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

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 currently under construction.

Timeline

• Fall 2024: Construction contract awarded
• Winter 2024: Construction, drilling, and digging within roads started
• Summer 2025: Digging within roads completed, drilling paused
• Winter 2026: Drilling restarted
• Spring 2026: Drilling completion
• Fall 2026: Construction completion
   

What To Expect

DPWES staff and consultants will closely supervise all the work, including the HDD creek crossing, 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 links below and the FAQ:

• November & December 2019

• A meeting was held on Friday, 12/13/2024, to present more about the project and answer any questions you may have. 
• March 2025

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

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.