Role of Regional Ponds in Fairfax County's Watershed Management

In 2002 the Board of Supervisors directed staff to form a multi-agency committee to develop a unified position on the use of regional ponds, as well as alternative types of stormwater controls, as watershed management tools. The Board also directed staff to review the issues outlined in an Environmental Quality Advisory Council resolution regarding regional stormwater management.  The Fairfax County Environmental Coordinating Committee formed a Regional Pond Subcommittee, which spent several months identifying the issues; reviewing current policy, regulations, and practices; researching the experiences of other jurisdictions; and reviewing alternatives to regional ponds. The subcommittee compiled its findings, met with a group of stakeholders and peers, held a public meeting, and prepared a list of recommendations. The Regional Pond Subcommittee is comprised of representatives from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, the Department of Planning and Zoning, the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Environmental Quality Advisory Council.

The Regional Pond Subcommittee's unified position on the use of regional ponds is that regional ponds should not be considered the preferred alternative, but just one of many tools considered for stormwater management. The subcommittee identified 61 recommendations that support this position and outlined ways to improve Fairfax County's stormwater management program.  The next step for the subcommittee is an extensive public outreach and discussion process, during which the findings and recommendations will be considered by various stakeholders in the community, including environmental and industry interests, government agencies, and the public. After reading the report linked below, you may send your comments via e-mail or in writing to:

Director, Stormwater Planning Division
Department of Public Works & Environmental Services
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 449
Fairfax, VA 22035-0052

All files are in PDF format and will require Adobe Reader to view them. With the exception of Appendix X, the subcommittee's report and its appendices are divided into separate files for ease in viewing.

The Role of Regional Ponds in Fairfax County's Watershed Management	Acknowledgments Contents Executive Summary Introduction and Background Findings Ideal 61 Recommendations Unified Position Glossary Reference Materials
Appendix A	Regional Pond Subcommittee Charter
Appendices B, C, D	Environmental Quality Advisory Council Resolution Timeline of Study Letters to Stakeholders
Appendices E, F	Summary of Comments from Public Meeting Primer on Watersheds and Streams
Appendix G	Categories and Examples of Stormwater Management Ponds
Appendices H, I, J	Developed Areas in Unconstructed Regional Pond Drainage Areas Dry Pond Wetland Enhancements and Retrofitting Evolution of Stormwater Management in Fairfax County
Appendices K, L, M, N	Low Impact Development (LID) as a Watershed Management Tool Low Impact Development—Efficiency, Maintenance and Cost Estimates Maintenance Service Levels—Regional BMP Ponds vs. On-site BMP Ponds Nonstructural Best Management Practices
Appendices O, P	Regional vs. On-Site Facilities Pond Interim Decision Matrix
Appendices Q, R	Summary of Regional Stormwater Management Policies in Virginia and Maryland Stormwater Management Facility Comparison Chart
Appendix W	Fairfax County Park Authority—Policy 304 Regional Storm Water Management
Appendix X	2000 Policy Plan—Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan, Environment, included with the printed report, is available only in print. However, the 2002 Policy Plan, which includes all amendments through August 5, 2002, is available online.
Appendix Y	October 2, 2001, Letter to Industry #01-11—Revised Procedures for Requests to Use Innovative Best Management Practices
Appendix Z	May 14, 2002, Letter to Industry #02-06—Innovative BMPs: Enhanced Extended Detention Dry Ponds Now Acceptable for Public Maintenance in Residential Areas and on Governmental Sites
Appendix AA	Memorandum on County Practices Related to Stormwater Facilities and Mosquito Control

 

The following appendices are available in print only. Please e-mail the Stormwater Planning Division or call 703-324-5500, TTY 711, to request a printed copy of an appendix.

Appendix S	January 23, 1989, Board Action Item—Report on Review of Safety and Liability of Stormwater Detention Ponds Nine Recommendations Regional Stormwater Management Plan Approval of Regional Stormwater Management Plan
Appendix T	August 5, 1991, Board Information Item—Status Report on Implementation of Safety and Liability Recommendation for Stormwater Management Ponds with the Regional Stormwater Management Implementation Procedures
Appendix U	August 2, 1993, Board Action Item—Implementation of the Forested Wetlands Committee Recommendations to minimize Disturbance of Wetlands During Implementation of Regional Stormwater Management Ponds with the Forested Wetland Committee Report
Appendix V	February 26, 1996, Board Information Item—Notification Procedures for Roadway Capital Construction Projects Involving the Repair and Replacement of Existing Facilities
Appendix BB	2003 Fairfax County Regional Pond Program Status