Project Description

River Run Stream Restoration & Dam Removal

An existing dry detention pond was failing and the stream reach was incised measuring approximately 8’ wide by 6’ deep throughout the reach.  The stream was eroding laterally along both left and right stream banks. Stream restoration work would help to address the pollutant reduction requirements for  both the Rivanna River and Chesapeake Bay TMDLs. The project extends across a jurisdictional boundary shared by the city of Charlottesville and County of Albemarle enabling the localities to share the pollutant reduction credits to address both entities MS4 pollutant reduction requirements. The restoration need and cost effective water quality improvements were recognized by both DEQ and NFWF through financial funding.

The project involved decommissioning (removing) the two existing, earthen embankments and restoring the historic channel extending approximately 560 linear feet. A comparison of the existing stream geometry to regional curves suggested a restoration design that involved reducing the channel size considerably. Ultimately, the approach involved a combination of Priority 1 and 2 restoration, which required excavation or grading of a new channel and filling of the existing channel. Material generated from the dam removal was used to fill the existing channel and trees within the limits of clearing were used for instream grade control structures to create a step-pool channel.

Goals

  • Nutrient and Sediment Reduction for MS4 Permit Requirements
  • Rivanna River and Chesapeake Bay TMDL
  • Meet the Goals of SLAF and NFWF Funding

ServicesPlan Production and Mapping, Stream and Wetland Design