Restoration, Water conservation, Water resources
Kino Environmental Restoration Project: Stormwater Use for Habitat in an Urban Environment
Case Study by the Conservation and Adaptation Resources Toolbox
Status
Completed

Location

States

Arizona

Ecosystem

Desert, River/stream, Wetland

Subject

Adaptation
Birds
Cultural resources
Deserts
Groundwater
Hydrology
Recreation
Restoration
Riparian areas
Rivers and streams
Stormwater
Urban
Vegetation
Watershed
Wetlands

Introduction

A stream in a marsh surrounded by lush vegetation
Image Details

During the mid-1990s the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and Pima County agreed to reconstruct and expand the pre-existing 90-acre Ajo Detention Basin. The detention basin was originally constructed as part of the 1960s Tucson Diversion Channel project, and collects water from a 17.7 square mile watershed. The U.S. Congress authorized the environmental restoration reconstruction to develop watercourses, marshes, and riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.

Learn more about riparian habitat in the previously flat-bottomed basin. The $11 million project was completed in 2002. The facility was dedicated and renamed the Ed Pastor Kino Environmental Restoration Project, and is now commonly known as KERP. 

KERP covers 125 acres and includes constructed stream courses, five vegetation-lined ponds, restored native vegetation communities, flood control structures, and a recreational path that surrounds the basin. A stormwater recirculation system supports over 30 acres of streams and open water ponds, emergent wetlands, ephemeral cienegas, and mesquite bosque. This riparian, or river-supported, area is surrounded by nearly 100 acres of upland vegetation communities. 

As an environmental restoration and stormwater harvesting project, KERP sustains wildlife habitat in the basin by utilizing captured stormwater. In addition to the in-basin benefits, excess stormwater is often available and used to irrigate turf at Kino Sports Park, landscaping on roadside medians, and nearby County-owned buildings. The use of stormwater instead of municipal water provides significant cost savings to taxpayers. 

Key Issues Addressed

Over the past 100 years, rising demand for groundwater due to increased urban development and population growth has lowered water levels in the Tucson Basin aquifer in southeast Arizona. An increase in constructed areas with extensive impervious surfaces has resulted in more intense runoff events and decreased rainwater infiltration. This reduces the amount of water available to sustain riparian areas, and increases flooding risk to human lives and property. The KERP was successfully designed to meet three primary purposes – create sustainable native ecosystems, collect urban stormwater, and control flooding. It also provides community benefits through various recreational features.

Project Goals

  • Develop and provide habitat for a range of riparian and upland species
  • Capture stormwater during flood events to reduce flood impacts, sustain ponds and vegetation, and supply irrigation
  • Create and promote recreational opportunities and community facilities

Project Highlights

Water Harvesting: As Arizona’s largest urban water harvesting project, captured stormwater re-use has saved over $5.5 million in irrigation costs since completion.

  • Water Harvesting and Cost Savings: Harvesting stormwater provides a low cost alternative to using groundwater or municipal water as well as the beneficial use of stormwater that would be lost to evaporation or infiltrated the original unlined Ajo Detention Basin. Using harvested stormwater has resulted in an average water cost savings of $390,000 per year. 
  • Habitat Creation: KERP provides open water ponds in addition to riparian and upland plant communities. In the desert, these areas are important to many wildlife species. Over eighty percent of Arizona’s wildlife species utilize and depend upon the resources in riparian areas. Several different plant communities are visible from the paved walkway around the perimeter. 
  • Recreation Benefits: Sam Lena Park and the Kino Sports Complex, both constructed near the basin, provide facilities for youth, high school and collegiate sports, social gatherings, concerts, and community events. A 2.2-mile paved path encircles the basin for walking, jogging, bicycling, and wildlife viewing. This path was incorporated into The Chuck Huckleberry Loop trail system, which includes 120 miles of recreation paths throughout the greater Tucson area.   
  • Federal Recognition: The project won the 2006 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chief of Engineers Award of Excellence for Environmental projects.

Lessons Learned

A hand holding a small toad
Image Details
  • The KERP achieves multiple goals of flood control, water harvesting, sustainable wildlife habitat, recreation, cost savings, and environmental stewardship within an urban environment. The retention of stormwater and use of reclaimed water allows the facility to irrigate vegetation and the surrounding landscape without pumping groundwater.
    This project substantially improved the environmental quality of the mudflats and shorelines in the basin while maintaining the original function of detaining and storing flood waters to minimize downstream flooding risks. The KERP achieved these goals while creating educational and recreational opportunities. 
  • One challenge of the project was working through the regulatory issues surrounding the combined use of reclaimed water and stormwater. Constructing the facility within the jurisdictional “Waters of the U.S.” poses continuing regulatory hurdles. Several permits were required for activity within the basin.
  • Several permits were required for activity within the basin, including:
    • Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) permit (including a Management Plan as well as current testing requirements). 
    • An Arizona Aquifer Protection Permit (APP) (including lining water ponds and an Emergency Response Plan that necessitated training of County personnel).
    • A 401/404 permit for upkeep and reconstruction of the basin after flood events.
    • An Arizona Reclaimed Water Reuse permit for irrigation outside the basin.
    • A Pima County Industrial Wastewater Permit for any wet well sediment disposed of within the wastewater conveyance system.
    • Arizona Surface Water Rights Appropriation (for stormwater use in-basin plus removal for irrigation use outside the basin).
    • Preserve FEMA floodplain limits by detaining up to 1800 acre-feet of stormwater to reduce incoming peak flood water discharge by 40%.
  • Vandalism of temporary irrigation for plant establishment and burrowing owl nests were a significant problem in early project establishment.
  • Prior to the project, and occasionally since project construction, mosquito populations have occasionally become excessive. Strategic design features such as lined channels and water recirculation strategies to vary elevations have effectively minimized the problem. Bullrush trimming and removal is also essential for mosquito management. 
  • Non-native aquatic pests such as mosquito fish and bullfrogs have been introduced into water courses, which seems inevitable in such a highly urban environment. Non-native invasive species invasive species
    An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

    Learn more about invasive species     harm habitat functions for native species.
  • Upland portions of KERP were initially utilized as relocation sites for burrowing owls, but this was not sustainable habitat due to continued vegetation growth. Burrowing owls need open grassy areas for hunting, but grasslands at KERP were eventually overgrown by woody plants. Once the shrubs and tree cover increased, the owls left. Initial adaptations also included installation of artificial burrows, removing feral dogs, and planting prickly pear and cholla cactus in key areas to provide refuge for the owls.

Next Steps

  • Continue wildlife, water quality, and vegetation monitoring to determine if environmental objectives are being met and to support a cost benefit analysis
  • Maintain both flood control capacity and habitat quality, manage harvested stormwater, and implement mosquito control, as needed

Funding Partners

Resources

Contacts

Case Study Lead Author

  • Deanna Morrell, Program Analyst, US Bureau of Reclamation

Suggested Citation

Morrell, D. P. (2018). “Kino Environmental Restoration Project: Stormwater Use for Habitat Creation in an Urban Environment.” CART. Retrieved from https://www.fws.gov/project/kino-environmental-restoration-project.

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