Construction is underway at Chinn Park for a stream restoration project aimed at addressing environmental concerns caused by past and present land use. The streams in the park have experienced erosion, which has led to sediment filling stormwater control measures.
The project will restore 2,300 linear feet of headwater stream channel and provide new stormwater improvements for runoff from nearby residential areas. In addition, existing stormwater best management practices (BMPs) will be retrofitted with updated technology.
“Restoration of the stream and surrounding areas will help reduce flooding, protect the environment and also improve water quality,” said Tom Dombrowski, Environmental Engineer with Prince William County Department of Public Works. “The area will also be landscaped with walking paths, natural logs steps and trails, as well as planted with 750 native ferns, grasses, and flowers—a win for both nature and those who live in the neighborhood.”
Part of the plan involves converting about 31,800 square feet of homeowners association property into pools and log cascade structures to slow down stormwater flow, increase infiltration, and improve water quality.
To minimize impact on local trees, the design team surveyed 858 trees along the streams to record their location, size, and species. More than 600 trees were avoided during planning. Of the 219 trees within the construction area, most will be reused in restoration efforts.
Currently, wildlife presence in these streams is limited; fish are absent and only a few aquatic organisms exist. After restoration is complete, deeper pools are expected to provide habitat for aquatic wildlife such as frogs and salamanders. Plantings of native seeds, trees, and shrubs are planned to support pollinators and nesting species.
For further details on the Chinn Stream Restoration Project including site plans and FAQs visit https://www.pwcva.gov/department/public-works/chinn-stream-restoration-project.
