More transparency needed on Lake Accotink preservation study

By Martin “Shep” Shepherd

The update on the Lake Accotink Preservation Feasibility Study, provided in the February edition of Supervisor James Walkinshaw’s newsletter, “The Braddock Beacon,” highlights several ongoing efforts and key milestones.

However, critical questions remain unanswered, and gaps in public transparency persist. Below is a detailed evaluation of the update, key takeaways, and questions that need addressing.

Important takeaways

• Sedimentation study – Field monitoring and lake modeling by the U.S. Geological Survey continue. The USGS is preparing a webpage dedicated to their sediment measurement work. Once available, the link will be posted on the project’s website.

• Dam assessment – The Fairfax County Park Authority initiated the lake drawdown on Jan. 3. However, operations were temporarily halted on Jan. 10 due to snow and ice. The drawdown will enable an inspection of the dam and spillway.

Related story: Lake Accotink sedimentation study to start this fall

• Preservation feasibility study scope and schedule – Feedback from a recent public survey has led to updates in the scope of work and schedule. A document showing how comments were incorporated and the updated scope will be posted on the project’s website later this month.

• Cost estimation – The consultant is preparing a cost estimate for the feasibility study. The county will review and negotiate this estimate before authorizing the commencement of the study.

• Outreach and engagement – A new multilingual public engagement website has been launched. The site will provide updates on public meetings and opportunities to share comments. The results from the public survey are available here.

• Community engagement plan – The engagement plan is being revised based on the survey results and will be available for public review upon completion.

• Project background and previous studies – Information on prior studies and project history is accessible on the Lake Accotink section of county’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services’ (DPWES) website.

Key questions for consideration

• Why have there been no formal public meetings?

Although Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP) hosted three meetings with DPWES staff, representatives from the Fairfax County Park Authority, the organization overseeing the dam assessment, have not attended any of these meetings to provide updates.

Further, considering the topic, these meetings should have, but did not, meet Virginia Freedom of Information Act standards. These meetings were poorly advertised and limited to FLAP volunteers. Why has there been no effort to hold properly announced public meetings to engage the wider community that complies with VFOIA requirements?

• Why has it taken over a year to complete contract negotiations for the feasibility study?

The Board Matter approving the study was passed on Jan. 23, 2024. There is still no completed task order, and the Board of Supervisors has yet to approve the contract required to begin the study.

The study was expected to take 12 months, but we are now in the second year of a hidden process without any progress. A year-long delay has resulted in additional silt accumulation, complicating future dredging efforts. What specific factors have caused this delay, and what measures are being implemented to prevent further setbacks?

• Where is the project timeline specified in the Board Matter?

To date, no comprehensive project planning document has been publicly shared. Lifecycle project planning must include programming of activities from the very start of internal discussions, timelines for deliverables, and milestones through to the final report.

Why has the county not made a project timeline publicly available, and when can stakeholders expect to see one?

• What is the status of the updated Scope of Work and cost negotiations?

The update mentions that the consultant is preparing a cost estimate and that negotiations will follow. The county stated that the survey results would be integrated into the Scope of Work.

How did the survey results affect the Scope of Work? What is the anticipated timeline for finalizing these negotiations and officially launching the feasibility study?

Related story: Lake Accotink sedimentation study to start this fall

• How will the county ensure equitable public engagement moving forward?

The engagement plan is being updated based on survey results, but previous engagement efforts have been limited and have not included the broader community. What new mechanisms will be included in the revised plan to ensure broader participation, especially from underrepresented groups?

• Why is there no mention of the Robinson Terminal option for dredged material handling?

There has been significant discussions about identifying a suitable location for dewatering and transporting dredged materials. Robinson Terminal offers infrastructure and logistical advantages over other proposed sites. Why has this option not been explicitly evaluated or discussed in the update?

More updates needed

While Walkinshaw’s status update provides insight into ongoing activities, significant gaps in transparency and community engagement remain.

The lack of a publicly available project timeline, delays in contract negotiations, and limited formal public meetings highlight critical areas requiring improvement.

The county must address these concerns promptly to build community trust and ensure the long-term success of the Lake Accotink Preservation Feasibility Study.

Martin “Shep” Shepherd, a resident of Ravensworth Farm and a volunteer with the Friends of Lake Accotink, has been actively involved in conservation efforts in and around Lake Accotink Park since the 1960s. His long-standing commitment to the lake’s preservation includes consulting with the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, contributing to the park’s Master Plan process, and serving on the Save Lake Accotink Planning Committee and the Future of Lake Accotink Task Force.