Frequently Asked Questions
Timing
When will construction end?
Due to recent subvendor problems, this is still to be determined. See the latest info on the Timeline and Schedule page.
What happens after the construction period?
It will take a few days for the contractor to clear the site after substantial completion of the construction contract.
After that, THA will refurbish the paths in the parkland that were not refurbished as a part of the project.
EQR will be back in the Fall of 2017 for planting of the trees and shrubs since that is better for the plants than doing it in the summer.
What times of day will construction occur?
The contractor can be on site starting at 6 am but cannot start construction or equipment until 7 am (9 am on Sundays and Federal holidays). Construction can last until 9 pm daily.
Access
During construction, the entire project area will be closed to the public so there will be no way to cross the stream or the parkland between Wakefield Drive and the tennis courts. All four playgrounds will remain accessible, however
Who’s Who
Who is on the THA Stream Team and how was it formed?
It consists of Dave Curtis (Parkland Committee Chair), Lynn Daft (THA Board), Brandon Lucado, Ray Luckenbach, Paul Pitera, Maggie Stehman, and Vivian Watts. It was formed from Board and Parkland Committee members supplemented by Truro residents who expressed interest during or after the publicly attended June 2012 THA Board meeting.
How is this managed by Fairfax County?
Justin Pistore and Vivian Bui, of the Watershed Projects Implementation Branch, in the Stormwater Planning Division of the Dept of Public Works and Environmental Services are the Project Managers. All THA interactions on the project will go through them. Justin was the Project Manager during the design phases of the project; Vivian has been the lead Project Manager during construction.
What Contractors are involved?
The Williamsburg Environmental Group (WEG) was the design contractor for the conceptual design. Stantec, Inc. that acquired WEG in the meantime, was the contractor for the final design. The key people were the same on both stages. Environmental Quality Resources (EQR) of Millersville, MD is the construction contractor.
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Why does the project stop at Wakefield Drive?
The decision about the boundaries of the project was the County’s decision, not Truro’s decision. The County states that the decision was primarily to draw a rational boundary around the scope of the project. Other factors that might have been involved include:
- The culvert under Wakefield Drive limits the flow of stormwater during significant storm events, thus providing a physical separation between upstream and downstream of that point.
- There is generally less severe undercutting of the streambanks downstream of Wakefield Drive.
- There are fewer stormwater outfall tributaries in THA parkland downstream of Wakefield Drive and they are not as degraded as those upstream of Wakefield Drive.
- The stream passes back and forth from THA parkland to homeowners’ lots several times downstream of Wakefield Drive so obtaining access would be more complex.
Impact
Does this project cost Truro anything?
The project is entirely paid for by Fairfax County, using funds dedicated for stormwater remediation.
The project will actually save Truro some money. All the asphalt paths in the parkland need renovation and the THA had planned to do that. The project will renovate about 1/3 of the total length of our paths, since they will be used for access during construction.
What will happen to the trees?
Several trees along the streambanks that are currently being undercut will be removed. Some other trees must be removed for the construction equipment to access the stream. Detailed surveys have been made of all trees 12” or more in diameter in the project area. The routing of the stream channel, the access paths, and specific protective measures for some individual trees have been planned to minimize loss of mature healthy trees.
Will the project increase the threat of flooding on individual lots?
No. Most lots in Truro are entirely above the level of the “100-year flood” from the stream. The 100-year floodplain does currently extend onto four lots adjoining the project area. For those lots, there will be no increase, and may be some decrease, in the 100-year floodplain level There are places in the parkland where the 100-year floodplain will extend beyond its current level, but in all cases, it will remain on the parkland and not encroach onto individual lots that are currently above the 100-year floodplain.
Is anything being done to lessen the quantity or velocity of stormwater influx to the stram?
Nothing explicit is being done to lessen the quantity of stormwater discharged into Turkey Run. Storm drains from all of the same watershed area will continue to feed the stream. Thus, the only way to decrease the quantity would be for the watershed to decrease rainwater runoff by increasing the permeability of properties throughout the watershed area. The design of plunge pools at the stormwater outfalls, the riffle and pool design of the main stream, and the increased access of the stream to the floodplain should decrease the velocity.
What will happen to the asphalt paths?
Asphalt paths in the areas used for access will be destroyed during construction. They will be replaced with 6-foot wide asphalt paths at the completion of construction as a part of the project. This includes almost all of the main path paralleling the stream between the tennis courts and Wakefield Drive and the spur path out to Elizabeth Lane below Mary Lee Lane. It also includes short sections of other spur paths that connect to the main trail. THA is planning subsequent similar restoration of the remaining parkland paths after completion of the project.
Why should we expect that the stream won’t just revert to the current unstable situation with an incised streambed and undercut banks?
The current streambed was not specifically engineered when the neighborhood was developed and the stormwater drains were directed to the stream. Only in very few places, does the streambed go to bedrock. As a result, in most areas, the channel is susceptible to erosion and incision. The renovated streambed will have a solid base of large rocks prevent the problem from recurring. In certain areas the streambanks will also be armored with large rocks or embedded logs. (The large rocks providing this structural support will largely be covered by smaller rocks that will be visible from the surface. The “riffle and pool” design of the channel also will enhance the stability of the streambed.
DECISION MAKING AND TRANSPARENCY
Who makes the decisions?
The County decided to do this project and determined the scope of the project but only wanted to proceed with support of the Truro community. Following the January 2013 community vote of significant support for the project, the THA Board notified the County of the desire to proceed. The County is responsible for all aspects of the project, including the design, and managing the construction work.
What input does Truro have?
The Truro Stream Team has worked closely with the County throughout the design phase of the contract – providing both general input to reflect the sensibilities of the community and also detailed comments on the design. The Stream Team will again have the interface with the County during construction. The Community Outreach page on this website discusses opportunities to communicate with the Stream Team.
During the construction phase, the County Project Manager updates the Stream Team contact person at least weekly.
Are meetings public and announced?
As discussed on the Community Outreach page on this website, there have been announced and promoted public meetings for the Truro community at key points in the process. The Stream Team intends to continue that practice, as appropriate, during construction. Working meetings between the Stream Team and the County to discuss details are not announced publicly.
AFTER THE CONSTRUCTION
Are there any warranties?
- Both the workmanship of the construction and the plantings arewarrantied for a year after the completion of construction.
- Following that, the County will continue to monitor the condition of the stream occasionally, particularly after significant storm or flood events,
What responsibility does Truro have?
- Truro will assume responsibility for future maintenance of bridges
- Truro will assume responsibility for maintenance of the paths within the project area
- Truro plans to restore the asphalt paths in the parkland that are not affected by the project