Welcome and Introductions

Mr. Peterson welcomed all to the meeting. He noted that there is an in-person quorum for today’s meeting, with five members of the board present together in one location.

Charge Up Fairfax Program Presentation

Kambiz Agazi, Director, Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

Mr. Peterson welcomed Mr. Agazi to the meeting and Mr. Woode provided a brief introduction for Mr. Agazi and the proposed Charge Up Fairfax program.  Mr. Agazi then briefed the board on the work on of the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC).  He then used a PowerPoint presentation to share information about the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Fairfax County and the district for the Charge Up program, noting that Fairfax County has a long history of working with the district on such grant programs.  Copies of Mr. Agazi’s presentation were distributed at the meeting.

Charge Up Fairfax is intended to work with homeowners’ associations and condo associations—or “common interest communities”—which own common parking areas, to help overcome the challenges faced by electric vehicle owners in these communities in finding safe and convenient charging stations.  Research by Fairfax County has found that while many communities are interested in installing charging stations, the often get stuck moving through the necessary phases of exploration, engagement, and implementation.   Through this program, these communities would be assisted by the county through the process by providing an engineering feasibility analysis as well as a grant to assist with the costs associated with implementation/installation.  The feasibility study will help the communities understand the costs of the charging station as well as associated costs such as upgrading the power source.

Once program documentation is finalized and in place, the next step will be work with the Reston Association on a pilot project.  The OEEC will be doing the technical engagement with the HOAs.  Once the charging station is installed, provisioned and certified, the county will forward the paperwork to the district to make the cost share payment to the HOA. 

The board members asked questions about the program, its logistics, target audience, and future plans, which Mr. Agazi answered.

Charge Up Fairfax Authorization

A motion (Koerner-Peters) to authorize Mr. Woode to work with Mr. Agazi and the Fairfax County OEEC on this program and on the development of the MOU, was approved by voice vote.

Mr. Peterson thanked Mr. Agazi for this presentation and for the continued partnership between the OEEC and the district.

Minutes July 26, 2022 and August 23, 2022

Ms. Billger noted that she had reviewed the minutes of the July 26, 2022 and August 23, 2022 meetings of the NVSWCD Board of Directors and found them acceptable. 

A motion (Billger-Koerner) to approve the minutes of the July 26, 2022 and August 23, 2022 meetings was approved by voice vote.

Treasurer’s Reports – July and August 2022

Mr. Koerner introduced the Treasurer’s Reports for July and August 2022 which were accepted by consensus to be filed for audit.  

Technical Review Committee

Ms. Bordas reported that the Technical Review Committee (TRC) met on September 20, 2022.  A summary of that meeting had been included in the board package. 

Soil and Water Quality Conservation Plan

At the TRC meeting, Mr. Woode presented a new conservation plan for a community garden at the Laurel Hill Park Nike Missile Site. The 1.4-acre property is owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority. Because of the past military use of the property, Mr. Woode partnered with Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Koerner to include soils metal analysis as part of the plan.  

A motion (Bordas-Koerner) to approve the plans for the Laurel Hill Sites 1 and 2, as discussed and recommended at the TRC meeting. 

Mr. Koerner complimented Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Woode on their work on this plan.

Conservation Assistance Program New Applications and Reimbursements

Ms. Fraser presented four new applications for funding and two applications for reimbursement through the Conservation Assistance Programs.

New Applications

• Hidden Creek Homeowners Association Conservation Landscaping
  • Size – 450 ft²; Total Cost - $5,061; Cost-Share - $4,048.50.
• Cantrell Permeable Paving
  • Size – 850 ft²; Total Cost - $26,207.41; Cost Share - $11,000
• Peralta Conservation Landscaping
  • Size – 1,820 ft²; Total Cost - $14,990; Cost-Share: $7,000
• Austin Rain Garden – Fairfax City, Pohick Creek Watershed
  • Size – 165 ft²; Total Cost - $10,000; Cost-Share: $7,000

A motion (Bordas-Billger) to approve the new applications as recommended by the TRC and forward them to the state committee was approved by voice vote.

Project Reimbursements

• Buescher Conservation Landscaping
  • • • Size – 1,270 ft²; Total Cost - $9,443.40; Cost-Share: $3,500
• Buescher Rain Garden
  • • Size – 361 ft²; Total Cost - $5,798.10; Cost-Share: $3,500

A motion (Bordas-Billger) to approve reimbursement of the above projects as recommended by the TRC and was approved by voice vote.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the TRC will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2022.

Legislative Committee Report

Mr. Cameron reported that the VASWCD Legislative Committee met recently.  He explained some policy discussions held at that meeting, including some proposed by this district, noting that policy items are supposed to be relatively long term while legislative items would be initiatives to include in the budget request for a shorter period.  Mr. Cameron reported that there was a very good discussion on this district’s recommended policy on the impacts of farming and forestry of solar facilities in the state.  Mr. Cameron and Ms. Billger have drafted a policy document and have shared it with Dr. Kendall Tyree at VASWCD.  This topic will be on the agenda at the VASWCD annual meeting in December.

Executive-Operations Committee Meeting

Mr. Peterson reported that the Executive-Operations Committee met on July 26, 2022 and August 23, 2022.  As voted on at the August 23, 2022 meeting of the board, Mr. Cameron’s appointment to the NVSWCD board effective January 1, 2023, has been forwarded to the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board.  Ms. Cross added that that board acted on the recommendation yesterday and Mr. Cameron’s appointment has been approved. 

Local Stormwater Management Assistance Fund

Mr. Woode updated the board on the status of the Fairfax Local Stormwater Assistance Fund.  Ms. Torgersen, in her report, added it is expected that, at its October 4, 2022, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ Environmental Committee will review a recommendation from the Fairfax County Department of Public Works (DPWES) to establish a grant program to assist private property owners and common interest communities with the repair of privately owned stormwater management facilities.  To establish the program, the county will need to create a Local Stormwater Management Assistance Fund by adoption of an ordinance per Va. Code § 15.2-2114.01.  Through the grant program, DPWES and NVSWCD will provide financial assistance and technical guidance to educate private owners of their stormwater management facility maintenance responsibilities.  The grants will be funded by the Fairfax County Stormwater Management Program through the Stormwater Service District and administered and managed by NVSWCD.  Ms. Torgersen expressed her appreciation to Ms. Fraser and Mr. Woode who continue to coordinate with DPWES on this great partnership opportunity.

Application for United Bank Credit Card

Ms. Shackley reported that the district’s current credit card expires at the end of October.  As it is necessary to update district information this is a good time to switch to United Bank where the district does its banking.  Ms. Shackley noted that board approval is needed in order for staff (Mr. Woode and Ms. Shackley) to sign the credit card agreement.  A copy of the agreement had been included in the board package.  The intention is to establish Mr. Woode as the primary cardholder on behalf of the district with Ms. Shackley also being authorized so that she is able to communicate with the credit card company for billing and balance questions.   If approved, this would provide a $5,000 line of credit on behalf of the agency.  In the past, only the executive director could contact customer service which presented a problem if that person was unavailable.  The credit card would be used by staff for district-related purchases in accordance with NVSWCD’s purchasing policy. 

A motion (Bordas-Billger) to authorize Mr. Woode and Ms. Shackley to sign the credit card agreement with United Bank and secure corporate credit cards for the district with a $5,000 credit limit was approved by voice vote.

Green Breakfast

Ms. Shackley reported that a Green Breakfast was held virtually on September 10, 2022 with speakers representing the Joint Environmental Task Force (JET) —a collaboration between the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Fairfax County School Board—discussing their initiatives.  Speakers included School Board members Elaine Tholen and Karl Frisch, Fairfax County Supervisor Dan Storck, and a greeting from new Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, Michelle Reid.  The JET works to join the political and administrative capabilities of the county and the school system to proactively address climate change and environmental sustainability.

The next Green Breakfast will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022.  Program information for that event will be shared soon.   

Ms. Billger suggested that perhaps Mr. Agazi might make a presentation about the programs of the OEEC at a future Green Breakfast.

Tree Commission

Mr. Peters reported that the Tree Commission met on September 1, 2022.  At that meeting, the Tree Commission voted on its Friends of Trees Awards.  In addition, Mr. Peters reported that a meeting of the Community of Practice, established by the Tree Action Plan, will be held tomorrow afternoon.   Finally, Mr. Peters reported that the Tree Commission annual report is currently being developed.

Ms. Billger asked Mr. Peters if there was an established communications channel between the Tree Commission and the Fairfax County OEEC and suggested that this might be helpful.

Engineering Standards Review Committee

Dr. Rouhi was unable to attend today’s meeting but sent word in advance that the ESRC did not meet this month.   It was suggested that Mr. Lacquement would be an excellent representative to the ESRC.

Community Energy and Climate Action Plan and Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan Updates

Mr. Lamb was unable to attend today’s meeting.

Resilient Fairfax Committee

Mr. Koerner serves as the district’s representative to the Resilient Fairfax Committee.  He provided the board with a brief update of the activities of the committee, including a recent presentation by Mr. Agazi.

(Ms. Bordas departed at 10:57 am)

October Board Meeting

Mr. Peterson suggested that the board not meet as scheduled in October as the board held a meeting in August, a month in which the board does not normally meet.  Cancelling the October meeting was approved by consensus.

Following a request from Mr. Woode, a motion (Billger-Koerner) for the board to delegate authority to the TRC and Mr. Peterson to approve and sign CAP/VCAP and SWQCP projects, reimbursements and plans, as necessary during the month of August so as to avoid delay, was approved by voice vote.

Executive Director’s Report

Mr. Woode provided highlights from his report which had been included in the board package.

Staff Reports

Staff reports had been included in the board package.  The following items were highlighted:

Sophia Wood, Outreach and Education Intern

Ms. Palmer introduced the district’s fall intern, Sophia Wood, and provided some brief background information about Ms. Wood’s career and interests. 

Urban Agriculture Program

There was some discussion about the district’s urban agriculture problem and the importance of urban agriculture.  Ms. Billger mentioned that tomorrow is the White House Conference on Nutrition.  Nationally, the importance of urban and community gardens to address food security and nutrition is being highlighted.  Mr. Woode expressed his hope that the district can continue the services of its Urban Agriculture Specialist and the program that has begun under the National Association of Conservation District’s grant in support of community gardens.

Seedling Sale

Planning for the district’s 2023 Native Plant Seedling Sale has just gotten underway.  Mr. Baron is leading this staff and volunteer effort and held the first planning meeting this month.

EIP Grants for FY 2024

Mr. Baron participated in a grant interview for the FY 2024 Environmental Improvement Program grant with the hope of extending the FY 2023 grant into the next fiscal year in support of the Trapa program.

Ms. Palmer participated in a similar interview hoping for support from EIP for Latino Conservation week next year. 

Grant awards will be announced in the spring of 2023.

Annual Report

Mr. Woode noted that the district’s annual report for FY 2022 had been completed and was included in the board package.  He expressed his appreciation to staff and especially to Ms. Palmer for efforts on this document.  He requested approval of the report and its transmission to DCR .

A motion (Koerner-Billger) to approve the districts FY 2022 annual report as written and transmit it to DCR was approved by voice vote.

Other Items—Directors, Associates, Consultants

Mr. Peterson called for any other items from district’s directors, associate directors, and consultants. 

Cooperating Agencies

Fairfax County Department of Public Works, Stormwater Planning Division

Ms. Torgersen participated in today’s meeting and provided a brief update on the Local Stormwater Assistance Program.  Please see additional information above under “Local Stormwater Management Assistance Fund.” 

Fairfax County Health Department

Mr. Shannon participated in today’s meeting and expressed his appreciation for being back after a two-year hiatus from district board meetings during the height of the pandemic.  He provided some background information about his work with the health department.

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ms. Cross provided highlights from her report which had been included in the board package.  She congratulated the district on its annual report.  Josh Roller from the audit firm Robinson Farmer and Cox will be contacting the district shortly regarding its biennial audit.  Ms. Cross encouraged elected directors to make sure their Freedom of Information Act training is up to date.  Information about upcoming training may be found in her board report.  Finally, the VASWCD annual meeting will be held Monday and Tuesday, December 5 and 6, 2022 at the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, Virginia.  Ms. Shackley is coordinating registrations for this event.

Natural Resources Conservation Service/US Department of Agriculture

Mr. Wooden highlighted items from his report which had been included in the board package.  Casey Iames has been selected as the district conservationist for NRCS at the Warrenton office.  Mr. Wooden will still be helping out during this transition and once that is complete, he will return to his regular position as district conservationist in the Fredericksburg area.  He expressed his appreciation to Mr. Woode for coming to the Warrenton District office to meet with State Conservationist Dr. Edwin Martinez.

Virginia Department of Forestry

Dr. McGlone was unable to attend today’s meeting.

Adjournment

There being no other business, a motion (Koerner-Peters) to adjourn the meeting was approved by voice vote.  The meeting adjourned at 11:23 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Heather Shackley, Operations Manager

Monica Billger, Secretary

Approved November 22, 2022

November 22, 2022 Meeting Notice
The next regular business meeting of the NVSWCD Board of Directors will be held on November 22, 2022, at 9:30 am

 

Approved November 22, 2022

In-Person Meeting in the NVSWCD Conference Room

In Attendance

John Peterson, NVSWCD Chairman

Monica Billger, NVSWCD Secretary

Jerry Peters, NVSWCD Vice-Chairman

Chris Koerner, NVSWCD Treasurer

Adria Bordas, NVSWCD Director-Extension

Willie Woode, Executive Director

Heather Shackley, Operations Manager

Call to Order

Mr. Peterson called the meeting to order at 8:37 am and noted that an in-person quorum is present.

Approval of Minutes

Following a motion (Koerner-Bordas) the minutes of the July 26, 2022 meetings of the Executive-Operations Committee were approved by voice vote.

FY 2024 Budget and Contributory Request to Fairfax County

Mr. Woode reported that he has requested an extension from Fairfax County to submit the district’s annual budget and contributory request and the extension has been granted.  Fairfax County will now expect the budget request to be submitted by the end of November 2022.  The extension request is standard practice as the county’s deadline and the district board meeting schedule are not in sync with one another.  Mr. Wood reported that he plans to share the draft budget request with the Finance Committee in November prior to its review by the full board.

Review of Two Staff POsitions

Mr. Woode is requesting that the board approve two staff positions descriptions and authorize him to proceed with the recruitment and hiring for these positions:

• Urban Conservation Specialist I—Limited Term Water Chestnut Early Detection Rapid Response Program
  • This position is a part of the Environmental Improvement Program grant from Fairfax County.
  • The grant allocates $50,000 for FY 2023 for this limited term position and staff have already applied for continuation funding for FY 2024.
  • This position would be supervised by Scott Baron.

A motion (Koerner-Billger) to approve the position description as outlined above and to authorize Mr. Woode to proceed with the recruitment and hiring process was approved by voice vote.

• Agricultural Water Quality/Conservation Specialist—Agriculture Planning and Rezoning
  • This is a current district position (Mr. Woode’s previous position) which has been updated to suit the district’s current needs.

A motion (Billger-Bordas) to approve the position description as outlined above and to authorize Mr. Woode to proceed with the recruitment and hiring process was approved by voice vote.

Mr. Woode shared the draft job announcement and interview schedule with the committee and answered questions.

Charge Up Fairfax Program Presentation

Mr. Woode introduced a draft Memorandum of Agreement between the district and Fairfax County, through the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), for the Charge Up Fairfax program—intended to work with homeowners’ associations and condo associations—or “common interest communities”—which own common parking areas, to help overcome the challenges faced by electric vehicle owners in these communities in finding safe and convenient charging stations. The OEEC will be doing the technical engagement with the HOAs.  Once the charging station is installed, provisioned, and certified, the county will forward the paperwork to the district to make the cost share payment to the HOA. 

There was some discussion about the projected fees that would be paid to the district for its work.  The plan would be to have a base fee paid regardless of the number of projects, between $5,000 to $10,00, plus a fee of $200 or so per project to cover staff costs for processing the payments.

Mr. Woode noted that Kambiz Agazi, Director of the OEEC would be making a presentation about the program at today’s board meeting.

Credit Card Authorization

Ms. Shackley reported that the district’s current credit card expires at the end of October.  As it is necessary to update district information this is a good time to switch to United Bank where the district does its banking.  Ms. Shackley noted that board approval is needed in order for staff (Mr. Woode and Ms. Shackley) to sign the credit card agreement.  A copy of the agreement had been included in the board package.  The intention is to establish Mr. Woode as the primary cardholder on behalf of the district with Ms. Shackley also being authorized so that she is able to communicate with the credit card company for billing and balance questions.   If approved, this would provide a $5,000 line of credit on behalf of the agency.  In the past, only the executive director could contact customer service which presented a problem if that person was unavailable.  The credit card would be used by staff for district-related purchases in accordance with NVSWCD’s purchasing policy.  The committee discussed this briefly and recommended that it be brought to the board meeting for a vote.

Adjournment

There being no other business, and following a motion (Peters-Bordas), Mr. Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:25 am.

Approved October 18, 2022

A hybrid Meeting held in-person at the Park Authority Board Room - Suite 941 of the Herrity Building - and virtually via Microsoft Teams Conference Service                                        

Mrs. Bordas called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. Those present included:

• Monica Billger*, Director, NVSWCD
• Adria Bordas, Director, NVSWCD
• Chris Koerner, Director, NVSWCD
• Jerry Peters, Director, NVSWCD
• John Peterson, Director, NVSWCD
• Scott Baron, NVSWCD
• Meghan Cunha, NVSWCD
• Judy Fraser, NVSWCD
• Don Lacquement, NVSWCD
• Dan Schwartz, NVSWCD
• Willie Woode, NVSWCD
• Charles Smith*, Stormwater Planning

*Virtual participation

The purpose of the meeting is to review one Soil and Water Quality Conservation Plan (SWQCP), four Conservation Assistance Program (CAP-VCAP) applications and two CAP-VCAP reimbursement requests.

MINUTES

A motion (Peterson-Bordas) to approve the minutes of the August 18th, 2022 meeting passed without objection.

 

SOIL & WATER QUALITY CONSERVATION PLAN
Mr. Woode presented a new Conservation Plan for the Laurel Hill Park Nike Missile Site at 9105 Hooes Rd, Lorton. The 1.4-acre property is owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority and is slated to be turned into a community garden. County ordinances require that new community gardens receive a Conservation Plan. The property is currently in turf with soil types Urban Land- Kingstone complex and Kingstowne sandy clay loam. At the Park Authority’s request, because of the past military use of the property, Mr. Woode partnered with Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Koerner to include soil metals analysis as part of the Conservation Plan.

The site is divided into two fields: Primary Site #1 and Secondary Site #2. Site #1 will be converted into a garden first, and Site #2 will follow if and when Site #1 reaches capacity. 

 

Mr. Woode’s plan proposes the following for both Site #1 and #2

• Perimeter fences to exclude wildlife
• Designated spaces for compost facilities, benches, and tool sheds
• Two water taps per Site
• All plants grown in 8’x3’ raised beds

 

Mr. Schwartz summarized some of the metals findings. Metal concentrations were compared against the federal government’s standard for land-applied sewage sludge, Connecticut’s standards for residential soils, US EPA soil screening levels for contaminated sites, and USGS background levels for Virginia soils.  Concentrations at Laurel Hill were below all standards except for the EPA arsenic and hexavalent chromium screening levels. These screening levels were very conservative and below both the laboratory reporting limit of the Laurel Hill results and the USGS background levels, and thus a likely impractical standard to apply. The selenium levels at Laurel Hill were below all standards, but 83 times higher than USGS-derived background levels.

 

Mr. Koerner mentions that we should be cautious about stating definitive conclusions due to liability concerns. Mr. Smith asks if there are concentrations at which the data would necessitate handing a soils investigation off to outside experts. Mr. Koerner says that there would be, but such a transfer would be costly. Mr. Woode mentions that historic aerial photos show that the use of the Site #1 and #2 has been primarily agricultural despite its use as both a military site and a former low security prison. Mr Peterson suggests that NVSWCD consult with its insurance providers to determine its level of coverage for such consultation work.

 

Only metals were tested, not volatile or semi-volatile contaminants. Standard fertility testing of the soil showed that nutrients and pH levels were high. Because of the lack of information about volatile and semi-volatile materials, the high level of selenium compared to background levels, the somewhat elevated levels of other metals, and the compactions found at the site, the Conservation Plan recommends the use of 3-ft high raised beds with imported soil.

 

Mr. Schwartz asks if the recommendations will include a root barrier between the raised bed soil and the natural soil. Ms. Bordas believes that root barriers don’t work well to stop root penetration and can sometimes impede drainage. Ms. Bordas and Mr. Woode believe the recommended 3-feet of soil in the raised bed will contain the vast majority of roots regardless of the presence or absence of a barrier. Mr. Schwartz asks if a root barrier with drainage holes drilled into the side of the raised bed would eliminate the drainage concerns, or if an alternative root barrier like a gravel drainage layer could work instead. Ms. Bordas says she will research other urban gardening programs to see what they have used, if anything.

 

Committee members ask if it would be better to spend the money on remediations to the existing soil rather than bringing in new soil to fill the raised beds. Mr. Smith mentions that for Site #2, phytoremediation of the soil is an option. Warm season grasses have shown to remediate contaminated soils, and the Park Authority has experience installing warm season meadows. Site #2 will be developed into a garden if and when all available plots in Site #1 are claimed, so there is some time to experiment with it.

 

Ms. Bordas acknowledges consensus among the committee to recommend the plan for approval with a revision to suggest converting Site #2 into a warm season grass meadow with continued monitoring until such time it is needed for additional garden plots.

 

 

CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (CAP-VCAP) APPLICATIONS & REIMBURSEMENTS

Ms. Fraser presented four new applications for funding and two applications for reimbursement. For each application, descriptions and images of the distinguishing features of the site, the resource concerns, and the proposed or implemented solutions were described.  Highlights of the discussion are captured for each site below:

New Applications

Hidden Creek Homeowners Association – Fairfax, Long Branch Central (Accotink) Watershed, Braddock District

• HOA is a small townhouse community near Rutherford Park. Proposing conservation landscaping on steep slope that drains to county storm drain inlet.
• Conservation landscaping is split into two sections. The larger section is a buffer surrounding the storm drain inlet. The smaller section is on a section of the hill sloping down to the drain. Both sections are planted in turf, but growth is poor and spotty.
• Size – 450 ft²; Total Cost - $5,061; Cost-Share - $4,048.50.
• Mr. Smith mentions that if any maintenance is done on the inlet, the county will only replant with grass. The community would be responsible for replacing any other vegetation. Ms. Bordas asks if Itea virginica is the best species for the site, given the extremes of moisture and drought. Ms. Fraser will bring both concerns to the HOA.
   

       Cantrell Permeable Paving – Alexandria, Cameron Run Watershed, Lee District

• The residence backs up to Ridgeview Park which contains a tributary of Pike’s Branch which was recently restored. The back of the property is in RPA.
• The applicants propose shrinking the footprint of their driveway and converting what remains to permeable paving. Soil and infiltration tests show sandy sublayers with no evidence of high groundwater.
• The design proposes a gravel drainage layer that is wider than the width of the paving. Applicants also only received one estimate. Ms. Fraser is advising them advising them to solicit multiple quotes and to keep the drainage layer the same width as the paving to avoid potential clogging of the gravel with sediment.
• Size – 850 ft²; Total Cost - $26,207.41; Cost Share - $11,000. The cost share includes the reimbursement for the permeable paving as well as the reduction of 100 ft² of paved surface.

 

       Peralta Conservation Landscaping - Vienna, Difficult Run Watershed, Hunter Mill District

• The property slopes steeply down to a neighboring property and a stream. RPA is in the back of the property. The applicants wish to reduce runoff flows to their neighbor and to the stream. The neighbor participated in the initial site visit.
• The planting plan is aggressive, with a large footprint and the removal of some impervious decking and a hot tub.
• Erosion control matting will be used on the steeper portions. While not written into the application, the applicants have suggested they will use biodegradable matting like jute. Mr. Smith suggests specifically prohibiting plastic matting as a policy for future applications.
• Size – 1,820 ft²; Total Cost - $14,990; Cost-Share: $7,000
   

       Austin Rain Garden – Fairfax City, Pohick Creek Watershed

• Property is at the top of the Pohick headwaters. Concentrated runoff flow over bare soil and under rear fence gate to the front lawn and the street.
• Proposed rain garden captures downspout runoff and overland flow from 2,500 ft² of the applicant’s and next-door neighbor’s properties. Total captured runoff volume is 96 ft³.
• Size – 165 ft²; Total Cost - $10,000; Cost-Share: $7,000

 

Reimbursements

 Buescher Conservation Landscaping and Rain Garden, Vienna, Difficult Run Watershed, Hunter Mill District

• Conservation Landscaping:
  • Large project that converted steeply sloped front yard from grass to terraced native plant bed. Applicants installed large retaining wall that was not part of the CAP reimbursement. Wall creates a gentler slope and more ability for stormwater infiltration. Applicant did much of the planting work themselves
  • Size – 1,270 ft²; Total Cost - $9,443.40; Cost-Share: $3,500
• Rain Garden
  • Project receives runoff from roof and yard of applicant and next-door neighbor.
  • Native planting of the projects extends well beyond basin of the rain garden
  • Size – 361 ft²; Total Cost - $5,798.10; Cost-Share: $3,500

September 2022 CAP AND VCAP Applications

Applicant	Program	Location	Supervisor District	Watershed	Type	Size (application)	Cost Total Cost  Reimbursement
Hidden Creek HOA	VCAP	Fairfax	Braddock	Accotink Creek	CL	448 SF	$5,061 $4,048.80
Cantrell	VCAP	Alexandria	Lee	Cameron Run	PP	750 SF	26,207.41 $11,000
Peralta	VCAP	Vienna	Hunter Mill	Difficult Run	CL	1820 SF	$14,990 $7,000
Austin	VCAP	Fairfax	City of Fairfax	Pohick Creek	RG	165 SF	$10,000 $7,000

 

 

September 2022 CAP AND VCAP Reimbursements

Applicant	Program	Location	Supervisor District	Watershed	Type	Size (application)	Cost Total Cost Reimbursement
Buescher	VCAP	Vienna	Hunter Mill	Difficult Run	CL	1270 SF (774 SF)	$9,443.40 $3,500
Buescher	VCAP	Vienna	Hunter Mill	Difficult Run	RG	361 SF (380 SF)	$5,798.10 $3,500

 

Ms, Bordas acknowledged consensus among the Committee in recommending approval of the four new project applications and two reimbursement applications. The Committee’s recommendations will be presented to the NVSWCD Board of Directors at their September 27th, 2022 meeting.

 

 

OTHER DISCUSSION

Bamboo Ordinance: Mr. Smith mentions that the Park Authority is concerned that if they control bamboo on parkland in accordance with the new bamboo ordinance, will surrounding neighbors do the same to prevent re-invasion of the parks. He asks Ms. Bordas if there any resources to educate property owners adjacent to parks. Ms. Bordas mentions that her office does not have the staff to reach out to surrounding neighbors, but Extension is preparing answers to commonly asked questions about the ordinance and bamboo control which will be available to the public. Any specific requests beyond that should likely go to Code Compliance

 

ADJOURNMENT

Ms. Bordas adjourned the meeting at 11:41 A.M.