Public Works and Environmental Services

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703-324-5800 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 449 Fairfax, VA 22035
Carey Needham
Director, Capital Facilities

Little Hunting Creek Force Main Replacement Project

Little Hunting Creek

Project Update: February 6, 2025

Construction is ongoing. The Wessynton Forest Trail has been cleared and will stay closed to keep the public and construction crews safe until drilling is done. Expect more noise and traffic around the trail, the Wessynton Swim Club, and the Little Hunting Creek Pump Station.

Drilling should be finished by spring 2025, and the whole project should be done by early spring 2026.

For your safety and the safety of the workers, please do not enter the construction zone, follow all posted warning signs and barriers, and keep a safe distance from the site.


Project Background

The Little Hunting Creek Force Main carries wastewater from the Little Hunting Creek Pump Station. This pump station serves the surrounding community and other areas upstream. In 2016, the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) repaired parts of the force main after inspecting its condition. However, due to its age and the inspection results, DPWES decided that the force main needs to be replaced.

A study looked at different ways to replace the old force main. Its location under a tidal creek and through residential areas makes it difficult to use normal construction methods. Here are the challenges:

  • How to install it
  • Where to keep materials and equipment
  • Following environmental rules
  • Limits on work times
  • Possible damage to the old force main and nearby utilities
  • Effects on private property
  • Managing traffic and access to homes
  • Future maintenance and operation

 

Out of the nine options evaluated, the one shown below was selected because it:

  • Minimizes environmental impacts
  • Reduces effects on private property
  • Provides potential nature trail improvements
  • Makes future maintenance easier
Existing and New Little Hunting Creek Force Main
Existing and New Little Hunting Creek Force Main

 

Project Description

This project will replace 4,560 feet of the existing 30-inch pipe. We will use horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to replace the section under Little Hunting Creek with 30” and 36” pipe. Regular digging, also known as open cut or trenching, will be used to connect it using 30” pipes to the end point near the intersection of Surrey Dr. and Surrey Ct.

 

Project Location

The force main is in the Mount Vernon District. It starts at the Little Hunting Creek Pump Station near the intersection of Thomas J. Stockton Pkwy. and Londonderry Rd. on the east side of Little Hunting Creek. The pipe runs westward under Little Hunting Creek and through residential areas. It ends at a junction near the intersection of Surrey Dr. and Surrey Ct.

Project Phase

This project is about to start construction. Garney Construction will begin in December 2024 and finish in Spring 2026.

Project Benefits

Replacing the Little Hunting Creek Force Main will:

  • Reduce the need for maintenance
  • Prevent costly emergency repairs
  • Provide safe and reliable utility services
  • Improve life for Fairfax County residents
  • Lower risks to public health and the environment

The new force main is expected to last for the next 50 years.


Timeline

  • October 2024: Construction contract awarded
  • December 2024: Construction began
  • January/February 2025: Drilling starts
  • April 2025: Drilling ends
  • Summer 2025: Digging within roads starts
  • Winter 2026: Digging within roads ends
  • Spring 2026: Construction completion

What To Expect

DPWES staff and consultants will closely supervise all the work to make sure it is done right. will closely watch all the work to make sure it is done right. We will do our best to keep noise and disruptions to a minimum in your neighborhood and plan construction to avoid interfering with your recreational activities. You can rest assured that your sewer service will continue without any interruptions.

Project Cost And Funding Source

The Little Hunting Creek Force Main Project will cost $13.6 million to construct, which will be provided by Fairfax County’s Capital Improvement Program. This program supports important wastewater and infrastructure projects like this one.

Presentations To The Community

Access information shared about this project at previous community meetings through the Little Hunting Creek Force Main Public Meetings (11/19/2019 & 12/05/2019) link and the FAQ:

A meeting was held on Friday, 12/13/2024, to present more about the project and answer any questions you may have. 

Learn more about the drilling process to be used by watching this video:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The information below is based on 12/13/2024 discussions and updates as of 01/30/2025.

Vibration Monitoring:

Please contact Katherine D. Ovalle La Torre via phone or email. (Update: 28 inspections have been completed, and monitors have been installed at the pump station and the pool.)

Vibrations will occur around the pool area during drilling operations and will be less intense during the open cut installation.

Yes, the contractor will maintain the data and can make it available to those interested.

Wessynton Forest Trail:

Minimal impacts are expected. (Update: Tree removals are necessary to provide the required 30-foot clearance for stringing the two 36" pipes. The County and the Wessynton Home Association will develop trail restoration plans.)

Wetland mats will be used to distribute the weight of construction equipment, reducing soil compaction and protecting root systems.

The trail will be closed to ensure the safety of the public and construction crews until drilling is done, expected by 04/30/2025.

Wessynton Pool:

No drilling is expected but trenching and roadwork will continue. The pool will remain accessible, and we will provide advance notice of any necessary closures.

The pool should not be affected. We will monitor vibrations and adjust our work if needed to prevent any problems.

If delays are caused by events outside of the county's control, we will negotiate an extension with the Wessynton Home Association. The contractor will pay penalties to the county if they are responsible for delays.

General Construction Info:

No, it does not.

The pipes will be placed in different parts of the road to avoid existing underground utilities.

Environmental permits are in place to minimize impact.

Contact

For more information, please contact Katherine Ovalle La Torre from DPWES.

Email: Katherine.OvalleLaTorre@fairfaxcounty.gov

Phone: 703-324-5111, TTY 711

For emergencies or assistance outside of regular business hours, please contact the Customer Communications Center at 703.323.1211 (TTY 711) or DPWES-CCC@FairfaxCounty.gov.

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