The Coal Creek Bank Stabilization & Wildlife Crossing project was initiated due to a critical threat: the failing banks were actively putting two high-voltage utility poles in jeopardy of collapsing into the creek. This challenge required immediate and precise bank stabilization across two distinct sections (northern and southern), all while the work area ran immediately adjacent to a major highway. The project's success was essential for securing critical infrastructure and maintaining the power grid's reliability.

The Williams Creek Management team executed standard, robust bank stabilization—including grading, fabric placement, and riprap installation—to secure the compromised utility poles. However, the project was unique in its mandate to accommodate local wildlife accommodation requirements. Specifically, a defined wildlife trail ran through the middle of the stabilization zone, requiring our team to adapt the design and cap the area with specialized, smaller stone to ensure continued, unimpeded access for deer, raccoons, and other animals utilizing the creek corridor.

This project is an excellent demonstration of Williams Creek’s ability to integrate core utility protection expertise with highly specialized environmental and ecological considerations. By successfully stabilizing the banks to protect critical power infrastructure, while simultaneously modifying construction techniques to ensure wildlife passage, we showcased a sophisticated, multifaceted approach to compliance. This dual success underscores our technical adaptability and commitment to stakeholder and environmental needs.