Project Background

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

Project Description

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 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. Through the use of geomorphic principles, NCD achieves long-term, self-sustaining stability given current and future flow rates. The project will improve water quality by restoring the ability of the stream and riparian corridor to biogeochemically process phosphorous, nitrogen and sediment. These water quality benefits will be achieved by stabilizing the channel, installation of grade control structures, floodplain connectivity, enhancement of the hyporheic zone, incorporation of large woody debris into the channel substrate and native landscape plantings.

Project Location

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

Project Phase

The project is in the Construction Phase

Timeline

• Construction Start: October 2022
• Construction Completion: Tentatively by July 1. 2024. The completion date is dependent on the timeline for fabrication and delivery of additional components for the pedestrian bridge.

What To Expect

Installation of a staging and stockpile area on the floodplain, adjacent to the Driveway Road off of Rolling Road. Installation of fencing to define the project’s limits of disturbance and tree protection areas. Installation of timber matting along the construction access pathways to protect trees and utilities. During construction, equipment and materials will be transported along the Driveway Road at 5701 Rolling Road to the staging and stockpile area and then along the construction access pathways on the floodplain and the Dominion right of way to the active construction areas along the channel. Signage for construction vehicles access will be posted along the Driveway Road, which is an extension of Lake Accotink Rail Trail.

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 9:00 pm throughout the week and weekend.

Project Cost and Funding Source

The cost of the design and construction equals $3,345,000 and is paid for by the County’s Stormwater Service District.

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.