Independence Watershed Aquatic Organism Passage Project
The Independence AOP Project aims to resolve issues at a low-water crossing over an unnamed creek upstream of Independence Creek in the Independence Watershed. This road is the primary access route to Independence Lake, used by various stakeholders. The unnamed creek is a perennial, spring-fed stream with high seasonal runoff, carrying woody debris and significant sediment loads exacerbated by vehicle traffic.
The project, developed by TRWC, Sierra County, and the USFS, aims to improve water quality and protect downstream habitats by installing an Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) structure on a new road alignment. The design includes options for a three-span bridge or three steel multi-plate arch culverts to handle significant storm events. Preliminary studies were completed in 2016, and technical studies will be updated to advance the design. Funding will be used for engineering design work related to the project.
This request is to fill a critical funding gap needed to complete Phase 2 of design for the Independence Watershed Aquatic Organism Passage Project (Independence AOP). Phase 2 will develop 65% design plans, enabling us to initiate NEPA and CEQA processes and begin permitting. Completion of the 65% designs will also position TRWC to leverage additional funding opportunities to complete final (100%) design plans.
TMWA Benefit:
Priority II Watershed Improvements: Once fully implemented, the project will decrease sedimentation and support attainment of the 303(d) listed TMDL pollutant to Truckee River. Restoration will enhance watershed function and aquatic habitat by reducing erosion and restoring sensitive ecosystems.
Priority V Support to Rehabilitation of Local Tributary Creeks and Drainage Courses: The project will restore a degraded stretch of roadway that directly connects to a key tributary known to contribute sediment to the Truckee River. Currently, the absence of a proper crossing, coupled with heavy vehicle traffic, generates significant sediment plumes, leading to ongoing erosion, increased sediment loads, elevated turbidity, higher water temperatures, and reduced dissolved oxygen levels. The proposed improvements will address these issues, mitigating further water quality and aquatic habitat degradation.
This project will improve watershed function and reduce sediment transfer to Independence Creek and the Little Truckee River, as well as to the main stem of the Truckee River. These efforts will result in measurable water quality benefits, including decreased erosion and a substantial reduction in sediment transfer, improving the ecological health of the watershed.
Re-Forestation and Re-Vegetation Projects: The project will improve access to over 3,000 acres of high-density forest stands and heavy accumulation of forest fuels surrounding Independence Lake that could have devastating impacts on the ecological systems present in the watershed in the event of catastrophic wildfire or other disturbances. The area is remote and will require thousands of equipment and logging truck passes. To facilitate access for fuels reduction and emergency response operations, this project supports a stream crossing engineered to meet CalFire’s H-20 loading standard—capable of supporting up to 80,000 lbs.
Priority VI Stewardship and Environmental Awareness: The project will include outreach to community members through newsletters, email updates and project site tours. Outreach will be designed to increase understanding and importance of stream and habitat restoration and improvements to water quality through reduction of sediments and other pollutants within the watershed. Specific tasks of the program include leading project site tours, producing interpretive signage, and publishing articles in our on-line and print newsletters. Volunteers will also support the project on TRWC’s annual Truckee River Day.