Project Background

This project was developed as a result of Long Branch Central being declared an impaired water by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). DEQ issued a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirement to reduce sediment for Accotink Creek Watershed in August 2017. Under the Accotink Creek TMDL, Fairfax County is assigned a waste load reduction requirement for the 3.7 square mile Long Branch Central watershed of 2,433 tons per year. Meeting these reduction targets is a requirement of the County's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. In addition, the Long Branch Central WMA project will reduce the sediment load going to Lake Accotink, thus protecting the County's investment in that facility. The Long Branch Central WMA project will improve water quality, meet the Long Branch Central sediment TMDL load reduction targets and improve habitat within the stream corridor.

Project Description

The Long Branch Central Watershed Management Area project is a collaborative effort of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District.

The primary goals of the project are:

• Meet the Long Branch Central TMDL waste load reduction requirements
• Improve water quality within the Long Branch Central watershed
• Improve habitat and environmental health (ecological uplift)

To meet these goals, the County will restore approximately 6.5 miles of stream and about 75 stormwater outfalls, as well as enhance stormwater ponds.

Project Location

The project is in the Braddock Magisterial District between Little River Turnpike and Burke Station, Braddock and Wakefield Chapel Roads.

Project Phase

The project is in the design phase for the first three projects (Kristin Lane at Rutherford Park, Ilda Pool at Braeburn Drive, and Willow Woods Park South of Braeburn Drive). Olde Forge Park, Olley Lane Regional Stormwater Pond, Holly Park Stormwater Pond, and Newcombe Stormwater Pond are anticipated to begin pre-design in late FY26 or FY27. Project scoping has begun for Somerset South stream restoration and pond retrofit and pre-design is anticipated to begin in FY27.

What to Expect

There will be field studies, plan development and project specific public meetings through the process. Construction is anticipated to occur in phases, with the final schedule dependent upon funding availability and project permitting. When construction occurs, there will be truck traffic to the project sites. Residents should expect periodic deliveries of material using dump trucks to the site throughout the week starting after 7 a.m. on weekdays. Note that at some periods during construction, work may occur on weekends. Deliveries on those days will be made after 9 a.m.

Project Cost and Funding Source

Construction cost estimates for the Long Branch Central Watershed Management Area projects will be developed as projects are further defined and refined during the design process. Stormwater projects are funded through the County Stormwater Service District.

Presentations to the Community

Recordings of public meetings are available below.

• Long Branch Watershed Management Area Phase 1B Report.
• Field Assessment Results
  • BMP Prioritization
  • RSC Prioritization
  • Stream Prioritization

• Recording of Long Branch Central Watershed Management Area – Ilda Pool at Braeburn Drive Board and Membership Meeting held on October 30, 2025

• Recording of Long Branch Central Watershed Management Area - Willow Woods Park South of Braeburn Drive Public Meeting held on March 27, 2025

• Recording of the Long Branch Public Meeting held on January 10, 2023

• Recording of the Long Branch Public Meeting held on April 11, 2022

Contact

For more information, please email Deniz Callahan, Ganesh Thapa, or Jim Waters, Project Managers, Stormwater Planning Division, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, at deniz.callahan@fairfaxcounty.gov, ganesh.thapa@fairfaxcounty.gov, or james.waters2@fairfaxcounty.gov, or call 703-324-5500, TTY 711.