Accotink Tributary at Danbury Forest Stream Restoration (SD000031-179)

Project Background

The restoration project is on a tributary to Accotink Creek, upstream of Lake Accotink. The existing channel is severely eroded and actively downcutting and widening. The stream receives flow from several stormwater outfalls that convey water from the surrounding neighborhoods, schools, roads and commercial areas. The project was identified for implementation in the Accotink Creek Watershed Management Plan. In March 2017, staff of the Stormwater Planning Division initiated the design of the project and coordination with the Danbury Forest Homeowners Association

Project Description

The stream restoration plan utilizes Natural Channel Design (NCD) techniques to create a stable channel cross section, longitudinal profile and planform geometry for the severely degraded stream channel. NCD restores a degraded stream by mimicking the characteristics of a stable, natural stream to create a self-sustaining channel that conveys current and future flow rates.

The project will restore approximately 4,000 linear feet of a tributary to Accotink Creek within the Danbury Forest neighborhood, upstream of Lake Accotink. The project will improve water quality by halting erosion and restoring the ability of the stream and riparian corridor to biogeochemically process phosphorous, nitrogen and suspended sediment. This is achieved by stabilizing the channel, installing grade control structures, improving connectivity of the stream with its floodplain, enhancing the hyporheic zone within the streambed, incorporating large woody debris into the channel substrate and installing a wide diversity of native plantings. The project also will include replacement of the pedestrian bridge within the Danbury Forest Homeowners Association property. Please note that the playground equipment within the wooded area between Kirkham Court and Mitcham Court will be temporarily removed during construction and reinstalled prior to the completion of construction.

Project Location

The project is located within the Danbury Forest neighborhood of Springfield, Braddock Magisterial District and Accotink Creek Watershed.

Project Phase

The project is in the Construction Phase

Timeline

Construction activity is expected to begin in September 2022 and be substantially completed by March 2024.

What To Expect

The construction entrance for the project will be located off of the driveway to the Washington Gas facility from Rolling Road. A primary staging and stockpile area will be installed on the floodplain adjacent to the Washington Gas driveway within the Dominion Energy powerline. Fencing will be installed to define the project’s limits of disturbance and tree protection areas. Timber matting will be installed along the construction access pathways to protect trees and utilities as construction equipment and materials are transported from staging areas to the active construction areas. Signage for construction activities will be posted along the Washington Gas driveway and the Lake Accotink Rail Trail. The pedestrian bridge and portions of the trails within the Danbury Forest Homeowners Association will be closed during active construction.

Construction activities will occur throughout the week starting after 7 a.m. on weekdays. Note that at some periods during construction work may occur on weekends after 9 a.m. Construction activities are permitted until 9 p.m. throughout the week and weekend. The construction activity hours are in accordance with the Fairfax County Noise Ordinance.

Project Cost and Funding Source

The project costs are paid for by the County’s Stormwater Service District. The project design and construction inspections task order cost equals $1,105,000. The cost of the construction contract equals $2,240,000.00.

Presentations to the Community

Accotink Tributary @ Danbury Forest Stream Restoration Project - August 1, 2022

Contact

For more information, please contact Justin Pistore, Project Manager II, Justin Pistore, Watershed Projects Implementation – Central, Stormwater Planning Division, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, or call 703-324-5685, TTY 711.