Flooding is being addressed in a part of Eastern Prince William County.
The Prince William County Department of Public Works is starting a two-year Powell’s Creek Stream Restoration Project, according to a release from the Office of Communications.
Wetlands will be created in the almost one-mile stretch, which is located off Cardinal Drive and Merrily Way.
In addition to clearing the space next to Powell’s Creek, the department will take out sediment and recreate the streambed. Plants and trees will be added, as well.
“Even though you’re impacting the wetlands temporarily, they’re going to be improved and have more hydrology because we’re reconnecting to the flood plain,” Prince William County Environmental Engineer Tom Dombrowski said in a release. “What we’re trying to do is restore it to what it was, which is wetland forest. We’re changing it to be what it was, the way nature intended it to be.”
According to federal guidelines, Prince William County and other areas in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed must manage the amount of pollutants that go into waterways.
“If it’s out of whack, it’s because of how we developed the land around it. Stream restoration is one of the better ways to solve the problem,” Dombrowski said.
Those who have questions should call 703-792-5534.
Powell’s Creek isn’t the only stream restoration project the Public Works Department has worked on. Staff members recently completed the Dewey’s Creek Restoration Project.
