Why isn’t the City of Abilene widening or deepening the creeks in Abilene?
Federal regulations prohibit the widening or deepening of a creek that is identified as a “water of the United States”, which all the creeks in Abilene are labeled. However, removal of sediment that has accumulated within the creeks may be removed as long as the original grade of the creek bed is maintained. Additionally, federal regulations prohibit the use of steel tracked vehicles and bladed vehicles (such as motor graders and bulldozers) within the boundaries of the creek. Therefore the City of Abilene is limited to the changes that can be made to the creeks.
