Lighthouse Creek

A major storm event hit the City of New Buffalo following Hurricane Ike in September 2008, causing major flooding and damage throughout the City, including at the City’s Drinking Water Treatment Plant. Spicer Group was hired by the Berrien County Drain Commissioner to identify the main cause of flooding along the Lighthouse Creek Drain. The team developed solutions to several areas of concern, including construction of a new concrete box culvert at Water Street, and installing riprap along a wetland located upstream of the culvert to provide valuable flood storage. Nearly 850 tons of boulders were installed near the mouth of the drain, where Lake Michigan had caused major erosion, and a decorative-stone stairway was installed to allow safe access to the beach for homeowners. An earthen berm was also built at the treatment plant to protect against any future rain events.