Stanley Consultants Iowa Watershed Revitalization Project Wins National Environmental Excellence Award
April 20, 2022
In a case of turning a public health threat into a thriving, state-of-the-art lake park, the Kent Park
Watershed and Lake Restoration, designed by Stanley Consultants, garnered a national environmental
award.
The Oxford, Iowa, lake park recovery project won a national honor award in the 2022 Excellence in
Environmental Engineering and Science Awards Competition, organized by the American Academy of
Environmental Engineers and Scientists. Competing in the small project category judged by an
independent expert panel, the award criteria is for engineering practices that incorporate a “holistic
environmental perspective, innovation, proven performance and customer satisfaction, and contribution to
an improved quality of life and economic efficiency.”
Kent Park’s iconic 27-acre lake had become highly degraded due to an influx of sediment, nutrients and
bacteria from its 687-acre watershed. The park landed on the state’s impaired waters list. Swimming was
banned because of E. coli bacteria. Fish kills from oxygen-depleted water conditions related to algae
blooms were common. Nutrients such as algae- inducing phosphates and chemical pollutants washed
into the lake during storms because the park, designed in 1968, was meant more for recreation than
environmental sustainability. Stanley Consultants was retained to assess the data, provide engineering
services and design best management practice to address issues with the silt-filled, stagnant lake.
“This project is a perfect example of our commitment to building a more connected, sustainable and
enriched world,” said Kate Harris, Stanley Consultants President, CEO and Chair of the Board. “We work
closely with our clients to deliver solutions that dramatically improve the environment and positively
impact the communities where we live and work.”
Innovative environmental design features included a unique bio-cell parking lot that captures stormwater
runoff and filters it to a multi-cell bioretention filter, a channel erosion control structure, submerged aquatic
plantings to promote fish habitat and a nutrient reduction and a spillway viewing platform. Crews removed
more than 100,000 cubic yards of silt, deepening the lake, and installed shoreline protection features. An
extensive ADA compliant walkway provides easy access to the fishing pier, spillway viewing platform,
boat ramp and restrooms.
“The Honor Award from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, recognizing
Stanley Consultants for their professional excellence in this project, is well earned and we are proud of
the restoration effort and results,” said Larry Gullet, director of the Johnson County Board of Directors.
“The Johnson County Conservation Board wants to thank the Academy and Stanley Consultants for this
nationally significant award.”
“Kent Park now has the cleanest water in eastern Iowa,” said Gullett.
About Stanley Consultants
Stanley Consultants provides program management, planning, engineering and environmental services
worldwide. Recognized for its commitment to client service and a passion to make a difference, Stanley
Consultants brings global knowledge, experience and capabilities to serve federal, municipal, utility and
industrial clients in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Since 1913, Stanley Consultants has
successfully completed more than 50,000 engagements in all 50 states, U.S. territories and in 110
countries, including more than 2,950 MW of solar and energy storage projects. For more information on
Stanley Consultants, please visit https://www.stanleyconsultants.com.