Severe flooding from Hurricane Harvey caused extensive damage to the levee and spillway at Champion Lake within the Trinity River Wildlife Refuge. This 800-acre levee system, comprising a 3,500-ft levee and a 200-ft earthen spillway designed to regulate water levels automatically, experienced significant issues. The spillway continuously leaked water, resulting in numerous cuts, while sections of the levee suffered washouts along the surface and side slopes.

A design-build package was prepared to repair the levee, spillway, and associated structures by developing construction documents, specifications, and cost estimates for the contractor. Kenall engineers conducted a thorough evaluation of the area’s flood conditions, completed levee inspections, and certified the levee for a 100-year flood event according to 44 CFR §65.10. They designed a new spillway measuring 30-ft wide and 300-ft long, incorporating services across hydrology and hydraulics, survey, geophysical, geotechnical, civil, and structural engineering disciplines.

Kenall’s proposed design recommended using Articulated Concrete Blocks to line the spillway top and installing sheet piles to an elevation of –19.50 ft, matching the spillway’s elevation. The levee and spillway recommendations rebuilt and reinforced the structures to ensure safe access for public use and utility infrastructure needs. Recreational amenities, including fishing platforms, a concrete boat ramp, and boardwalk, were also restored.