The city of Greenville has been making Reedy River a project priority since the beginning of 2022, and the latest efforts will continue to keep it strong for generations.
The river remediation project is geolifting, and it uses backfill covered in a coconut-based fabric that’s integrated with plant materials, Paul Dow, Greenville assistant city engineer – environmental, said. As the root system matures, it will help strengthen the area. The goal is to mimic the natural appearance of a flood plain. As the area is built up, rocks are left along the side at water level to minimize further erosion.
“We’re using natural materials to stop erosion,” said Beth Brotherton, director of communications and neighborhood relations for the city of Greenville. The project is part of a larger effort by the city to reengineer some of the problematic parts of the Reedy River.
Dow said areas most recently rebuilt included some in Falls Park, a couple of locations in Cleveland Park and one in the Nicholtown area near the YMCA on the Reedy River. There are other areas that will receive priority, such as those close to utility lines, sewer lines and roads. While Dow doesn’t have any formal funding allocation for the next areas to repair, he’s working on a priority list and constantly assessing any areas facing the most problems from encroaching flood-damaged areas.
Eventually, areas repaired should blend into the surrounding areas. As for how long it will last, Dow said he’s completed similar projects that are 16-17 years old and are “looking fine.”
The city’s Tree Management Plan has been a major part of the restoration, in large part because half of the trees marked for removal are along the Reedy River. The trees are invasive species, suffering from disease or don’t fit the aesthetics of the area. The city said strategic removal is necessary to accommodate the grading improvements.
“The Reedy River — its waterways, its connected tributaries — is a critical component to our greenway system, our sustainable environmental stewardship,” Dow said.
