Project No. SD-000031-266
Public Works and Environmental Services Alert:
Project No. SD-000031-266
The proposed restoration project is identified in the Accotink Creek Watershed Management Plan as AC9238. The existing conditions of the channels within the project area exhibit the typical degraded form resulting from many decades of development and the increase of impervious surfaces within the watershed. In November 2023, staff of the Stormwater Planning Division initiated the design of the project with consulting firm Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc.
The project aims to rehabilitate roughly 2,400 feet of Long Branch within the Accotink 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 exposed utilities.
To accomplish this, the design plan will use Natural Channel Design (NCD) techniques. These techniques are geared towards establishing a stable channel cross-section, longitudinal profile, and planform geometry for a stream channel that is currently severely degraded. NCD works to restore a degraded stream by replicating the characteristics of a stable, natural stream. By utilizing geomorphic principles, NCD is able to achieve long-term, self-sustaining stability, even with current and future flow rates.
The primary objective of the project is to enhance water quality by revitalizing the stream and riparian corridor's ability to process phosphorous, nitrogen, and sediment. This improvement in water quality will be achieved through several means, including stabilizing the channel, installing grade control structures, connecting the floodplain, adding large woody debris to the channel bed, and planting native vegetation.
The project is located in the Providence Magisterial District between I66 and Old Lee Hwy.
Click map to enlarge.
The project is in the pre-assessment phase.