Long Branch Outfall Repair
Long Branch Outfall Repair
The outfall at S Kensington Street and 5th Road South leads to a small stream in the Upper Long Branch watershed, near Long Branch Nature Center. The outfall has been identified as a high priority for a repair project due to severe active erosion and the broken and damaged stormwater pipes. If left unchecked, an eroding 8 foot drop in the stream channel (or headcut) will continue to erode and advance upstream.
The project approach will aim to:
- Create a stable outfall at the connection from the storm system to the stream,
- Repair broken storm infrastructure and improve capacity,
- Repair and stabilize stream erosion, particularly at the 8-foot drop in the stream channel,
- Remove invasive plants and plant native trees, shrubs and plants,
- Protect habitat value of water resources for salamanders and other wildlife,
- Redesign and recreate the connection from Moses Ball Spring to the stream,
- Minimize impacts to the stream corridor and limit tree impacts,
- Keep a natural look and feel in the stream work.
In order to identify and minimize impacts, the project team has:
- Conducted a detail tree inventory of condition, species, size, and location to inform the design process,
- Walked the site with DPR Natural Resources and Nature Center staff to collaborate and hear key insights,
- Met onsite with community leaders early (pre-design) in the process to identify existing problems, key priorities, and shared goals,
- Narrowed the scope after identifying high-quality habitat value trees that are stable and in good condition,
- Concentrated disturbance in areas with pervasive invasive plants,
- Worked with the existing grade in the stream to limit earthwork and root disturbance.
The team will also conduct native plant/wildlife rescue in fall 2025, focusing efforts on salamanders living in this section of the creek. Salamanders will be moved downstream of the project area.
In fall 2025, the project team is asking community members for feedback on the project and on options regarding the fence on the site. See below for more details.
The project is planned to go to construction in early 2026. View the Long Branch outfall repair project webpage.
Fall 2025 Feedback Form
See below for key updates, feedback questions and concept designs for the Long Branch Outfall Repair.
Key Updates
During the design process, the project team has considered locating the construction access from either 5th Road S or through Carlin Springs Road. There are several considerations that make 5th Road South a preferable option:
- The replacement of the storm drain pipe will extend out to the manhole adjacent to the sidewalk on 5th Rd S. (In a previous design iteration, the replacement extended only to the storm drain structure, but additional pipe replacement was needed to improve stormwater capacity.)
- There are high levels of invasive plants at the 5th Road S location that could be removed and remediated through the project.
- The access through 5th Road South limits any potential impacts to the Moses Ball Spring.
- There are several large mature trees near Moses Ball Spring that would likely be impacted if access was through that area.
- This option also avoids potential conflicts with construction at the Carlin Springs Road site.
Minimizing Impacts to Neighbors: Fence, Safety and Parking
- We have heard specific feedback about minimizing impacts to neighbors on and near 5th Rd S. This includes questions on the fence, keeping neighborhood kids safe during construction, and parking on 5th Rd S.
- Fence and Safety: Sections of the existing wooden fence near 5th Rd S & S Kensington will be removed temporarily to access stormwater pipes. During construction, 6-foot chain link perimeter fencing will prevent access and ensure safe conditions. At the close of the project, the contractor will rebuild these fence sections. Is the community interested in any modifications to the fence design? Please provide your input below.
- Parking: The staging areas are sized so large equipment can be kept inside the construction area overnight. For contractor personal vehicles, County staff will work with the community and the contractor to identify parking locations that minimize inconveniences.
Landscaping at the 5th Rd S & S Kensington street end
- Currently, the area is covered with invasive plants and vines, including English Ivy and Porcelainberry.
- Community members have expressed an interest in removing invasive plants and changing the current plant cover. Please provide any input below.
Please see the following draft design views, including potential fence relocation.
Visualization of 5th Rd S & S Kensington area
