Geotechnical borings and soil samples were collected on 11/3/2025 and 11/4/2025. Soil testing helps the design engineers understand existing site conditions to ensure that restoration efforts will be successful.
Project Background
Exposed Sanitary Sewer Lateral
Trail Closed Due to Erosion
Undermined Trees Starting to Fail
The project will stabilize approximately 1500 linear feet of channel and additional outfalls. The stream and outfalls are disconnected from the floodplain by vertical banks averaging 3.5 feet high, with some banks reaching 5+ feet. The erosion has caused the closure of a community footpath through the forest, as well as exposing a residential lateral connection to the sanitary sewer. Continued erosion will increase the likelihood of damage that could result in a sewage leak.
Project Description
Work north of Cotton Farm Rd will reconnect the channel to the floodplain, protect the exposed sanitary sewer laterals, and stabilize the eroded slopes. Channel design will stabilize the stream bed, allow for riparian and native species to be planted, and improve water quality and conveyance capacity. Some work may occur south of Cotton Farm Rd to protect a sanitary sewer line encasement and stabilize the area around the outfall pipe.
Project Location
Project is located just west of Burke Station Road, with access from Cotton Farm Rd. Site is located on HOA owned parcels, as well as some private lots on Burke Station Rd.
The project area is outlined in red.
After further investigation of site conditions, the Potential Outfall Stabilization area has been removed from the scope of this project.
Project Phase
Pre-Design
Project Benefits
Protection of existing sanitary sewer infrastructure.
Ecological benefits through improved connection to the floodplain.
Improved water quality through stabilization of the stream bed and reduced potential for erosion.
Timeline
Design Phase is currently projected to be completed in Fall 2026. Construction timeline to be determined.
Project Cost and Funding Source
Design of the Rabbit Branch at Hickory Farms stream restoration project is funded for $494,000. Construction funding is dependent upon budget availability in future Fiscal Years. Stormwater projects are funded through the Fairfax County Stormwater Service District.
Presentations to the Community
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 adjacent to the project and to obtain feedback from the community. Meetings will be scheduled for 35% design, 65% design, final design, as well as pre-construction.
Contact
For more information, please email Project Manager, Jim Waters, Stormwater Planning Division, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.