Carbon River Setback Levee Feasibility Study

About the Project

Pierce County Planning and Public Works is conducting a feasibility study to increase flood protection and improve fish habitat conditions on the Carbon River near Bridge Street and Voights Creek. The project team is meeting with various stakeholders and the greater community. This study will evaluate four alternatives for setting back existing left-bank flood control levees on the Carbon River near Orting, Washington. A goal is to reach a common understanding of the perceived problems, values and opportunities of the community and area of the study. This information will guide the selection of a preferred alternative.


Throughout this study, Pierce County is committed to working with the community and nearby property owners. Community input on the four alternatives will help shape the future of the Carbon River Levee Setback Project.

Benefits & Potential Impacts 

Benefits

  • Improved flood protection
  • Reduced levee damages and repair costs
  • Reduced flooding impacts
  • Improved fish habitat and water quality

Potential Impacts

  • Infrastructure
  • City of Orting stormwater pond
  • Stormwater drainage
  • Existing levee
  • Residential development
  • Foothills Trail
  • Agriculture property
Contact Us 

Pierce County staff is available to discuss the feasibility study and what it could mean for the area.


Randy Brake, Project Manager

randy.brake@piercecountywa.gov


Rob Wenman, Senior Planner rob.wenman@piercecountywa.gov



Learn More 

Learn more about the four alternatives and existing conditions.



Open House

10/19 Update: The open house is now closed. Thank you for providing your feedback during the comment period. Results will be posted soon.

Project Location and Funding
Carbon River Study Map_v2

Location

The project is located between Carbon River Mile (RM) 3.0 to 4.4 (blue shaded region) in an area used by several fish species listed as threatened in the state of Washington. The yellow shaded region represents future potential study area.


Funding

Pierce County is funding this study through a grant obtained from the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB), Project No. 16-1545P. 


Funding and schedule for project permitting, design and construction have not yet been identified.


Moving Forward

Community input on the four alternatives is vital to help shape the future of the Carbon River Levee Setback Project. A series of open houses, mail notices, surveys and interviews and will be available to the community and to those directly impacted by this project. Based on evolving social distancing guidelines from local, state, and federal public health agencies, open houses and other outreach may take place online throughout this project. We will share the most up to date information here as it is available. 


The results of the study will be finalized and made public.