In the City of Greeley, the entire 1,208-acre watershed currently drains to one outlet – the 12th Street Outfall. Prior to construction, any surface contaminants, such as fertilizers, oil from cars, and trash, end up in the Cache la Poudre River as the stormwater picks up debris and pollutants. Phase 1 of this new storm drainage facility project includes approximately 7.5 acres of open space near 10th Street and U.S. 85 along the river. This important and exciting project is the first phase of a larger plan to create an underground storm drain system to move storm water safely to the Cache La Poudre River and reduce flood risk in Greeley. Working alongside ICON Engineering, Valerian designed a large boulder outfall, a 0.75-acre water quality pond, a 1,400 L.F. open channel along U.S. 85, and assisted with river restoration. The 12th Street Outfall system is an infiltration-based stormwater control measure that reduces the rate, volume, and frequency of stormwater runoff. Water quality features capture and treat the polluted runoff before it reaches the river. The collection and treatment of stormwater reduce pollution from entering our streams and provides flood safety for the nearby areas.  Future phases extend the storm drain through downtown by way of 12th Street. This project helps reduce flooding and improves water quality and flood safety in the City of Greeley’s downtown and neighboring areas.

Check out the construction video from Summer 2025. Thank you to ICON Engineering for providing the drone footage!!