Study Area #3 - Eden Prairie

Estimated Timeline: Summer 2020 - Fall 2023 Estimated Cost: $5.92 million

Area 3 in the City of Eden Prairie is located at a sharp bend in the Minnesota River, in an area of very steep slopes. Portions of the slope of the bluff are steeper than 1H:1V, which means the height of the rise is higher than the length of the slope, creating stability concerns. Reaches of the lower Minnesota River are impaired for nutrients and turbidity, and the river has a documented history of excessive erosion and sediment concerns.  Sections of the slope are estimated to experience a rate of erosion at 3 feet per year, contributing to excessive erosion and sedimentation concerns of the Minnesota River.

The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) and the City of Eden Prairie have been aware of the need for site stabilization since 2008. Several studies have been conducted to select and recommend stabilization measures. In 2018, the Minnesota River Study Area 3 Bluff Stabilization Project was incorporated into the District’s Capital Improvement Project List (2018–2027 Watershed Management Plan) as a project that will be funded in whole or in part by the LMRWD. The proposed project will address the stabilization of approximately 1,200 feet of actively eroding bluff toe on the outside bend of the Minnesota River and stabilize the meander bend to prevent further migration and erosion downstream. In 2021, the LMRWD began work with Inter-Fluve to evaluate previous recommendations to stabilize this area. 

A watershed-based funding grant from the Clean Water Land & Legacy Fund was awarded to the District in 2021. Additional funding was secured as part of the 2023 Legislative session. The current work plan will bring the design to 90% at which point the LMRWD and City will use funding to remove the pond, stabilize the riverbank, and construct a new and stable outfall from the City’s stormwater system. Success of the project will be measured by quantifying the total amount of sediment lost to date and by comparing it to the amount of sediment stabilized by the project. Additional funding is needed to move forward with immediate plans to stabilize Area 3 and make necessary improvements. 

Project Resources

2008 SRF Report

2010 Wenck Report

January 2020 Board Report

May 2020 Board Report

October 2020 Project Update

Area 3 Findings and Alternative Review Memorandum dated May 2021