January 30, 2019
Agenda Background Review of public process Recent project activities Current Status Next steps for construction
Pond Background The pond was initially built as a dry pond to collect stormwater runoff when I-66 was built. The pond has been modified over the years, but was never designed as a stormwater treatment facility. Lubber Run flows through the pond.
Pond Background This project offers the largest opportunity for stormwater treatment in Arlington. Design and public process occurred 2011-2012; then project delayed due to easements. Project resumed in 2017. Funding from DES, DPR, and Virginia DEQ.
Regulatory Requirements In 2010, a new pollution diet was adopted for the Chesapeake Bay the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). All local governments, including Arlington County, now are required to reduce stormwater pollution by a specific amount by 2025. Arlington has Stormwater Permit from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality which mandates many activities to protect water quality.
Stormwater Master Plan - 2014 Maintain & replace stormwater infrastructure Improve existing, and add new, stormwater treatment facilities Stormwater controls for new development Reduce risks from flooding Restore stream corridors Implement urban housekeeping best practices (such as street sweeping) Outreach, education, and monitoring
Public Process January, 2019 November, 2012 June, 2011 January/February 2011 First SH and public meeting to learn values about the area to help guide design October, 2011 Second SH and public meeting to review three draft concept 30% designs and provide input on preferred design Third SH and public meeting to review revised 50% concept design Fourth public meeting provide status update and review proposed construction schedule Fifth public meeting to review updated plans and proposed construction schedule
Key Findings from Public Process Community highly values natural aspects of the area and wildlife viewing opportunities. Area is an important respite for people and wildlife in a highly urban corridor. Trash and litter are a major concern. Community supported pond design that provides maximum water quality benefit. New platform (to replace wooden one) would be appreciated, but must be separate from higher speed bicycle traffic on trail.
Preferred Design from Public Process
Current design TURTLE BASKING STATION
Trash Control Devices Water Goat at inflow Trash Rack at Outflow Trash control devices will be maintained by a contractor
Native Wetland Plants Joe Pye Weed Buttonbush Sycamore Elderberry VA Wild Rye Swamp Milkweed Cardinal Flower
Wildlife Habitat Turtle Basking
Trail changes Existing trail will be used for construction. Will be re-paved as needed and widened to 10 for maintenance access. Still working with consultant on design and extent of widening of trail.
Platform, Benches & Signs WATER NATIVE PLANTS SIGN CABLE RAILING BENCH TURF TRAIL
Platform, Benches & Signs
Project Schedule Invasive plant treatment occurring now. Final plans in late Spring, 2019. Construction is planned for Fall, 2019. Construction duration 9-12 months.
Construction Impacts Bluemont Junction Trail closed. Custis trail open, traffic restrictions possible Vehicle traffic/noise Tree removal ~630 trees inventoried ~400 trees planted (~270 on site) ~360 removed (~100 invasive) Actively working to reduce number of native trees removed.
Maintenance Contractor 2 year warranty period Invasive control Plant replacement Tree maintenance/watering County Water goat/trash rack every 2 months Forebay 3-5 years Inspection annually Invasive control 3 additional years
Funding Sources Project Component Funding Source Amount funded Stormwater infrastructure including maintenance access Stormwater infrastructure Public access, trail, habitat improvements, interpretation Invasive control, replanting, trash and sediment removal 2019 Environmental Quality Capital Program 2018 Stormwater Local Assistance Fund Grant VA Dept of Environmental Quality Marymount Site Plan Contribution for Open Space and Transit Improvements Stormwater Facilities Maintenance/Operations $3.9 million $0.5 million $1.15 million $10-15K annually
Questions? Aileen Winquist awinquist@arlingtonva.us 703-228-3610 Christin Jolicoeur cjolicoeur@arlingtonva.us 703-228-3588