Lake Accotink studies underway
The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is making progress on the evaluation of Lake Accotink, Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw reports in the June edition of the Braddock Beacon.
In December, the Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink presented its Findings Report to the board of Supervisors. The report concluded that retaining the lake at a smaller size could be a viable option but more information is needed on the sediment load.
The supervisors approved a board matter by Walkinshaw in January calling for the DPWES to undertake a series of actions, including a sedimentation study, an assessment of the dam, and a feasibility study for a smaller lake option.
The interdisciplinary Accotink team has retained a consultant who has done previous work on the lake to conduct the feasibility study on a smaller lake of 20 to 40 acres and at least eight feet deep. The scope of work and timeline for the study is currently under review.
Once that step is completed, the team plans to share the scope and timeline with the public in July before authorizing work on the feasibility study.
Related story: Supervisors call for more studies on Lake Accotink
The BoS directed DPWES to conduct a study to measure sedimentation in the lake over a three-year period. The Accotink team has completed scope development with the U.S. Geological Survey and supporting consultants.
The next step calls for the Accotink team to seek approval from the Board of Supervisors – anticipated to happen in July – to move forward with an agreement with USGS for the study.
The assessment of the Lake Accotink dam would determine the improvements and maintenance needed to ensure regulatory compliance and safe functioning.
Since the dam is owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority, the FCPA is leading the dam assessment project with support from DPWES. FCPA has identified an adequate funding source to support the assessment.
An interdisciplinary team of county staff, USGS staff, and consulting engineers is working on defining the scope and appropriate approach for the dam study.
The Accotink team also has selected a consultant to support a robust and inclusive outreach and engagement plan.