Sidewalk Project - Postell, Freeman, & Coleman Street

SEP 8

Sidewalk Project - Postell, Freeman, & Coleman Street

Wed, Sep 8 2021 6:00 PM

Participate by phone: 855-925-2801 Meeting code: 6315

Meeting to show design plans and answer questions related to the design and construction of a new sidewalk on Postell, Freeman, and Coleman streets.

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HyesunTesting

Reply2 years ago

Eric1-2-3

2 years ago

tjdna@verizon.netWill Lake Accotink now become simple Accotink Stream Park?

Reply2 years ago

Dominik MeadeI think it would probably be similar to huntley meadows just more forested

Reply2 years ago

tjdna@verizon.netWhat about the path around the lake/ stream. It has been neglected for almost 20 years.

Reply2 years ago

What measurements are being taken to reduce sediment washing down Accotink Creek to Lake Accotink, Accotink Bay, Gunston Cove, and the Tidal Potomac?

Reply2 years ago

Alex Marstall I have the same question.

2 years ago

Dominik MeadeThe sediment is probably the main issue with removing the dam

Reply2 years ago

Dominik MeadeIt would kill the already low mussel population below the dam

Reply2 years ago

EmilyPlease answer this question: can we realistically expect Lake Accotink to become like Huntley Meadows, given the tons of water and sediment coming into Lake Acc that must be filtered before going downstream. Please address this matter.

Reply2 years ago

Larry LippolisThank you for including this virtual component to your briefing.

Reply2 years ago

EmilyQuestion: what are the fines that will be levied by the EPA if sediment is allowed to go downstream to the bay? I believe the figure from 2019 was nearly $100M.

Reply2 years ago

NicoleNone of the links emailed out work a lot of people trying to get in

Reply2 years ago

Erin KHeyyyyyyy NIKKI!

2 years ago

Bill P fcta.orgThere are 400,000 taxpaying households in fxco. If you divide the cost of $395,000,000 you get $980 per household. That's not affordable.

Reply2 years ago

NicoleNot every household wants to spend that money. But if you take your $980 divide it by 5 years that is less up front costs.

2 years ago

Fx Co HomeOwnerwhy should 400,000 taxpaying households pay to preserve the lake for a few hundred homeowners who live around the lake? The park can be a beautiful natural area for all county residents even if there is not enough water for boating. Just like Huntley Meadows, which is home to muc...See More

2 years ago

What will happen to Turkey Run Creek? Will it need to be rerouted?

Reply2 years ago

Anthony Bonadies, PEI have a few questions:
1. Considering the report regarding the poor to very poor condition of each branch from 2001, how has the condition changed to date and what has been done to address the erosion?
2. Considering the amount of hardscape contributing to the storm water ...See More

Reply2 years ago

Friends of Accotink CreekComment:
AMITY
RESPECT
COOPERATION

Reply2 years ago

ELISSA MYERS I have been told that this action would have profoundly negative impacts on the Chesapeake Bay, among other waterways and communities. Has this been considered?

Reply2 years ago

BobWhy wa the board not notified sooner.

Reply2 years ago

The board knew some time ago. They didn't tell you because it's easier for them to let County staff deliver bad news and take the public beating.

2 years ago

Friends of Accotink CreekComment:
I've known Supervisor Walkinshaw and some of the County staff for years and these are good people in my estimation. They may have fumbled the ball, but I can't interpret what I am seeing as subterfuge or bad faith.

Reply2 years ago

What Mr. Walkinshaw did in bad faith was direct Staff to find an alternative spoils dewatering location to Wakefield Park after the professionals determined it was the best location. He compelled them to find something outside of his district--the Southern Drive site.

2 years ago

Biggi WolfAre other lakes in the area also effected or is it the sole problem of Lake Acct.?

Reply2 years ago

AnnHow will turning Lake Accotink into a wetland affect the TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Loads)? Will the County be able to stay within the established reduction percentages?

Reply2 years ago

ELISSA MYERS Also, have you considered the critical value that Lake Accotink Park provides to lower income families in the area that benefit so enormously from access to this wonder woods and the lake ?

Reply2 years ago

Anthony BonadiesAdditional questions
- After reviewing the report indicating the watershed condition and future development for the watershed area, why is the condition and remediation of the watershed not more crucial than development of more industrial and commercial areas?
- Has the co...See More

Reply2 years ago

Susan FrieswykWhy is Franconia District not represented in the presentation tonight? The Lake/Park is partly in our district.

Reply2 years ago

NicoleWhere is it missing from I can't see this presentation?

2 years ago

Richard HildebrandWill the county publish the study that estimates the costs for dredging? The public should be allowed to review it.

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnWhat happened to the previous decision to get state funds to do this under the watershed protection fund?
Why was the community not told of this meeting sooner? Why were we assured we were going forward with dredging back in 2019 and not given any updates since ? Can you plea...See More

Reply2 years ago

ELISSA MYERS So many families -- many low income -- use the environment around Lake Accotink to celebrate and find joy in an otherwise difficult life! How do we replace/ valuate this service?

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnThat is absolutely the case and someone should potentially look into the environmental discrimination aspect of this particular recommendation.

2 years ago

Why should we, the people who love Lake Accotink and have worked tirelessly to keep it as it is, believe anything a county official tells us tonight? You have now lost all trust we ever had in you.

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnAgreed, sadly. I would like to know if any of the people presenting these recommendations actually live in the immediate area of this lovely park?

2 years ago

Bill P fcta.orgDredging is 25% diesel for trucking and 65% of dredge operation. An eco nightmare!

Reply2 years ago

Kristina StallingsWas the 30 million spread out over 25 years as well?

Reply2 years ago

EmilyWhy would the county not attempt to address this cost through a bond process? This issue is NOT limited to the area around Lake Accotink; this tragedy is a result of rapacious development within Fairfax Co. as a whole.

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnAgreed? Why no consideration of the bond process for the expense here? What is the process for getting this to a vote?

2 years ago

NSWhy did the last guy (the one before Chris Harrington) think dredging the lake was feasible? Who was that?

Reply2 years ago

Cathy FThat was likely a comment from either Supervisor Walkinshaw or Chairman McKay, and based on the original options presented by DPWES back in 2018.

2 years ago

Richard HildebrandIf there is 43% more sediment then the cost to dredge should be 43% more than the initial 30 million estimate. That's not 90 million.

Reply2 years ago

EricHi Richard. Math doesn't work that way in real life applications.

2 years ago

Anthony Bonadies, PECan the county not petition the state for funding support? If the county had pursued this project earlier, would the cost not have been an issue? Why is this project now shut down with no plans to visit again in the future?

Reply2 years ago

Numbers tortured to get the conclusion that the board wants. Another instance of the people and commissioners of the northern part of Fairfax sticking it to southern Fairfax county. Look forward to seeing which of the northern Fairfax Parks are in line for big expansions at ou...See More

Reply2 years ago

Are other lakes similarly situated?

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnThis is not at all adequate.

Reply2 years ago

ELISSA MYERS Have you consulted with our community wildlife rescue league supporters on the impact on wildlife? I think not!

Reply2 years ago

Sally Patterson This has been so thoughtfully considered. We are in an unenviable position. And I thank you for inviting us into this process.

Reply2 years ago

Alison ShoreWhere does the sediment come from exactly and are there measures we can implement to stop/slow the sediment from flowing into the lake?

Can the residents receive a copy of the analysis?

What and how many homes/areas are flooding now due to the lake?

Reply2 years ago

John HurleyWill a decision to not dredge the lake have an impact on people's access to the park? Could not dredging the lake have a positive impact on wildlife presence in the park?

Reply2 years ago

NicoleWhat will happen to the storm water from the community?

Reply2 years ago

Erin KYour speed bumps will absorb it

2 years ago

Shelley KahnI don’t think that this meeting was sufficiently publicized for the community members.

Reply2 years ago

EmilyI agree. I do not recall any notification of public meetings about Lake Accotink dredging since 2019.

2 years ago

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Reply2 years ago

ELISSA MYERS Who/which commercial interests have been involved in informing/proposing this sad proposal?

Reply2 years ago

A cost change this large based upon changing assumptions demonstrates incompetence by County Staff. It's evident that County Staff and contractors are unqualified. Will someone be held accountable for this *-up?

Reply2 years ago

In perspective, this was over a short 3-year period. Mistakes this large outside of Government carry heavy penalties

2 years ago

EricWhat is being done about the residential & commercial developments and roadways with non-permeable surfaces that direct rainwater straight into the creek. They are causing deterioration of the streams and sending silt into the lake.

Reply2 years ago

Friends of Accotink CreekComment:
RESTRAINT
UNDERSTANDING
SYMPATHY

Reply2 years ago

P.W. BoydI agree with the recommendation not to dredge. I prefer the site to revert to a more natural state.

Reply2 years ago

Dominik MeadeSame, that is what I would prefer as long as the sediment issue in the creek itself can be addressed

2 years ago

Jen I.I agree with Dominik Meade. As long as the sediment issue can be addressed, I am okay with not dredging. And if that means converting the lake to wetlands, that's all right with me. We want to do what is best for the environment and the community.

2 years ago

Susan FrieswykWhy not left out of the park to the beltway. Much less intrusive route.

Reply2 years ago

Tony StirkIs the dredged material of any value to anyone?

Reply2 years ago

Blah, blah, blah. this is all old news. Get to the changing assumptions / cost drivers

Reply2 years ago

Ashley VIf dredging isn’t possible, I think it’s important to keep all the functions the park currently has that are not Lake-based: the trails for walking - and running, biking trails, and perhaps updates to the existing park carousel, mini-golf, and playground. With the lake activitie...See More

Reply2 years ago

Excellent point. Without the watersports what else can the County do to expand the Park to make the Park a desirable "go-to" attraction?

2 years ago

Allan Robertson, Save Lake AccotinkOf course DEQ cannot compel Fairfax County to dredge Lake Accotink. And it is true that failing to dredge Lake Accotink will not result in immediate regulatory costs. As stated, Mr. Herrington's statement is accurate. But it is terribly misleading. If we do not dredge, the hundre...See More

Reply2 years ago

Ashley Vande bunteI also have questions on what wetlands means for things like mosquitoes to the neighboring communities.

Reply2 years ago

Jeremy Great point.

2 years ago

Jen I.I think the park can still be a great community resource as a wetland park. Many of the facilities (play grounds; trail; carousel; mini golf; picnic areas) could still be available, at least that's my understanding. If you have visited Huntley Meadows, a local wetland park, many,...See More

Reply2 years ago

ShepHas the County considered a levy of the multiple construction and other Earth disruption projects that have been approved by the BOD and other regulatory agencies? For instance, TRANSURBAN, VDOT, contractors responsible for earth disturbance from the I-495 Express Lanes, and now ...See More

Reply2 years ago

Jen I.Very good point, Shep.

2 years ago

PeterWhat is being done to address the large increase in sediment entering lake, some how I don't think sending our problem into the Chesapeake bay to be an environmental responsible option.

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnEven so, this is too vague an overview to accurately justify an increase from 30 to 390 million dollars.

Reply2 years ago

Agreed. Old and new estimates should be out side-by-side to show where the analysis was in error.

2 years ago

Greg CriderCan you provide some detail as to why and how the amount of dredged material increased 43% from the initial estimate?

Reply2 years ago

EmilyWhy would you not use dredged material to create the berm between the creek and the new lake?

Reply2 years ago

Tony StirkWhat was the status of the water flow before the dam was built? Was there a lake there?

Reply2 years ago

EdThere are only one or two natural lakes in Virginia

2 years ago

What is magic about 8 ft depth?

Reply2 years ago

Johnny RIt looks like the board procrastinated on this project and now it’s too late to do anything. Good job! Hopefully this will teach you to be more proactive in the future.

Reply2 years ago

Fx Co HomeOwnerare you forgetting something called Covid19 that happened in the last 3 years??

2 years ago

john aldonasWhat's the source of water for the prospective off-line lake?

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnIs it that we are now exponentially increasing the cost by projecting it much further into the future?

Reply2 years ago

ELISSA MYERS Have you considered financial penalities for those who litter/contribute to the trash in the park that necessitate dredging?

Reply2 years ago

Eric A. NelsonWhy are the sediments unusable and must be desposed?

Reply2 years ago

Susan FrieswykHow will this affect the usability of the walking trails and the new, very expensive, d*m walkover, especially with the proposal now to remove part of the d*m? Was it a total waste to create that walkover? (And yes, the system refused my comment because the word d*m without the...See More

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnWhy is a one time dredging project not considered here? That is how we have kept the lake going for many years now.

Reply2 years ago

Bibi What accounts for the 43 percent increase in sediment ?

Reply2 years ago

So how do you envision the future Accotink Park?

Reply2 years ago

Eric August NelsonWhat will happen and how long will an undredged park last? Will it basically be the current park with a bigger swamp?

Reply2 years ago

AnnHow will turning Lake Accotink into a wetland/offline lake affect the TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Loads)? Will the County be able to stay within the established reduction percentages?

What measurements are being taken to reduce sediment washing down Accotink Creek to Lake Ac...See More

Reply2 years ago

Cathy F1. What is BOS' documented commitment to sustainability if we proceed with wetland plans? Where can we find documented confirmation from the BOS that the county doesn't already have plans and will not plan to sell wetland credits for development elsewhere in the county, from Lake...See More

Reply2 years ago

john aldonasWhat alternatives are being considered to the dredging and separate lake? Can we enhance hiking/biking trails?

Reply2 years ago

NSIf the original estimates were so off, why should we think your estimates are any better?

Reply2 years ago

Dominik MeadeHow would you stop the sediment from flowing down stream? How will we be able to protect the last remaining mussel population in Accotink creek that is below the lake? The lake provides a sediment capture point that allows the mussels to survive below the lake without being overr...See More

Reply2 years ago

Rosil SaldanaWhat happens if there were no dredge?

Reply2 years ago

Diane BoughtonHave you calculated the estimated costs of any alternatives, for example creating and sustaining a wetland?

Reply2 years ago

Eric ColeI believe in a previous meeting Mr Smith said the lake had reached a stasis as far as sediment was concerned. Has the lake reached a point of equilibrium, or will it continue to fill in with sediment?

Reply2 years ago

What exactly does it mean if we don't dredge?

Reply2 years ago

Jen I.I would like to know, if the lake is converted to wetlands, how may that impact the surrounding park facilities, specifically the pavilions, playgrounds, golf course, and trail? Is it a vision where some or all of those facilities would be "taken away" to provide a quieter enviro...See More

Reply2 years ago

SHEPThe county staff and consultants have failed to consider all ingress and egress routes to the lake. When the lake was drained for installation of the main sewer line , an access road from the corner behind Rathbone Ct to the intersection of Hatteras and Queensberry was created. t...See More

Reply2 years ago

EricWhy aren't we addressing "What comes to us"? That is the root of the problem. The big picture!

Reply2 years ago

Friends of Accotink CreekComment: Early estimates for the initial dredge were $30+ million. That rose to over $60 million when the Board of Supervisors voted approval. Now the initial dredge estimate is over $90 million. The $300 million adds to that the cost of future decades of repeated maintenance...See More

Reply2 years ago

Tony StirkIs Accotink valuable as a reservoir for future use? If we had to rebuild it, would it not cost a ton more?

Reply2 years ago

Sandy Collinsshould the dredging not occur, what are the concepts being evaluated in terms of stream channel restoration or wetlands. These features can still be enjoyed by the community and should be emphasized as benefits in the public outreach and would still benefit the downstream segment...See More

Reply2 years ago

ShepI would become a swamp, by any other name.

Reply2 years ago

Daniel CordHow were previous dredging operations completed in the 60s, 80s and 2008? Is there something fundamentally different about this dredging operation than the previous times it was done? How were they able to do it then without building pipelines and permanent dewatering facilities?...See More

Reply2 years ago

Since the sediment supposedly contained heavy metals. Will doing nothing about the sediment make the immediately surrounding roads uninhabitable?

Reply2 years ago

PeterIs that not because all the sediment settles in the lake so it doesn't continue down stream from the lake?

Reply2 years ago

Allan Robertson, Save Lake AccotinkWhen your question is finally read, I do not think anyone will understand what you are referring to. Can you explain what your question refers to?

2 years ago

How can we possibly have any confidence in you and your department employees in the future after such a colossal failure with your planning projection? Do you understand you've lost the community's confidence with any future reports you present?

Reply2 years ago

Erin KMaybe you should just let the experts handle it😂😂

2 years ago

Everyone here needs to remembers this call the next time we go to the ballot box.

Reply2 years ago

ShepUnfortunately, the county staff are not elected. Seems that Chairman McKay and Supervisor Walkinshaw are serious in their commitment to saving the lake.

2 years ago

Susan FrieswykAbsolutely.

2 years ago

David J.I challenge the board and staff to visit the neighborhoods that would be subjected to the 190 heavy trucks per day projected for this project using the Southern Drive site. Highland Street and Commerce Street seem to have been designed to accommodate residential traffic only. ...See More

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnIf the sediment load is greater and there is a bigger problem here, then why is the county not working harder by now to lower this amount?

Reply2 years ago

Robert E L DavisWill Burke Lake suffer the same fate as Lake Accotink? Why or why not?

Reply2 years ago

None of those projects address stormwater flow. Why is there not a specific outreach with the communities to reduce impervious surfaces or other impacts?

Reply2 years ago

Anthony Bonadies, PEBut if would management have been as much as an issue if control/collection of stormwater runoff upstream were better addressed? And if we address those items now with more reuse, would that lengthen the life of the length and reduce the cost/frequency of dredging operations?
...See More

Reply2 years ago

DC and several MD counties offer incentives to replace non-porous surfaces (driveways and patios) with porous or semi-porous options. Is Fairfax Co considering this as a way to reduce the current/future non-porous surfaces that are impacting our watersheds like Accotink?

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnSo why is the recommendation here to do nothing? Why can we not dredge again? It appears you are absolutely not giving consideration to the benefits to the community and county of this lake accotiink

Reply2 years ago

NSHow big would the lake have to have been to fit the watershed?

Reply2 years ago

PhilipQuestion: If smaller annual dredges were done and the sediment were simply pumped over the dam into the stream, would that be any worse for the downstream creek than not dredging and letting the sediment flow over the dam on its own?

Reply2 years ago

Allan Robertson, Save Lake AccotinkThat is an excellent question. If pumping dredged spoils over the spillway is unacceptable, not dredging is unacceptable.

2 years ago

Daniel CordHas an estimate been done on how losing this local amenity will impact property values of homes in the surrounding area? ~$400,000,000 / ~400,000 households in the county / 25 years = ~$40 per household per year. It seems to me that the park is worth far more than $40/year to all...See More

Reply2 years ago

ShepAgreed!

2 years ago

Kristina StallingsWe live downstream from the dam. Would the creek level rise downstream?

Reply2 years ago

AnnWhat about federal funds or asking the Army Corps of Engineers for help?

Reply2 years ago

Tony StirkCan the dredging and plans you have be combined with another project like energy generation or storage or provision of potable or non-potable water?

Reply2 years ago

I appreciate the time and thought put into this reevaluation. Dredging just does not fit the definition of "sustainable". I think our money could be more wisely put toward recreation and environmental protection by moving in another direction.

Reply2 years ago

Jen I.I think this is a good point.

2 years ago

RickWhat can we expect regarding effects on wild life from fish, mussels, and up the food chain?

Reply2 years ago

Alison ShoreWhat # of homes (streets/areas) are currently being flooded?

Reply2 years ago

ShepWould funding from the Federal infrastructure programs that is now going on?

Reply2 years ago

Friends of Accotink CreekThe County’s Story Map is a useful interpretation of where we are and how we got here. Find it on the County dredge website – https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/b85512da45b8420085167291998d19af?mibextid=kdkkhi&fbclid=IwAR1_QWsetPB5kAGZpFsrcOqF3n9SnrnFMxNRutiNZC4yKp9RBMpYJZ...See More

Reply2 years ago

Weren't all these concerns raised and resolved previously? I feel like we were strung along into believing that all these concerns were already considered and taken care of by many experts. Now suddenly an entirely new narrative is being told to us. Are there financial incenti...See More

Reply2 years ago

Diane BoughtonWouldn't a wetland quickly fill in with sediment without maintenance? Millions were poured into Huntley Meadows to protect it. Has the impact to wildlife, including the nesting eagles been considered?

Reply2 years ago

ELISSA MYERS The link in your post to "post questions/comments" is bouncing

Reply2 years ago

Tony StirkIs there a natural process that could be leveraged to remove rather than deposit the sediment, or us that not possible at the site?

Reply2 years ago

Jen I.I'm a little confused. Is the timeline below more or less what happened?

1) The county previously considered dredging Lake Accotink to remove sediment from the lake.

2) After further analysis, the county is now considering not dredging Lake Accotink because of the h...See More

Reply2 years ago

Does the County's Zoning Dept. factor in storm water runoff when they approve one off infill land development (a single McMansion) where a home is built or has an addition that fills almost the entire building lot? Are they held to the same standards as a subdivision would be?

Reply2 years ago

ELISSA MYERS Great question!

2 years ago

EmilyWouldn't the sediment begin to mound up over time and create flooding behind it?

Reply2 years ago

ELISSA MYERS Mr. Charles Smith are you connected to the Charles Smith northern virginia real estate corporation? What in your opinion pro and con will this have on real estate values in the area

Reply2 years ago

Matt B.Under a dredging scenario how is the dredged sediment stored and stopping it from slowly eroding back into streams and ultimately into the Chesapeake?

Reply2 years ago

Jen I.To continue my last comment,

As a result of not dredging, the community is concerned that 1) the lake will go away (somehow); and 2) that the sediment will remain and damage the environment.

Please let me know if I have this right.

Reply2 years ago

ShepCan this issue be brought to a vote for Fairfax County residents and approval of a specific bond for this project?

Reply2 years ago

Sandy CollinsAs the wetlands are developing what invasive species management would be implemented to ensure that the habitats that evolve are of benefit to wildlife and to the downstream aquatic community of Accotink Creek, including the freshwater mussel community that occurs in the downstre...See More

Reply2 years ago

Yes, please address this comment. Thank you.

2 years ago

Can there be restoration of wetlands with native plantings, coupled with control of invasives immediately in the upper part of lake?

Reply2 years ago

Richard HildebrandWhy is the comment period only 6 weeks? Are you trying to limit feedback? Many citizens don't know what is happening.

Reply2 years ago

ELISSA MYERS Amen Richard!

2 years ago

I love the idea of focusing on how we can restore the area to a more "native" ecosystem. I think our park can be an example of responsible and sustainable land management for the entire county. We can turn this into a great, long term study on wetland restoration for our childre...See More

Reply2 years ago

Diane BoughtonI'm happy to see Delegate Vivian Watts at this meeting. Is Franconia District Supervisor Lusk here?

Reply2 years ago

ELISSA MYERS Let me be more direct and clearer -- what are the corporate interests that benefit from the decision not to dredge? Are there companies/financial interests that will be served by the decision not to dredge?

Reply2 years ago

Sally Patterson Not for tonight. But when you resolve the best conversion to wetlands...what opportunities will remain or can be created for residents to access this parkland. Thank you.

Reply2 years ago

ELISSA MYERS Please explain how you are addressing the impact on wildlife in the Lake area

Reply2 years ago

If it hasn't had a large impact, then why were we discussing dredging to begin with?

Reply2 years ago

CraigillettWhat is the county doing to reduce the velocity of storm water that originates at VDOT street storm drains and then eroded private property?

Reply2 years ago

Tony StirkLet's say the money was not an issue. Without a cost driver, how would the situation look? There are a lot of variables here. Which ones are the most important? Are there any tipping or critical points in the analysis?

Reply2 years ago

Will not efforts on Braddock road construction increase run off and increase sediment?

Reply2 years ago

John HurleyThe staff deserve credit for their honesty on the cost impact. They could have just appealed to politicians and kicked it down the road. I would invite anyone who calls the future park a "swamp" should visit Huntley Meadows or Neasco Regional Park near Woodridge to see how wetl...See More

Reply2 years ago

J Aftergutwhile you have repeatedly stated that you don't have a timeline to changes to the lake, I'm certain you can make an educated guess as to when significant changes will take place. What is the educated guess as to a timeline regarding changes.

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnWhat would the cost be if the dam needs to ultimately be removed?

Reply2 years ago

Mark KiefferIs the county bound to project the total costs for the dredging in the out years? Could we not look to do the initial dredging and then take additional time to determine if there are other options for the future? There could be changes in the future that we may not know about tod...See More

Reply2 years ago

Tony StirkWould removing all or a portion of the dam keep a portion of the lake intact while flushing sediment?

Reply2 years ago

NSWhat did they do with the silt from previous dredges

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnWhat is the value accorded by those presenting tonight to the use of the lake by the entire community? I have not heard that considered here at all. It sounds as if very little value has been accorded to that by those making the recommendation…which I why I am asking whether they...See More

Reply2 years ago

Friends of Accotink CreekThe process is being handed back to the Park Authority Master Plan, where all questions about the future of the park are on the table.

2 years ago

Mike HolmesWith estimated 300,000 users a year, how many are boat centered and what is the estimate where they will go in the future? Burke Lake? Are we prepared for this transfer?

Reply2 years ago

Coryn IrishWhat are the consequences of not dredging the lake? I'm new to exploring this issue in the county and I can't find any information about what the downsides of leaving the lake as-is would be.

Reply2 years ago

Tony StirkPolitics is not necessarily a zero sum game. It is a question of priorities and synergies.

Reply2 years ago

Arlene KlauberWhat's going to happen to the path around the lake if this area becomes a wetland?

Reply2 years ago

Allan Robertson, Save Lake AccotinkRespectfully, tying the cost of dredging to flooding homes is a dirty and rhetorical trick. Please do not show this community such disrespect in the future, Mr. Herrington.

Reply2 years ago

Friends of Accotink Creek1980's silt was used to fill a valley south of the lake, using the historic railroad bed as a dam, Circa 2010 dredge silt was pumped to an industrial park off Edsall Road, where there was a hole the owners wished to fill.

Reply2 years ago

I would like to know the benefits of a wetland situation. What additional benefits might we get from increased habitat, better water quality for the county, and better biodiversity?

Reply2 years ago

Tony StirkWere there any future drivers considered, like the need for an additional reservoir or were climate changes or building changes factored in?

Reply2 years ago

Anthony Bonadies, PEI believe he's asking if we remove or modify the d**m, will it help alleviate the sediment deposition into the lake and allow more to flow downstream?

Reply2 years ago

Emily SloughHow can we expect any healthy anything (since it hasn't been a healthy fishery for decades) when tons of toxic sediment/runoff from roadways is accumulating in the Accotink basin?

Reply2 years ago

NapkinMathematicianI’m the 60s, the lake was 110 acres, and averaged 15ft deep. It’s currently 45 acres and 4ft deep. At that rate, the lake will be completely filled in 7 years.

Reply2 years ago

Tony StirkIf the dam and lake aren't optimal, then what advantages would we have with a more optimal solution?

Reply2 years ago

Is the County willing to invest in the Park? Maybe a ropewalk and a zipline?

Reply2 years ago

Richard HildebrandTo follow up on the dam question, can the dam be modified to allow sediment to flow through to reduce the amount captured in the lake? If that sediment will go down stream and be captured in the flood plain then there is no issue.

Reply2 years ago

Tony StirkPulling out dams has improved the ecology in numerous rivers. Would that be the case here?

Reply2 years ago

Coryn IrishCould be difficult considering there are many things downstream from the current damb that would be affected by removing it like the parking lot.

2 years ago

Eric A. NelsonCrazy question - any consideration to actually expanding the lake - build a new dam further down-stream?

Reply2 years ago

Emily SloughOr making the existing lake a lot deeper.

2 years ago

Can you take some of the money saved from not dredging be put towards lighting so it's not so dangerous?

Reply2 years ago

Rachel GMr. Smith mentioned about wetlands improving the diversity of wildlife (as opposed to a lake), but wouldn't the wetlands eventually be filled in with the silt? Meaning wouldn't wetlands eventually give way to meadow and then forest? Or would these wetlands be maintained to stay ...See More

Reply2 years ago

Emily SloughExactly.

2 years ago

AshleyI think developing a master plan and presenting that to the public is essential for moving this forward and getting the community onboard. The community will want to see the park’s value (amenities, wildlife) maintained. Additionally, having more specific answers to what these we...See More

Reply2 years ago

Cathy FAgreed! These are top of mind concerns for the local communities.

2 years ago

AshleyDredging and an offline Lake appear* to be off the table.

Reply2 years ago

ShepThe Army drained that lake and put heavy equipment into the lake basin, trucking it out through the communities. They did not use hydraulic dredging.

Reply2 years ago

Is it just me, or does it seem that everyone on the panel, with the exception of Charles Smith, seem totally uninterested in this meeting?

Reply2 years ago

Just you.

2 years ago

MargaretApologies I have joined late but what is being done to prevent more silt finding its way into the lake?

Reply2 years ago

Richard HildebrandEssentially nothing. At least nothing that will have any impact any time soon.

2 years ago

Friends of Accotink CreekComment: We citizens of Fairfax County must focus on eliminating the sediment at its source, which is excessive stormwater runoff from our roads, roofs, and parking areas.

Reply2 years ago

I totally agree. I believe the county should offer home owner incentives to replace non-porous surfaces with permeable or semi-permeable surfaces

2 years ago

Agreed.

2 years ago

j aftergutIt is clear that we know how much sediment is feeding into the lake. Why then cannot we get an educated guess on when significant changes to the lake transpire. Please provide your best educated guess on when we will see the changes to the lake if nothing is done.

Reply2 years ago

Tony StirkThe Chesapeake Bay has improved dramatically over the last couple of decades. Have we learned anything from what they have done and what they plan?

Reply2 years ago

Mark KiefferWhat do we know about the impact of insects (especially mosquitoes) if the lake converts to wetlands? Given climate change, are there any concerns for the public?

Reply2 years ago

Cathy FExcellent question! A question that I've wondered but never expressed. I hope this is addressed tonight. Though I suspect the answer is "We can't predict." And that this would have to be addressed through master planning.

2 years ago

Shelley KahnNo answer has been made to my repeated question about the consideration of the community’s loss of the use of the lake? That is why I keep asking whether those presenting tonight live in this community?

Reply2 years ago

Supervisor Walkinshaw did but has since moved out of the neighborhood

2 years ago

Shelley KahnBut maintenance had never been considered previously? The two or three dredging events kept the silt at bay for a long time, why give up on the lake entirely now?

Reply2 years ago

Shelley, the latest dredging project that occurred in 2008 was projected to keep the lake full of water for 30 years. It has since filled up at 20,000 cubic yards of sediment per year, after 15 years. This is why we need to focus efforts upstream to reduce sediment from entering ...See More

2 years ago

Friends of Accotink CreekComment: Fairfax County should undertake an examination of all floodplain parcels with an eye toward acquisition, easements, or incentives to enhance our stormwater, climate, Resilient Fairfax, and Environmental Quality Corridor goals.

Reply2 years ago

Am I hearing Charles correctly, last summer the price had grown to $60M? Now, one year after that we are at $395M?

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnWould heavy metal accumulation as a result of the silt being allowed to accumulate create additional health risks to this largely diverse community?

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnHave you costed out efforts to ameliorate these potential health and environmental risks to the surrounding community from the accumulating silt? What is planned here?

Reply2 years ago

NapkinMathematicianHow can this leadership so easily shed their responsibilities? You have dragged your feet in making a decision for YEARS, then the estimate was horribly mismanaged. These mistakes are likely to result in the loss of this lake to this community. Who should we hold accountable for ...See More

Reply2 years ago

Excellent question!

2 years ago

Jeff Aftergut I agree

2 years ago

Shelley KahnPlease address potential health risks to surrounding communities of continuing to allow polluted silt runoff containing heavy metals to accumulate here at the park.

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnHas any of this been considered in this staff recommendation? If not, why not?

Reply2 years ago

Daniel CordWhy was the rail infrastructure unfeasible? Could the sediment be pumped to the industrial area southeast of the lake, loaded on rail, and further processed elsewhere?

Reply2 years ago

Mark KiefferGreat question!

2 years ago

Shelley KahnBut there are few fish in Lake accotink currently, so there might be a mosquito issue there.

Reply2 years ago

AnnYou mentioned there isn't any state money. Is there any federal money to help offset the costs?

Reply2 years ago

J AftergutFor transparency sake, please provide us with your best guess as to when the lake would convert to the wetland. You clearly have the information regarding the amount of sediment into the lake. Additionally if you see the need for continuing dredging every 5 years, so why can't yo...See More

Reply2 years ago

Richard H. Hronik IIIWhat is the primary hazardous component in the silt?

Reply2 years ago

NSYou say sediment washing downstream is not a huge problem. I recall from the meeting a few years ago that silt going downstream was a huge factor as one of the reasons to dredge. Had no one actually measured how much silt was going to the Chesapeake?

Reply2 years ago

Fairfax County has always been able to fund projects they want to fund. It looks like the county is desperately trying to find reasons not to fund this project to save Lake Accotink.

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnI absolutely and respectfully agree with this assessment. This is a very disappointing technical analysis that unfortunately does not take into consideration the high value of the lake to this community. Much credibility has been lost by not really keeping the community informed ...See More

2 years ago

E. V.We should ask are the county tax payers willing to increase their property taxes to fund this project since it's not a one time cost (but one that will require continuous maintenance).

2 years ago

Friends of Accotink CreekRoad-rail trucks? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road%E2%80%93rail_vehicle

Reply2 years ago

Amy GouldWas there any chance of reusing this dredge material? Like in beach reconstruction?

Reply2 years ago

RickVivian Watts, can you please give your opion and thoughts? Best regards.

Reply2 years ago

John McKenzie Why not dredge to a lower depth, 6 ft? Why is 8 ft. considered the magic depth.

Reply2 years ago

NapkinMathematicianBecause 8ft puts it at such an expense, that they think we’ll give them a pass on doing their jobs.

2 years ago

would selectively dredging specific areas of the lake be beneficial to waterway maintenance...reduce the amount of sludge to move/repurpose to make it financially possible to keep lake from significantly changing wildlife or recreation?

Reply2 years ago

Diane BoughtonIf there is perpetual upstream sediment depositing into the lake area, wouldn't you have to remove it in the future, regardless of whatever option you chose?

Reply2 years ago

Pat SawhneyI saw input earlier that even after this dredging project that a repeat dredge would have to be done some years down the road.

Reply2 years ago

NSYou can't send the sediment to two different locations? Trucks could take it from Wakefield to one location, and trains could take the other to a processing (separating) plant

Reply2 years ago

Dominik Meadecould you install new dams upstream of Accotink similar to what pohick creek has? This would help with a sediment issue and protect Accotink Lake

Reply2 years ago

Tony StirkWhat are the citizens missing and getting from your perspective?

Reply2 years ago

John HurleyIf the staff recommendation is rejected, what happens next?

Reply2 years ago

Ashley Would the current park amenities remain while the lake remains? When would a master plan for a new park go into effect if we don’t know the timeline for the wetlands?

Reply2 years ago

E. V.This meeting has been very informative. Thank you. I appreciate that the staff is looking into the environmental, financial and social impacts.

Reply2 years ago

Mark KiefferWhat do you mean by "foreseeable future"? Are we talking 3 - 5 years, 5 - 7 years, 10+ years? The answer was not quite clear to me.

Reply2 years ago

The question wasn’t answered. Clearly, if they know how much silt increased since the first study and that we’d need to do it again in 5 years, they have the data to know when the lake would eventually fill with silt.

2 years ago

Shelley KahnSo basically, this group does not believe it is “worth it” to do anything at all to preserve the lake for the community…not an “efficient process.” Supervisors: your community will be watching what occurs here and who protects our valuable resources.

Reply2 years ago

Eric A. NelsonThanks. This was very helpful and really appreciate the thoughtful work.

Reply2 years ago

Cathy FWith such a highly emotional issue, I greatly appreciate the amount of preparation and thoughtfulness the group put into tonight's meeting to address as many concerns and questions as possible. The county provided so much information to take back to our neighbors. Thank you....See More

Reply2 years ago

Diane BoughtonHow many people participated online tonight?

Reply2 years ago

Shelley KahnThank you for your presentation and for the answers provided.

Reply2 years ago

David BurrThank you for your presentation tonight. This is my third meeting on this topic and continue to impressed with the professionalism of the County staff and their openness to input. We have difficult decisions ahead of us as a community and we are fortunate to have their support....See More

Reply2 years ago

Mike HolmesI know you stated the County has no authority over VDOT and the State but since they are perhaps creating some of the problem with the silting shouldn't we be discussing the impacts we are seeing from these projects and ask for assistance?

Reply2 years ago

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