Prince William County has begun the first phase of the Dewey’s Creek stream restoration project.
The work has begun near the intersection of Rout 1 and Wayside Drive in Dumfries, according to a release.
“The aim of the project is to reduce bank erosion, enhance aquatic and terrestrial habitat, foster the protection of nearby residential and commercial properties, and prevent flooding of Possum Point Road,” stated a release.
In addition to the environmental aspects of the project, the work will also help the Prince William County Service Authority (PWCSA), as the break has exposed a sewer main pipe and other important anti-flooding infrastructure.
“We have our own stormwater facility here that’s under threat of collapsing because of the erratic nature of the stream. Once we create a balance for the stream itself, it will stay within its channel and the storm flow will go out to the flood plain and recede, which means it’s not going to make a flooding situation,” stated Prince William County Department of Public Works engineer Tom Dombrowski in a release.
Local governments are required to pay for these types of projects, but the county was able to secure a $1 million Stormwater Local Assistance Fund matching grant to cover the cost of the restoration, according to a release.
More on the restoration work, from a release:
The project will include creek bank reinforcement with stones and matting along the creek edges made of coconut fibers that will keep soil out of the creek until vegetation becomes established.
Restoring streams with riffles, which flow over shallow rock emplacements, and pools that collect at the bottom of the riffles in the bends of the creek, will attract wildlife as a bonus. “That also will provide habitat for all sorts for fish and fun critters that will be here,” Dombrowski said.
Dewey’s Creek is a tributary of Quantico Creek, a fresh-water tidal estuary of the Potomac River, which feeds into the Chesapeake Bay.
The first phase will stretch for a mile between Route 1 and Possum Point Road, and is slated for completion in winter 2018.
