Wildfire Revegetation Project With the Town of Superior, Colorado

On December 30, 2021, both extensive drought and high winds contributed to the most destructive urban fire in Colorado history. A grass fire quickly moved from the fringes of Boulder, CO to Louisville and Superior. As a result, causing massive tragedy to the municipalities in the form of both personal and commercial property loss and overall devastation of the impacted communities. Each property that was damaged or burned not only represented a family’s life but also their community, which they cherished.

The Marshall Fire was devastating. Not only did it impact community infrastructure, but also the environment after the heat destroyed soil complexities. In fact, the unstable, bare soil added risk for sediment runoff and washouts. Over 1,000 properties and at least another 150 acres were impacted.

Friends and families were displaced from their homes and businesses did not know what to do next. The community came together and worked with national, state, and local officials in coordination with engineering firms and industry experts.

FEMA and the local municipalities in the burned watersheds worked together to contain debris and pollutants. In an effort to protect air and water quality, the team implemented BMPs to guard waterways and stabilize soil conditions. Both forest and urban fires impact soil health and often lead to rapid noxious weed growth and hydrophobic soils.

How did Ferguson Waterworks help Colorado with this Wildfire Revegetation Project?

In order to protect the waterways and surrounding environment from further damage, Ferguson Waterworks supplied soil health and reclamation products in a timely and efficient manner. Then, we continued to work with municipal and state officials, monitoring the soil conditions. This is important because soil is a key component in preventing and/or decreasing the likelihood of reoccurrence. Protecting our environment and our community is and was our number one priority. To learn more about “The Susceptibility of Colorado’s Watersheds to Post-Wildfire Impacts and to Plan and Prepare”, visit www.wildfirereadywatersheds.com.

Our Approach

Erosion and sediment control measures were put into place as soon as the courageous firefighters deemed it safe to enter the project zone. Based on past experience, there was an understanding that the soil had to be stabilized with hydro-mulch and tackifier before moving on to the next phase of rebuilding the community. Looking back and analyzing the events of the Marshall Fire has led to further insights. For example, even though the perimeter was secured and stabilized, future efforts will follow a more aggressive approach with stronger methods of containment and soil stabilization that could be better anchored and remain in place around building perimeters until the contaminated sites are cleaned up.

• Sediment control measures were put into place to keep debris and sediment from leaving the burned sites and contaminating waterways and air quality.
• Creating a perimeter was vital to containing sediment, ash, and the many toxic pollutants associated with burned homes and vehicles.
• Once perimeter controls were in place, hydro-mulch and tackifier were applied to hold the sediment and debris in place to avoid more damage from storm events.
• Selecting the best products for the project was imperative for people to start to rebuild their lives.