Project Background

The proposed restoration project is identified in the Accotink Creek Watershed Management Plan as AC9235 and AC9236. The existing conditions of the channels within the project area exhibit the typical degraded form resulting from channel evolution in response to many decades of development and the increase of impervious surfaces within the watershed. The stream exhibits an overly down cut and widening channel, floodplain disconnection, unbalanced sediment transport, accelerated channel erosion and accelerated channel migration. There is tree loss and property loss.

 

 

 

 

Employees of the Stormwater Planning Division initiated the design of the project in October 2019. The design team includes the engineering consultant Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc., county staff from the Maintenance and Stormwater Management Division, Utilities Design and Construction Division, Urban Forest Management Division, Wastewater Management Program, Land Acquisition Division, residents along the project area, civic associations and other organizations within the community.

Project Description

The project includes restoration of 4,500 linear feet of Long Branch, its tributaries, stormwater outfalls and the floodplain within the stream valley between Dogwood Lane and Route 50 (Arlington Boulevard).

The primary goals of the restoration are:

• Improve Water Quality
  • Stabilize streambed and banks
    • Reduce sediment and nutrient inputs into stream system
    • Installation of grade control structures
    • Restoring channel dimension and alignment to a form that is appropriate for current and future hydrologic conditions of the watershed
  • Improve floodplain connectivity and ecological processes
    • Increase frequency and residence time of water on floodplain
    • Reduce force and volume of water within the channel during storm and flood events
    • Naturally process nutrients and sediments on the floodplain and within the streambed
  • Improve habitat for biological community
    • Native landscaping
    • Floodplain wetlands
    • Streambed and flow diversity
• Protect Property and Infrastructure
  • Protection of exposed sanitary manhole

Project Location

Timeline

The project is in the concept design phase, which is expected to be finalized Spring 2023.

What to Expect

As the project advances through the iterative design development process, community meetings will be scheduled to present the project and its design to the residents along the project and to obtain feedback from the community. Meetings will be scheduled for a concept design, 95 percent design, 100 percent design/pre-construction and post-construction.

Project Cost and Funding Source

Design of the Long Branch North at Arlington Blvd and Robin Ridge Court stream restoration project is funded for $822,000. Construction funding is dependent upon future budget availability and allocations. Stormwater projects are funded through the county Stormwater Service District.

Contact

For more information, email Project Manager Vivian.Bui@fairfaxcounty.gov Stormwater Planning Division, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, or call 703-324-5609, TTY 711.