
Preventing flooding from arid creeks
Overview
On October 27, 2000, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 2001 was signed into law, which directed the USACE to proceed with detailed engineering designs for the Murrieta Creek Flood Control, Environmental Restoration and Recreation Project. Historically, the cities of Murrieta and Temecula had experienced devastating flooding along Murrieta Creek. The purpose of this project was to prevent such flooding by conveying the 100-year flow within Murrieta Creek.
Challenge
PROPEX® Armormax® was selected to provide erosion and scour protection on the creek banks. The system consists of a High Performance Turf Reinforcement Mat (HPTRM) and earth anchors that provide resilient flood control for up to 75 years. Maintaining water quality was a main concern because Murrieta Creek is recognized as one of the last high quality minimally disturbed riverine environments in Southern California.
Solution
PROPEX Armormax helped to decrease sedimentation and pollutants and encourages infiltration of water back into the ground water table. The system also promotes rapid root development for long-term vegetation, whereas rock riprap, can decrease streamside vegetation and adversely impact fish populations. Vegetation quickly established and the EEAS has effectively protected against erosion and flooding.

Murrieta Creek, California Arid and channel stabilization PROPEX Armormax
Murrieta Creek, California Arid and channel stabilization PROPEX Armormax
Murrieta Creek, California Arid and channel stabilization PROPEX Armormax
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Providing long term stabilization for drainage channel
PROPEX Armormax and PROPEX Pyramattress, an engineered mattress system that uses PROPEX Pyramat 75 HPTRM to construct a geosynthetic/soil/rock composite for protection of channels, slopes, and spillways.

Steep slope stabilization at SR-11 KYTC DISTRICT 10
The PROPEX Armormax system helped KYTC meet their goal of providing a safe, efficient, environmentally sound and fiscally responsible option to repair the slope while also ensuring access to the state park and economic growth in the surrounding area.

Providing levee resilience and durability
Full scale installation of the EEAS began in 2015 and has since been installed on over 100 miles of earthen levees in the New Orleans area. Since installation, multiple levees have experienced overtopping from major hurricanes, but have not breeched.