of the existing river bed and the designer often checks, by inspection, that the selected location is
appropriate for improvements given the existing aspect ratio of the river.
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
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318 McConnell Drive I Lyons, CO 180540
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