Rocky Branch at Hickory Hollow Lane Stream Restoration
Project Number: SD-000031-238
Vertical banks 8 to 10 feet high in the mainstem of Rocky Branch.
Exposed sewer in the mainstem of Rocky Branch.
Project Update: June 30, 2023
A 95% design is currently under review.
Project Background
The project was identified for stream restoration and stabilization activities in the Fiscal Year 2020 work plan. The project is in wooded, residential neighborhoods. The stream channel exhibits eroded and over-widened banks, head-cuts and the potential for further bed and bank instability. A sanitary sewer line is exposed within the Rocky Branch channel.
Project Description
The project area is generally identified as a floodplain and Resource Protection Area. The project will restore approximately 3,818 linear feet of degraded natural channel of Rocky Branch and its tributaries between Hunter Mill Road and Hill Road. The project area stream drains about 773 acres of surrounding neighborhoods that includes most of the Oakton’s shopping center. Restoration objectives include stream stabilization, water quality improvement, aquatic and riparian habitat enhancement, and reconnection of the channel with its floodplain. It is anticipated that the restoration will provide additional biological improvements with habitat features introduced to the restored stream channel and native vegetation plantings along the riparian corridor. Stormwater Planning staff will coordinate stream restoration design plans with Fairfax County Maintenance and Stormwater Management Division in their efforts to repair a culvert located at Hickory Hollow Lane.
Project Location
The stream restoration project is located along the main channel of Rocky Branch between the headwaters near Hill Road to the culvert at Hunter Mill Road.
The project is in the Providence District and in the Difficult Run Watershed.
Restoration of the ecological function of the stream corridor
Creation of a safe and sustainable stream valley for the community
Protection of surface waters, private property and county infrastructure
Restoration of native vegetation and plant diversity
Improvement in water quality by removing Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Total Suspended Solids
Improvement of habitat for wildlife
Project Phase
The project is in the design phase.
Project Timeline
The final design is currently scheduled for September 2023.
What to Expect
The design team will be working with permitting agencies to obtain permit. The permitting agencies may be out in the field for verification.
Project Cost and Funding Source
Restoring the section of Rocky Branch as part of this project is estimated to cost $6.3 million. Stormwater projects are funded through the county Stormwater Service District.
Presentations to the Community
Public meetings for the project will be scheduled online due to Covid-19 restrictions. Notifications about upcoming meetings will be sent to the Homeowner Associations and owners who are adjacent to the project area.
For more information please contact Project Manager Sajan Pokharel, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, Stormwater Planning Division, or call (703) 324-5687, TTY 711.