Stream project underway in Seven Corners
A stream restoration project underway in Seven Corners is aimed at reducing erosion in the Long Branch stream within the Hollybrooke community, between Patrick Henry Drive and Arlington Boulevard.
The Fairfax County Stormwater Management Division is rebuilding 575 linear feet of the channel and stabilizing the stream banks, says Matthew Shepherd, project manager.
Work on the $1.3 million Patrick Henry Outfall Restoration Project started in June and is expected to be completed in September. After that, the site will get new landscaping to replace the half dozen trees that were taken down.
The site is challenging, Shepherd says. The stream is very close to the garden apartments and underground and above-ground utility lines, which made it difficult to get the equipment in there.
The stream goes under the Seven Corners Shopping Center, and 75 percent of the upstream area is impervious. The stream was full of debris, including concrete waste, metal, and trash, which had to be removed before the restoration work started.
Related story: Stream restoration planned for Bren Mar Park
Comprimising the stream when 7 Corners was built -and all the rest around the stream was -no doubt- not a concern at the time. We suffer the consequences since.