The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Engineering Excellence Awards 2026 Merit Award was presented to Olsson and the project team in recognition of their outstanding work in Water Resources for Ralston Creek at Croke Canal with the Mile High Flood District (MHFD). The American Council of Engineering Companies annual Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) program honors engineering achievements that exemplify innovation, complexity, and significant public benefit. Projects are evaluated across multiple criteria based on delivering solutions that demonstrate exceptional skill, ingenuity, and value to the community.

The City of Arvada and MHFD led the Ralston Creek at Croke Canal Stream Stabilization Project to enhance stream health, improve flood resilience, and restore long-term corridor stability. Valerian, in collaboration with Prime Consultant Olsson, addressed extensive impacts from the 2013 floods that caused channel instability, property damage, and embankment breaches along the Croke Canal.

This project improves pedestrian access and incorporates a natural stream design featuring sustainable, aesthetic, and resilient stabilization techniques that strengthen the creek’s ecological function. Naranjo Civil Contractors completed construction this summer, and we are already seeing the community engaging with and enjoying the creek!

Check out the project page to see more images: Ralston Creek at Croke Canal. And below is the project award video from the EEA program. Congratulations to the entire team!