Kiamichi River Water Management Project Field Studies and Surveys

Contractors for the City of Oklahoma are conducting studies and surveys as a part of the Kiamichi River Water Management Project (KRWMP). The environmental studies provide important information needed for permits, water management, and conservation efforts. Over time, this data will also help support community watershed management. Learn more about these efforts below.

Kiamichi River Studies and Surveys

Mussel Survey near Moyers (Completed)

• PURPOSE: Oklahoma City studied mussels in the Kiamichi River between Buck Creek and Tenmile Creek (near Moyers) to learn where they live and how many there are. This helps Oklahoma City follow environmental rules and comply with the Endangered Species Act during its project, working closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• TIMING: Qualified mussel specialists completed the survey in September 2025. They followed a plan approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Federal and State permits were obtained to authorize the research including:
  • Oklahoma Scientific Collector's Permit
  • Recovery Permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under Section 10(a)1(A) of the Endangered Species Act, Permit No. PER0009122 

• FINDINGS: The survey found 23 different mussel species living in the river, including two Ouachita Rock Pocketbook mussels, which are a federally endangered species.

Aerial LiDAR and Imaging Survey (Completed)

• PURPOSE: To collect aerial images and ground and riverbed elevation data along the Kiamichi River from Tuskahoma to Antlers. This helps us better understand the river’s shape, flow, and habitats and supports future water management planning.
• TIMING: Contractors completed the Aerial LiDAR and Imaging Survey in September 2025.
• PROCESS: Contractors flew a small, low-flying plane over the river to gather aerial photos and data using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). LiDAR uses light pulses to measure ground and riverbed elevations. It’s safe for people and wildlife and commonly used for mapping.
• This information will be used to create an accurate 3D model of the river, including the riverbanks and bottom, vegetation, and other features in the river channel, including areas that support freshwater mussels. This model will help simulate how water flows in the Kiamichi River, including water released from Sardis Lake and future diversions near Moyers. These simulations will support decisions that protect both the water supply and the health of the river, in line with the Water Settlement Agreement.
• FINDINGS: The survey gathered a large amount of digital data. It will take several months to process and analyze it. Once complete, the data will guide future studies and help in building models of the river. 

River Flow and Temperature Monitoring (Ongoing)

• PURPOSE: To collect more detailed information about water levels and temperatures along the Kiamichi River. This data will add to what the U.S. Geological Survey already measures at Big Cedar, Clayton, and Antlers.
• TIMING: Contractors installed monitoring stations at locations along the river in September 2025.
• FINDINGS: These stations regularly record the river’s water level and temperature. The information helps:
  • Improve understanding of how water moves through the river.
  • Support studies on habitat conditions for freshwater mussels.
  • Track water temperatures during warmer months when river flows are lower.

River Sediment Studies and River Channel Conditions (Ongoing) 

• PURPOSE: To characterize the sediment — the sand, silt, gravel, and rocks — that make up the Kiamichi River’s bottom and banks. This will help us understand how the river erodes, moves, and deposits sediment, and it will also help us address the stability of the river channel.
• TIMING: The first round of sediment sampling took place in October 2025. Additional samples will be collected later during higher river flows, when more sediment is moving through the river.
• FINDINGS: Oklahoma City will use these study results to help plan and design a low-profile riverbank water intake near Moyers, as designated by the Water Settlement Agreement and the Oklahoma Water Control Board water permit. These study results will also be important for the mussel studies to characterize their habitat requirements.

Mussel Bed Site Studies (Ongoing)

• PURPOSE: To study where freshwater mussels live along the Kiamichi River, how many there are, and how the river flows and water temperatures may affect them. This will include more detailed measurements in the river and may use aerial drone surveys in certain areas of the river.
• TIMING: The mussel bed site studies started in Fall 2025 and may continue into 2026.
• FINDINGS: Oklahoma City is coordinating these studies with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Choctaw Nation, Chickasaw Nation, and independent mussel experts. The studies will be used in support of Oklahoma City’s Endangered Species Act consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Federal and State permits were obtained to authorize the research including:
  • Oklahoma Scientific Collector's Permit
  • Recovery Permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under Section 10(a)1(A) of the Endangered Species Act, Permit No. PER0009122

Pipeline Route Studies and Surveys

As part of the Kiamichi River Water Management Project (KRWMP), Oklahoma City is conducting several studies and surveys to protect natural and cultural resources while planning for the proposed water pipeline. Separate from the Kiamichi River field work, these efforts will not take place along the river and its corridor, with the exception of those needed specifically at the riverbank water intake location near Moyers.

Wetlands and Streams Studies

We’re identifying and mapping streams and wetlands, as well as studying the soils and plants in these areas. This helps us avoid or minimize any impacts to these sensitive environments during pipeline construction.

Before construction can begin, Oklahoma City must receive approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Tulsa Regulatory Office) and a state Water Quality Certification. Our goal is to avoid streams and wetlands whenever possible. If temporary impacts can’t be avoided, we will minimize the affected area and restore it by reshaping, stabilizing, and reseeding the ground. Tunnels may be used under highways and larger streams when feasible, to avoid other disturbances. 

Cultural and Historical Resource Surveys

Contractors are also surveying the pipeline route for historical, cultural, and archaeological resources. These surveys help ensure that we avoid or reduce any potential effects on these important sites. Oklahoma City is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, State Historic Preservation Office, the State Archeologist, and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices to complete and review these studies, following all state and federal requirements.

Wildlife and Endangered Species Studies

We are working closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to identify and protect threatened and endangered species that may live near the project area. Special studies will focus on federally listed freshwater mussels in the Kiamichi River to help ensure their protection.

Geotechnical Studies

Geotechnical work is also underway to study the soil, rock, and groundwater conditions along the proposed pipeline route. To perform this work, small holes are drilled using a rig to collect samples and better understand underground conditions, which helps guide safe and effective pipeline design and construction. After drilling, each site is backfilled, smoothed, and restored according to Oklahoma Water Resources Board standards.

Frequently Asked Questions