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1979

Shoreline Situation Report Counties of Fairfax and Arlington, City of Alexandria

Dennis W. Owen Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Lynne C. Morgan Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Nancy M. Sturm Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Robert J. Byrne Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Carl H. Hobbs III Virginia Institute of Marine Science

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Recommended Citation Owen, D. W., Morgan, L. C., Sturm, N. M., Byrne, R. J., & Hobbs, C. H. (1979) Shoreline Situation Report Counties of Fairfax and Arlington, City of Alexandria. Special Report tn Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering No. 166. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary. https://doi.org/10.21220/ V5K134

This Report is brought to you for free and open access by W&M ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Reports by an authorized administrator of W&M ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Shoreline Situation Report COUNTIES OF FAIRFAX AND ARLINGTON, CITY OF ALEXANDRIA

Prepared and Published With Funds Provided to the Commonwealth by the Office of Coastal Zone Management,

National Oceanic and Atmospheric·Administration, Grant Nos. 04-7-158-44041 and 04-8-M01-309

Special Report In Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering Number 166 of the

VIRGINIA INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCE Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062 1979 Shoreline Situation Report COUNTIES OF FAIRFAX AND ARLINGTON, CITY OF AL.EXANDRIA

Prepared by:

Dennis W. Owen Lynne Morgan Nancy M. Sturm

Project Supervisors: Robert J. Byrne Carl H. Hobbs, llt

Prepared and Published With Funds Provided to the Commonwealth by the Office of Coastal Zone Management,

National Oceanic and Atmosph~ric Administration, Grant Nos. 04-7-158-44041 and 04-8-M01-309

Special Report tn Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering Number 166 of the

VIRGINIA INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCE William J. Hargis Jr., Director· Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062 1979 TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE ... PAGE

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 FIGURE 1: Shoreland Components 5 FIGURE 2: Marsh Types 5 1.1 Purposes and Goals 2 FIGURE 3: Massey Creek 13 1.2 Acknowledgements 2 FIGURE 4: East of High Point 13 FIGURE 5: Great Marsh 13 FIGURE 6: Hallowing Point Estates 13 FIGURE 7: Boat ramp, Gunston Cove 13 CHAPTER 2: APPROACH USED AND ELEMENTS CONSIDERED 3 FIGURE 8: Whitestone Point 14 FIGURE 9: Stratford on the Potomac 14 2.1 Approach to the Problem 4 FIGURE 10: Jones Point 14 2.2 Characteristics of the Shorelands Included 4 FIGURE 11: Torpedo Factory 14 FIGURE 12: Washington National Airport 14

CHAPTER 3: PRESENT SHORELINE SITUATION OF FAIRFAX, ARLINGTON, AND ALEXANDRIA 9 TABLE 1: Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria Shor elands Physiography 19 3.1 The Shorelands of Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria 10 TABLE 2: Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria Subsegment 3.2 Water Quality of the Upper Potomac River 11 Summaries 22 3.3 Present Shore Erosion Situation 12 3.4 Alternate Shore Use 12

MAPS lA-D: Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria Sunnnary Maps 15 MAPS 2A-C: Occoquan River 35 CHAPTER 4: SUMMARIES AND MAPS OF FAIRFAX, ARLINGTON, AND ALEXANDRIA 21 MAPS 3A-C: Mason Neck 38 MAPS 4A-C: Gunston Cove 41 4.1 Segment and Subsegment Summaries 22 MAPS 5A-C: Dague Creek 44 4.2 Segment and Subsegment Descriptions MAPS 6A-C: Mount Vernon 47 Segment l 25 MAPS 7A-C: Alexandria 50 Segment 2 26 MAPS 8A-C: Arlington 53 Segment 3 27 MAPS 9A-C: Upper Potomac River 56 Segment 4 29 Segment 5 31 Segment 6 32 Segment 7 33 4.3 Segment and Subsegment Maps 35 CHAPTER 1 Introduction

1 .. CHAPTER .l The role of planners .aod....managers is to optimize 1.2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS the utilization of the shorelands and to minimize INTRODUCTION the conflicts arising from competing demands. Fur­ This report has been prepared and published thermore, once a particular use has been decided with funds provided to the -Commonwealth by the upon for a given segment of shoreland, both the Office of Coastal Zone Management, National Oc­ planners and the users want that selected use to eanic and Atmospheric Administration, grant num­ 1.1 PURPOSES AND GOALS operate in the most effective manner. A park plan­ ber 04-8-MOl-309. The Shoreline Situation Re­ ner, for example, wants the allotted space to ful­ port series was originally developed in the Wet­ It is the objective of this report to supply an fill the design most efficiently. We hope that the lands/Edges Program of the Chesapeake Research assessment, and at least a partial integration, of results of our work are useful to the planner in Consortium, Inc., as supported by the Research those important shoreland parameters and character­ designing the beach by pointing out the technical Applied to National Needs (RANN) program of the istics which will aid the planners and the managers feasibility of altering or enhancing the present National Science Foundation. The completion of of the shorelands in making the best decisions for configuration of the shore zone. Alternately,' if this report would have been impossible without the utilization of this limited and very valuable the use were a residential development, we would the expert services of Beth Marshall, who typed resource. The report gives particular attention to hope our work would be useful in specifying the several drafts of the manuscript, Bill Jenkins the problem of shore erosion and to recommendations shore erosion problem and by indicating defenses and Ken Thornberry, who prepared the photographs, concerning the alleviation of the impact of this likely to succeed in containing the erosion. In and Sam White, who piloted the aircraft on the problem. In addition, we have tried to include in summary our objective is to provide a useful tool many photo acquisition and reconnaissance flights. our assessment a discussion of those factors which for enlightened utilization of a limited resource, Also we thank the numerous other persons who, might significantly limit development of the shore­ the shorelands of the Commonwealth. through their direct aid, criticisms, and sug­ line and, in some instances, a discussion of some gestions, have assisted our work. of the potential or alternate uses of the shoreline, Shorelands planning occurs, either formally or particularly with respect to recreational use, since informally, at all levels from the private owner such information could aid potential users in the of shoreland property to county governments, to perception of a segment of the shoreline. planning districts and to the state and federal agency level. We feel our results will be useful The basic advocacy of the authors in the prep­ at all these levels. Since the most basic level aration of the report is that the use of shorelands of comprehensive planning and zoning is at the should be planned rather than haphazardly developed county or city level, we have executed our report in response to the short term pressures and inter­ on that level although we realize some of the in­ ests. Careful planning could reduce the conflicts formation may be most useful at a higher govern­ which may be expected to arise between competing mental level. The Commonwealth of Virginia has interests. Shoreland utilization in many areas of traditionally chosen to place as much as possible, the country, and indeed in some places in Virginia, the regulatory decision processes at the county has proceeded in a manner such that the very ele­ level. The Virginia Wetlands Act of 1972 (Chapter ments which attracted people to the shore have been 2.1, Title 62.1, Code of Virginia), for example, destroyed by the lack of planning and forethought. provides for the establishment of County Boards to act on applications for alterations of wetlands. The major man-induced uses of the shorelands Thus, our focus at the county level is intended to are: interface with and to support the existing or pend­ ing county regulatory mechanisms concerning activi­ Residential, connnercial, or industrial ties in the shorelands zone. development Recreation Transportation Waste disposal Extraction of living and non-living resources.

Aside from the above uses, the shorelands serve various ecological functions.

2 . CHAPTER 2 Approach Used and Elements Considered

3

~ / ' CHAPTER 2 of the report since some users' needs will ade­ Definitions: quately be met with the sunnnary overview of the Shore Zone APPROACH USED AND ELEMENTS CONSIDERED county while others will require the detailed dis­ cussion of particular subsegments. This is the zone of beaches and marshes. It is a buffer zone between the water body and the fast­ 2.1 APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM land, The seaward limit of the shore zone is the 2.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SHORELANDS INCLUDED break in slope between the relatively steeper In the preparation of this report the authors IN THE STUDY shoreface and the less steep nearshore zone. The utilized existing information wherever possible. approximate landward limit is a contour line rep­ For example, for such elements as water quality The characteristics which are included in this resenting one and a half times the mean tide characteristics, zoning regulations, or flood haz­ report are listed below followed by a discussion range above mean low water (refer to Figure 1). ard, we reviewed relevant reports by local, state, of our treatment of each. In operation with topographic maps the inner or federal agencies. Much of the desired informa­ a) Shorelands physiographic classification fringe of the marsh symbols is taken as the land­ tion, particularly with respect to erosional char­ b) Shorelands use classification ward limit. acteristics, shoreland types, and use was not c) Shorelands ownership classification available, so we performed the field work and de­ d) Zoning The physiographic character of the marshes has veloped classification schemes. In order to ana­ e) Water quality also been separated into three types (see Figure lyze successfully the shoreline behavior we placed f) Shore erosion and shoreline defenses 2). Fringe marsh is that which is less than 400 heavy reliance on low altitude, oblique, color, 35 g) Limitations to shore use and potential feet in width and which runs in a band parallel to mm photography. vJe photographed the entire shore­ or alternate shore uses the shore. Extensive marsh is that which has ex­ line of each county and cataloged the slides for h) Distribution of marshes tensive acreage projecting into an estuary or easy access at VIMS, where they remain available i) Flood hazard levels river. An embayed marsh is a marsh which occupies for use. We then analyzed these photographic ma­ j) Shellfish leases and public shellfish a reentrant or drowned creek valley. The purpose terials, along with existing conventional aerial grounds in delineating these marsh types is that the ef­ photography and topographic and hydrographic maps, k) Beach quality fectiveness of the various functions of the marsh for the desired elements. We conducted field in­ will, in part, be determined by type of exposure spection over much of the shoreline, particularly a) Shorelands Physiographic Classification to the estuarine system. A fringe marsh may, for at those locations where office analysis left example, have maximum value as a buffer to wave questions unanswered. In some cases we took addi­ The shorelands of the Chesapeake Bay System may erosion of the fastland. An extensive marsh, on tional photographs along with the field visits to be considered as being composed of three inter­ the other hand, is likely a more efficient trans­ document the effectiveness of shoreline defenses. acting physiographic elements: the fastlands, the porter of detritus and other food chain materials shore and the nearshore. A graphic classification due to its greater drainage density than an em­ The basic shoreline unit considered is called based on these three elements has been devised so bayed marsh. The central point is that planners, a subsegment, which may range from a few hundred that the types for each of the three elements por­ in the light of ongoing and future research, will feet to several thousand feet in length. The end trayed side by side on a map may provide the op­ desire to weight various functions of marshes and points of the subsegments were generally chosen portunity to examine joint relationships among the the physiographic delineation aids their decision on physiographic consideration such as changes in elements. As an exarr~le, the application of the making by denoting where the various types exist. the character of erosion or deposition. In those system permits the user to determine miles of high The classification used is: cases where a radical change in land use occurred, bluff shoreland interfacing with marsh in the shore Beach the point of change was taken as a boundary point zone. Marsh of the subsegment. Segments are groups of sub­ Fringe marsh, < 400 ft. (122 m) in width segments. The boundaries for segments also~re For each subsegment there are two length mea­ along shores selected on physiographic units such as necks or surements, the shore-nearshore interface or shore­ Extensive marsh peninsulas between major tidal creeks. Finally, line, and the fastland-shore interface. The two Embayed marsh, occupying a drowned valley the county itself is considered as a sum of shore­ interface lengths differ most when the shore zone or reentrant line segments. is embayed or extensive marsh. On the subsegment Artificially stabilized maps, a dotted line represents the fastland-shore The format of presentation in the report fol­ interface when it differs from the shoreline, The Fastland Zone lows a sequence from general summary statements fastland-shore interface length is the base for for the county (Chapter 3) to tabular segment the fastland statistics. The zone extending from the landward limit of summaries and finally detailed descriptions and the shore zone is termed the fastland. The fast­ maps for each subsegment (Chapter 4). The purpose land is relatively stable and is the site of most in choosing this format was to allow selective use material development or construction. The

4 physiographic classification of the fastland is purposes: b) Shorelands Use Classification based upon the average slope of the land within Narrow, 12-ft. (3. 7 m) isobath located < 400 400 feet (122 m) of the fastland - shore boundary. yards from shore Fastland Zon~'' The general classification is: Intermediate, 12-ft. (3.7 m) isobath 400- Low shore, 20 ft. (6 m) or less of relief; 1,~00 yards from shore Residential with or without cliff Wide, 12-ft. (3.7m) isobath >l,400 yards Moderately low shore, 20-40 ft. (6-12 m) of from shore Includes all forms of residential use with the relief; with or without cliff exception of farms and other isolated dwellings. Moderately high shore, 40-60 ft. (12-18 m) of Subclasses: with or without bars In general, a residential area consists of four relief; with or without cliff with or without tidal flats or more residential buildings adjacent to one High shore, 60 ft. (18 m) or more of relief; with or without submerged another. Schools, churches, and isolated busi­ with or without cliff. vegetation nesses may be included in a residential area. Two specially classified exceptions are sand dunes and areas of artificial fill. Commercial Nearshore Zone Includes buildings, parking areas, and other The nearshore zone extends from the shore zone land directly related to retail and wholesale to the 12-foot (MLW datum) contour. In the smaller trade and business. This category includes small tidal rivers the 6-foot depth is taken as the ref­ industry and other anomalous areas within the erence depth. The 12-foot depth is probably the. +-FASTLANo----.i.SHORRej.~------NEARSHORE------general commercial context. Marinas are consid­ 1 I maximum depth of significant sand transport by I ered commercial shore use. waves in the Chesapeake Bay area. Also, the dis­ I I

tinct drop-off into the river channels begins fl>>»~. I I roughly at the 12-foot depth. The nearshore zone ------. ------MLW+l.5 Tide Ran9~ Industrial ------MLW ' includes any tidal flats. 1 -12 Includes all industrial and associated areas. The class limits for the nearshore zone classi­ Figure 1 Examples: warehouses, refineries, shipyards, fications were chosen following a simple statisti­ power plants, railyards. cal study. The distance to the 12-foot underwater A profile of the three shorelands types. contour (isobath) was measured on the appropriate charts at one-mile intervals along the shorelines Governmental of Chesapeake Bay and the James, York, Rappahan­ nock, and Potomac Rivers. Means and standard de­ Includes lands whose usage is specifically viations for each of the separate regions and for controlled, restricted, or regulated by govern­ the entire combined system were calculated and mental organizations: e.g., Camp Peary, Fort compared. Although the· distributions were non­ FRINGE EMBAYED EXTENSIVE Story. Where applicable, the Governmental use normal, they were generally comparable, allowing MARSH MARSH MARSH category is modified to indicate the specific the data for the entire combined system to deter­ character of the use, e.g., residential, direct mine the class limits. military, and so forth •

•,,._ .,, ,11,, ...... The calculated ·mean was 919 yards with a stand­ ard deviation of 1,003 yards. As our aim was to Recreational and Other Public Open Spaces detennine general, serviceable class limits, these calcula.ted numbers were rounded to. 900 and l, 000 FASTLAND FASTLAND Includes designated outdoor recreation lands yards respectively. The class limits were ·set at and miscellaneous open spaces. Examples: golf half the standard·deviation (500 yards) -each side courses, tennis clubs, amusement parks, public . of the mean. . Using. this· proced.ure a narrow near­ Figure 2 beaches, race tracks, cemeteries, parks. shore zone is one 0-400 yards in width, interme­ diate 400-1,400, and wide greater than 1,400. A plan view of the three marsh types. Preserved The fo_llowing definitions hav~ no legal signif­ icance and.were constructed for our classification Includes lands preserved or regulated for

5 environmental reasons, such as wildlife or wild­ federal, state, county, and town or city. Appli­ f) Shore Erosion and Shoreline Defenses fowl sanctuaries, fish and shellfish conservation cation of the classification is restricted to grounds, or other uses that would preclude devel­ fastlands alone since the Virginia fastlands The followi~g ratings ,are cUSed for shore opment. ownership extends to mean low water. All bottoms erosion: below mean low water are in State ownership. slight or none - less than 1 foot per year moderate - 1 to 3 feet per year Agricultural severe - - - - - greater than 3 feet per year d) Water Quality The locations with moderate and severe ratings Includes fields, pastures, croplands, and other are further specified as being critical or non­ agricultural areas. The water quality sections of this report are critical. The erosion is considered critica'r-if based upon data abstracted from Virginia State buildings, roads, or other such structures are Water Control Board's publication Water Quality endangered. Unmanaged Standards (November, 1974) and Water Quality Inventory (305 (b) Report) (April, 1976). The degree of erosion was determined by several Includes all open or wooded lands not included means. In most locations the long term trend was in other classifications: Additionally, where applicable, Virginia Bu­ determined using map comparisons of shoreline po­ a) Open: brush land, dune areas, wastelands; reau of Shellfish Sanitation data is used to as­ sitions between the 1850's and the 1940's. In less than 40% tree cover. sign ratings of satisfactory, intermediate, or addition, aerial photographs of the late 1930's b) Wooded: more than 40% tree cover. unsatisfactory. These ratings are defined pri­ and recent years were utilized for an assessment The shoreland use classification applies to the marily in regard to number of coliform bacteria. of more recent conditions. Finally, in those general usage of the fastland area to an arbitrary For a rating of satisfactory the maximum limit is areas experiencing severe erosion field inspec­ distance of half mile from the shore or beach zone an MPN (Most Probable Number) of 70 per 100 ml. tions and interviews were held with local inhab­ or to some less distant, logical barrier. In The upper limit for fecal coliforms is an MPN of itants. multi-usage areas one must make a subjective se­ 23. Usually any count above these limits results lection as to the primary or controlling type of in an unsatisfactory rating, and, from the Bu­ The existing shoreline defenses were evaluated usage. For simplicity and convenience, managed reau's standpoint, results in restricting the as to their effectiveness. In some cases repeti­ woodlands are classified as "unmanaged, wooded" waters from the taking of shellfish for direct tive visits were made to monitor the effective­ areas. sale to the consumer. ness of recent installations. In instances where existing structures are inadequate, we have given There are instances however, when the total recommendations for alternate approaches. Fur­ Shore Zone coliform MPN may exceed 70, although the fecal MPN thermore, recommendations are given for defenses does not exceed 23, and other conditions are ac­ in those areas where none currently exist. The Bathing ceptable. In these cases an intermediate rating primary emphasis is placed on expected effective­ Boat launching may be assigned temporarily, and the area will be ness with secondary consideration to cost. Bird watching permitted to remain open pending an improvement in Waterfowl hunting conditions. g) Limitations to Shore Use and Potential or Although the shellfish standards are somewhat Alternate Shore Uses Nearshore Zone more stringent than most of the other water quality standards, they are included because of the eco­ In this section we point out specific factors Pound net fishing nomic and ecological impacts of shellfish ground which may impose significant limits on the type Shellfishing closures. Special care should be taken not to en­ or extent of shoreline development. This may Sport fishing danger the water quality in existing "satisfactory" result in a restatement of other factors from Extraction of non-living resources areas. elsewhere in the report, e.g., flood hazard or Boating erosion, or this may be a discussion of some Water sports other factor pertaining to the particular area. e) Zoning Also we have placed particular attention on c) Shorelands Ownership Classification In cases where zoning regulations have been the recreational potential of the shore zone. established the existing information pertaining The possible development of artificial beach, The shorelands ownership classification used to the shorelands has been included in the re­ erosion protection, etc., influence the evalua­ has two main subdivisions, private and governmen­ port. tion of an area's potential. Similarly, poten­ tal, with the governmental further divided into tial alternate shore uses are occasionally noted.

6 h) Distribution of Marshes November, 1971, and as periodically updated in other similar reports. Since the condemnation The acreage and physiographic type of the areas change with time they are not to be taken marshes in each subsegment is listed. These esti­ as definitive. However, some insight to the mates of acreages were obtained from topographic conditions at the date of the report are avail­ maps and should be considered only as approxima­ able by a comparison between the shellfish tions. Detailed county inventories of the wetlands grounds maps and the water quality maps for are being conducted by the Virginia Institute of which water quality standards for shellfish Marine Science under the authorization of the Vir­ were used. ginia Wetlands Act of 1972 (Code of Virginia 62.1- 13.4). These surveys include detailed acreages of the grass species composition within individual k) Beach Quality marsh systems. In Shoreline Situation Reports of counties that have had marsh inventories, the Beach quality is a subjective judgment based marsh number is indicated, thus allowing the user upon considerations such as the nature of the of the Shoreline Situation Report to key back to beach material, the length and width of the beach the formal marsh inventory for additional data. area, and the general aesthetic appeal of the The independent material in this report is pro­ beach setting. vided to indicate the physiographic type of marsh land and to serve as a rough guide to marsh dis­ tribution, pending a formal inventory .. Additional information on wetlands characteristics may be found in Coastal Wetlands of Virginia: Interim Report No. 3, by G.M. Silberhorn, G.M. Dawes, and T.A. Barnard, Jr., SRAMSOE No. 46, 1974, and in other VIMS publications~ i) Flood Hazard Levels

The assessment of tidal flooding hazard for the whole of the Virginia tidal shoreland is still in­ complete. However, the United States Army Corps of Enginners has prepared reports for a number of localities which were used in this report. Two tidal flood levels are customarily used to portray the hazard. The Intermediate Regional Flood is that flood with an average recurrence time of about 100 years. An analysis of past tidal floods indicates it to have an elevation of approximately -8 feet above mean water level in the Chesapeake Bay area. The Standard Project Flood level is established for land planning-purposes which is placed at the highest probable flood level. j) Shellfish Leases and Public·Grounds

The data i·n this re-port show the leased and public shellfish grounds as ·portrayed in the Vir­ ginia State Water Control Board publication "Shellfish-growing areas iri the Commonwealth of Virginia: Public, leased. and condemned,!'

7

CHAPTER 3 Present Shorelands Situation

9 CHAPTER 3 Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, is continually of shoreline and fastland along the Potomac River being developed for a variety of residential and and its tributaries. The·city comprises ten per­ PRESENT SHORELINE SITUATION OF connnercial purposes. However, most of the shore­ cent of the shorelines in the study area. The THE COUNTIES OF FAIRFAX AND ARLINGTON, lands of the county are already constnned. A total fastlands of Alexandria range from low to moder­ AND THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA of sixty-three percent of the shorelands are owned ately low shore, with seventy-two percent being by the federal, state, or city governments. In­ low shore. Thirteen percent of the fastland is cluded in the governmental lands are Fort Belvoir artificial fill. The shore zone is forty-one per­ 3.1 THE SHORELANDS OF THE COUNTIES OF FAIRFAX Military Reservation, Mason Neck State Wildlife cent artificially stabilized, forty-five percent AND ARLINGTON, AND THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA Refuge, and the Northern Virginia Regional Park. fringe marsh, and thirteen percent beach. The The two historic trusts of Mount Vernon and Guns­ shore zone is very narrow here, having an average The Counties of Fairfax and Arlington and the ton Hall are publically owned and comprise three width of less than ten feet. The city's marshes City of Alexandria are located at the fall line of percent of the shoreline.· The only areas of the are included in the "Fairfax County Tidal Marsh the Potomac River and comprise the northern-most county's shoreline owned by private concerns are Inventory". study area of the Shoreline Situation Report series. along the Occoquan River, at the mouth of Gunston The three municipalities, although forming a contig­ Cove, along the northern bank of Dogue Creek, and The waterfront of Alexandria is used for a va­ uous shoreline, are very different in both shore­ along the Potomac River above Fort Hunt Park. riety of purposes. Forty-three percent is indus­ lands type and use. The measured shorelands lengths These sections have mostly been developed for resi­ trial, thirty-three percent is recre.ational, and for the study area are: dential purposes. eight percent is governmental. Other uses include connnercial, residential, and unused areas. The Shore Fastland Flood data for the Fairfax County area was ex­ ownership of much of Alexandria's waterfront is tracted from H.U.D. Federal Insurance Administra­ disputed by the city and the federal government. Fairfax 77.1 mi. 78.9 mi. tion "Flood Hazard Boundary Maps". According to Present figures show twenty-two percent private, Alexandria 9.8 mi. 9.8 mi. these maps, the 100-year flood would range from seventy percent federal, and seven percent city. Arlington 11.1 mi. 11.1 mi. 9.3 feet above MSL at the mouth of Occoquan Bay to 9.8 feet above MSL at Hunting Creek. Most flooding Flood data was extracted from the City of Alex­ Total 98.0 mi. 99.8 mi. in the Fairfax County area is due to heavy upstream andria's "Flood Plain Map, 1977" (Ordinance No. rains causing extreme runoff to swell the river. 2182, adopted May 24, 1977). According to the map, For the purposes of this discussion, where feasible, The increased urbanization at the fall line on the the 100-year flood would range from 12 feet above each political entity will be discussed separately. Potomac River causes more runoff, as the water can­ MSL at Hunting Creek to 15 feet above MSL at Four­ not absorb into asphalt or concrete. Increased mile Run. This level would inundate the entire 3. 11 FAIRFAX COUNTY runoff in turn causes increased flooding further waterfront area, including areas up to two blocks downstream. inland. Many structures could be damaged or de­ Fairfax County comprises seventy-nine percent of stroyed during the flood. the shorelands in the study area. Located along the Several developed areas would be inundated dur­ Potomac River, its boundaries are the Occoquan River ing the 100-year storm, damaging or destroying 3.13 ARLINGTON COUNTY to the south and the Fairfax-Alexandria line at property. The sections with the probability of Hunting Creek to the north. The fastlands of Fair­ receiving most damage are the New Alexandria and The County of Arlington has 11.1 measured miles fax range from low shore to high shore with bluffs, Belle View subdivisions just south of Hunting of shoreline and comprises eleven percent of the with eighty-four percent being low or moderately Creek. All of Belle View and most of New Alexan­ study area. The county's fastlands range from low low shore. Two percent of the fastlands are arti­ dria would be inundated, causing a significant de­ shore to high shore with bluff, with the lower ele­ ficially filled areas. Marshes, including fringe, struction of personal property. The flood height vations located below the Key Bridge. The fastland embayed and extensive marshes, comprise sixty-nine here could reach 9.8 feet above MSL. Other popu­ statistics show forty-four percent low shore, eigh­ percent of the shoreline of Fairfax County. Accord­ lated areas which are prone to flooding are the teen percent moderately low snore, three percent ing to the "Fairfax County Tidal Marsh Inventory", Mount Vernon Yacht Club on Dogue Creek, several moderately high shore, and thirty-three percent (D. Dotnnlele, Virginia Institute of Marine Science structures in Fort Belvoir on the east bank of high shore, including bluffs. Two percent of the March 1976), Fairfax County has a total of 920.1 Accotink Creek, and a small development on the fastlands are artificial fill. acres of marshes. (Marsh areas on the "B" series east bank of the mouth of Massey Creek on the Oc­ maps of this report are keyed to the "Fairfax Coun­ coquan River. Structures at each site are endan­ As in the City of Alexandria, the shore zone ty Tidal Marsh Inventory".) Twenty-two percent of gered by the 100-year flood. along this section of the Potomac River is very the shorelines are beach, and nine percent are arti­ narrow. Twenty-seven percent of the shore is ar­ ficially stabilized. 3.12 ALEXANDRIA CITY tificially stabilized with riprap, nineteen per­ cent is beach, and fifty-four percent is fringe Fairfax County, being relatively close to the The City of Alexandria has 9.8 measured miles marsh. Refer to the "Fairfax County Tidal Marsh

10 Inventory" for more information on the marshes in 3.2 WATER QUALITY OF THE UPPER POTOMAC RIVER rains wash surface sediments into the stream, thus Arlington. causing high turbidity levels. The ·sediments af­ The water quality of the Upper Potomac River is fect the quality of the water in the estuary, as The shorelands of Arlington Coµnty can be divided a point of concern for the various municipalities they cover rooted aquatic vegetation which are im­ into two sections of use. The lower section is used in the area. According to the Metropolitan Wash­ portant to young fish and other wildlife. As a for various governmental, industrial, and recreation­ ington "208 Water Quality Plan" (Metropolitan Wash­ result, nearly all rooted aquatics are gone from al purposes. Washington National Airport is located ington Council of Governments, March 1978), "the the esturial shallows of the Potomac River, with in this section. Most of the upper portion of the estuary has particular water quality problems be­ a coincident high decrease of fish in the shallows. county's shorelands are park lands adjacent to the cause wastewater treatment plants discharge a ma­ This loss of plant and animal life in the Upper George Washington Memorial Parkway. jority of the region's sewage into the estuary, and Potomac have far-reaching effects on the overall the nonpoint source of runoff from the urban area water quality of the area. Flooding is not a problem in the upper section of and combined sewer overflows enter the estuary as Arlington's shorelands, as elevations are generally well. The capacity of the estuary to absorb waste In summary, the increased urbanization of the greater than 100 feet near the shore. However, some loads is limited and is heavily dependent on Poto­ headwaters of the Potomac River is having a detri­ areas south of the Key Bridge are prone to flooding. mac flows to overcome tidal action which confines mental effect on the estuary's water quality. No According to the H.U.D. Feqeral Insurance Administra­ wastes in the upper estuary." The Virginia water longer is this area a prime spawning ground for tion "Flood Hazard Boundary Maps" for Arlington Coun­ quality standard, according to the state's "305 (b) many types of fish and wildlife. As a major cause ty, the 100-year storm would flood areas to 21 feet Report", states that "navigable water shall be of of the problem is nonpoint source pollution from above MSL near the mouth of Fourmile Run. Many the quality to provide for the protection and prop­ urban runoff and agricultural fields, more atten­ houses and other structures would be damaged or de­ agation of a balanced population of shellfish, tion should be focussed on the problem in an ef­ stroyed in this section during the storm. Much of fish, and wildlife, and allow recreational activi­ fort to control the pollution. Washington National Airport is also located in the ties in and on the water." No 1:trea of the Upper flood plain and would be inundated during the 100- Potomac River meets this criteria all of the time. year flood. Other sections of the shoreline are owned by the federal government and are not devel­ There are two basic tests for determining the oped. water quality of a given area; fecal coliform bac­ teria and dissolved oxygen (DO). Fecal coliform bacteria are present in the intestional tract and feces of all warm-blooded animals and are often associated with harmful microorganisms in the water. The fecal coliform level standard for the United States is 200 MPN/100 ml. The area from Sheridan Point south generally meets this· standard, with the rest of the Upper Potomac River averaging fecal coliform counts in excess of the standard. Dis­ solved oxygen (DO) concentrations are important standards for the maintenance of aquatic life in the estuary. Most fish require DO concentrations above 4.0 ppm in order to survive and sustain spawn­ ing activity. Severe dissolved oxygen levels lower than the standard may cause fish kills. DO levels are directly related to water temperature (the lower the temperature, the higher its oxygen storage ca­ pacity and the higher the DO concentrations). In past surraners, consistently high temperatures have caused low DO levels in the Upper Potomac River. This, combined with generally poor water quality, is the suspected cause of the over 17,000 pounds of fish kills observed in the area from 1972 to 1976.

Of growing concern in the Upper Potomac River are periodically high turbidity levels. Upstream

11 3.3 PRESENT SHORE EROSION SITUATION 3.4 ALTERNATE SHORE USE

There is no historical erosion data available for The study area of Fairfax, Alexandria and Ar­ the Upper Potomac River. Fi1:_ld investigations by lington is considered part of the Washington, D.C. the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, making use metropolitan area. As such, there is a great de­ of recent VIMS low altitude gblique color photog­ mand for land suitable for development. However, raphy, revealed several areas exhibiting erosional most of the shorelands of this section are already behavior in recent years; much of the area, however, consumed. Sixty-eight percent of the shorelands appears stable. These areas are limited to the are owned by the various levels of government and southern section of Fairfax County and are affected are unavailable for development. The remaining by both wave attacks and downhill rain runoff, For thirty-two percent, which are privately owned, are specific areas of erosion, refer to the Subsegment generally developed. There seems to be a concerted Descriptions, Chapter 4. effort by all three municipalities to make the use of the shorelands in harmony with the environment. Generally, erosion is not considered to be a sig­ There are basically two areas which are not pres­ nificant problem for this area of the Potomac River. ently used; 4.4 miles of wooded land along the Oc­ (One house on the south bank of the mouth of Gunston coquan River and 2.0 miles of wooded land along Cove is endangered by continued erosion.) Populated the south bank of Gunston Cove. These sections shoreline areas have been largely artificially sta­ are at the extreme south of the study area and are bilized. probably subject to slightly less development pres­ sure than other areas. No other sections have large areas of undeveloped shorelands.

The City of Alexandria has a unique problem in its shoreline redevelopment program, as the owner­ ship of most of the waterfront area is disputed between the city and the federal government. No planned alternate shore use can occur until this dispute is settled. However, it seems that despite the outcome of the dispute, most of the waterfront area will be publically owned and used for various recreational purposes. According to city plans, industry not historically suited to the area or which is deemed unattractive to the area will be discouraged from locating on the waterfront and, if already located there, will be encouraged to relocate.

12 7 15'

COUNTIES OF FAIRFAX AND ARLINGTON CITY OF ALEXANDRIA MAP1A

SEGMENT AND MAP INDEX

// = Segment Boundary / = Subsegment Boundary MAP 9

1 OCCOQUAN RIVER DAM-SANDY POINT 2 i SANDY POINT-HALLOWING POINT MAP 8 3A HALLOWING POINT-HEAD OF POHICK CREEK 38 HEAD OF POHICK CREEK-WHITESTONE POINT 4A WHITESTONE POINT-FERRY POINT 48 FERRY POINT-SHERIDAN POINT 5 SHERIDAN POINT-HEAD OF HUNTING CREEK 6 HEAD OF HUNTING CREEK- FOURMILE RUN 7 FOURMILE RUN-LITTLE FALLS

6

5 31° 38° 4!5 45'

/' / MAP 5 'r'-i-.,, - ' '--, -~ r I \ ' ..,, ',, ) / ( '..J MAP 4 I ) I / < ~ \ "" MAP 6 \J /.J.. I J FORT BEL VOi R / \ \ 4A

MAP 2

77° 15' 11• oo' .,.,. od

COUNTIES OF FAIRFAX AND ARLINGTON CITY OF ALEXANDRIA MAP 18

SHORELANDS TYPES

FASTLAND Low Shore I I Moderately Low Shore I u II I u Moderately Low Shore with Bluff I u I I Moderately High Shore A •A A A Moderately High Shore with Bluff A ~ A ~ High Shore High Shore • • • with Bluff Artificial Fill •I I • I •f SHORE Artificially Stabilized -'- ...\_ -'- ...\_ .. ~-,-'"1_. Beach :.:-·.··.·: ...... :.: ··.-:-:-:-: > ~ . Fringe Marsh 111 !1111111 Ii 1111111111 i ,/ '· \ ~~~ "'-1 Extensive Marsh ////////,///;' '-, I Embayed Marsh ~ rs (. NEARSHORE / ALEXANDRIA 0-0-0-0 \ Narrow \ ., \ , Intermediate 0 0 0 0 "'~----.,-' .... Wide °' • • • •

38° 45'

0 48

.:: 2• •••'... .; '• ~·::::::::::::::.::·,:: . ,• :,·...... •.' o-o .... o • • 1 77° 15 n° ocJ COUNTIES OF FAIRFAX AND ARLINGTON CITY OF ALEXANDRIA MAP1C FASTLAND USE, OWNERSHIP, EROSION

USE Agricultural A Commercial C Industrial I Government G Preserved PR Recreational RC Residential RS Unmanaged Unwooded u , Wooded w OWNERSHIP Private 1 21

Federal 2 21 State 3 County 4 City 5 EROSION Slight or No Change f\lo Symbol '-, I ( Moderate I I I I I I I r' 111 (. lC lU ; ALEXANDRIA 11, 5RC 5U 1j 21 2RC , !_RS,,_iG 1 C , ,, l !RC 2\ l lRS 2RC {~ lRS 2~PR

IRS 2RC? 5 38° J 1 RS 38° 45' 1w, 45' 2 PR IRS

IRS

1W 11 I ' 51

1Wl~RS·JW •1u IRS 1 1W 1W lA.1RS lRS I

77° 15 1 11° oo'

...... jJ. --#. ' ' 77° l!S'

COONTIES OF FAIRFAX AND ARLINGTON CITY OF ALEXANDRIA MAP1D

FLOOD PLAIN AREAS

AREA WOULD BE INUNDATED DURING 100-YEAR FLOOD

7

1 DATA FOR FEDERALLY-OWNED AREAS WERE INTERPOLATED FROM TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS OF THE AREA, USING THE FLOOD ELEVATIONS FROM NEARBY PRIVATE LANDS.

2 FLOOD DATA EXTRAPOLATED FROM HUD-FIA FLOOD BOUNDARY MAPS FOR FAIRFAX AND ARLINGTON COUNTIES.

3 FLOOD DATA FOR CITY OF ALEXANDRIA FROM CITY FLOOD PLAIN MAP, 1977, ORDINANCE NO. 2182, ADOPTED MAY 24, 1977. .."'-, -'"1 > -~ 14 ft. .,.- ,/ ' ."'-i\ ,"

'-,I ( 13 ft. r' (. / ALEXANDRIA

12 ft. /+--a., __ 9 .8 ft.

9.3 ft.

· 77° 15' 1.,. oo' TABLE 1. FAIRFAX AND ARLINGTON COUNTIES, CITY OF ALEXANDRIA SHORELANDS PHYSIOGRAPHY AND FASTLAND USE (STATUTE MILES) - - - - . -- ··-- ··-- -··- -· -·------

!Phys iographic, SHORELANDS PHYSIOGRAPHY FASTLAND USE OWNERSHIP TOTAL MILES use, and ownership classifi- FASTLAND SHORE NEARSHORE cation 0 r.::i ' 0 r,:.. r,:.. § r.::i ::s:~ § OH G~ H pq !i1 li:1 >< r.::i & H ~ ~ I >< >< ::i:: >< r.::i >< ::i:: r.::i r,:.. ~ ~ H ~ ft ft ~ H E:-1 H JZ H E:-1 JZ r,:.. ~~ r.::i H :::i < t ~ 0 1s H 0 0 H µ::i H r.::io µ::i H 0 :::i HN :> 0 E:-1 H H r.::i H r.::i r.::i ~ t.) E:-1 ::s: E:-1 ::s: ::C: H t.) H 0 H JZ E:-1 t H H Cf.l pq HH r.::i Cf.l s ~ ~ E:-1 ~ < r.::i f:l H ~ffi t.) r,:.. ~ r.::i r,:.. H ::i:: f;:l ::i:: z ::i:: 5 I JZ Cf.l r.::i 0 ~ r.::i ~ HH IIr.::i r.::i JZ r.::i ::i:: ~~ H pq t.) Cf.l r.::i Cf.l JZ ~ r.::i H ~ Cf.l H r.::i E:-1 ~ ::i:: ~ ::i:: ::i:: ~ ffi < ~ ~ >< ~ E:-1 H 00 0 C,!) f:§ 0 c.!>O C,!) E:-1 < H JZ E:-1 JZ A JZ t.) Cf.l H 0 ~ E:-1 Cf.l 0 JZ H 5@ §5 OH H iJ;1 HH ~ ti ~ t H 5 § ~ JZ r.::i E:-1 H ::i:: SubseQ'ment Cf.l §:l g:j pq It.) C,!) H r,:.. < r,:.. H ~H ~ ffi ::.:: ::i:: ::i:: Cf.l ::i:: ::s: < tr.I ~~ !~ rj ~ i H ::s: ~ P-i ~ ~ I I P-i Cf.l u ~ Cf.l

1 5.5 8.9 0.5 0.1 1.6 0.5 0.2 0.6 6.3 3.8 0.4 1.8 8.7 1.8 0.1 4.4 7.1 8.7 1.3 17.1 10. 9

2 0.5 8.4 3.1 0.9 3.9 0.6 7.0 1.3 0.9 4.1 1.1 8.7 1.8 0.5 2.3 1.1 8.6 12.0 12.3

3A 2.6 2.9 1.4 0.4 1.0 1.0 0.5 3.9 2.9 1.4 1.2 1.5 0.2 1.1 3.8 2.2 2.0 5.6 3.8 9.3 8.7

3B 9.5 2.4 0.9 0.3 0.5 1.4 9.8 1. 7 13.2 13.2 13.2 13.3

4A 4.2 2.1 0.3 0.1 0.3 1.1 1.4 2.8 2.5 1.3 1.6 5.9 0.3 1.5 0.3 0.2 2.2 5.9 8.1 8.1

4B 3.7 4.8 0.2 0.8 0.5 1. 7 1.5 3.6 3.3 0.6 2.2 0.2 1.4 2.1 5.9 0.3 0.2 7.7 2.1 0.2 10.0 10.2

5 1. 7 3.6 1.9 1.8 0.2 1.5 2.6 3.2 6.3 0.8 6.6 0.2 0.2 5.4 2.9 0.2 0.3 4.0 5.2 9.2 13.6

6 1.3 7.1 1.4 4.0 1.3 4.4 0.1 4. 7 0.8 0.4 0.8 4.2 3.2 0.6 0.5 2.2 6.9 0.7 9.8 9.8

7 0.2 4.8 2.0 0.4 0.4 3.2 3.0 2.1 5.9 7.3 1.6 0.8 3.6 6.1 0.4 0.9 8.0 2.2 11.1 11.1

TOTAL 3.2 41.5 34.8 5.0 3.9 0.3 4.6 6.3 13.7 20.1 39.2 18.6 6.3 17.5 13.6 4.1 0.6 0.6 20.7 9.8 12.5 29.6 17.0 1.4 7.6 32.0 41.3 12.0 14.6 99.8 98.0

7,, of FASTLAND 3'7o 41% 35% 5% 4% 1% 5% 6% 1'7o 1% 21% 10% 12% 30% 17% 1% 8% 32% 41% 12% 15% 100%

1% of SHORELINE 14% 21% 40% 19% 61, 18% 14% 4% 100%

FAIRFAX 1. 7 29.6 31.4 5.0 3.5 0.3 4.2 3.1 6.7 16.7 28.9 18.5 6 • .; 5.5 11.2 4.1 0.6 0.2 19.1 2.0 12.5 20.3 16.1 0.9 7.6 28.9 26.4 9.8 13.9 78.9 77 .1

ALEXANDRIA 1.3 7.1 1.4 4.0 1.3 4.4 0.1 4.7 0.8 0.4 0.8 4.2 3.2 0.6 0.5 2.2 6.9 0.7 9.8 9.8

ARLINGTON 0.2 4.8 2.0 0.4 0.4 3.2 3.0 2.1 5.9 7.3 1.6 0.8 3.6 6.1 0.4 0.9 8.0 2.2 11.1 11.1

19 CHAPTER 4

4.1 Table of Subsegment Summaries 4.2 Segment and Subsegment Descriptions 4.3 Segment .and Subsegment Maps

21 TABLE 2. SHORELINE SITUATION REPORT SUBSEGMENT SUMMARY FOR FAIRFAX AND ARLINGTON COUNTIES, CITY OF ALEXANDRIA

SUBSEGMENT SHORELANDS TYPE SHORELANDS USE OWNERSHIP FLOOD HAZARD WATER QUALITY BEACH QUALITY SHORE EROSION SITUATION ALTERNATE SHORE USE

1 FASTLAND: Low shore 32%, moderately low FASTLAND: Agricultural 2%, industrialPrivate 41%, Moderate to high. The Occoquan River Poor. There are No data. Field investigation shows some ero­ Moderate. The forty-one percent of FAIRFAX shore 52%, moderately low shore with 10%, preserved 51%, residential 10%, state 51%, The 100-year storm generally has good only narrow strips sion along sections of the Belmont Bay shore­ the shorelands which are private COUNTY bluff 3%, moderately high shore 1%, high unmanaged, unwooded 1%, and unmanaged,and would flood areas water quality. of beach in the line, however it is not significant or criti­ are being developed for residential OCCOQUAN DAM shore 9%, and high shore with bluff 3%. wooded 25%. city 8%. to elevations of segment. cal. Three areas in the segment have a total purposes. TO SHORE: Artificially stabilized 1%, beach SHORE: Mostly unused; some recrea- 9.3 feet. A small of 700 feet of bulkhead and 100 feet of riprap, SANDY POINT 5%, fringe marsh 58%, and embayed marsh tional and commercial use. housing development all effective. 10.9 miles 35%. NEARSHORE: Some sport boating and on the east bank of (17 .1 miles NEARSHORE: The Occoquan River and Bel­ fishing. Massey Creek would of fastland) mont Bay are too narrow and shallow for be flooded. classification.

2 FASTLAND: Low shore 4%, moderately low FASTLAND: Preserved 9%, recreational Private 19%, Moderate. The 100- This section of the Fair. The beaches No data. Field inspection shows moderate ero­ Low. Given that eighty-one percent FAIRFAX shore 70%, and moderately low shore with 72%, residential 15%, and unmanaged, state 9%, year flood would Potomac River generally are usually of mod­ sion from Sandy Point to Sycamore Point. There of the shorelands are owned by the COUNTY bluff 26%. wooded 4%. land reach elevations of has good water quality. erate to narrow are 7,500 feet of bulkhead in the section, most state and local governments, there SANDY POINT SHORE: Artificially stabilized 7%, beach SHORE: Mostly unused; some recrea­ city 72%. 9.3 feet. No width and are often of which is located at Hallowing Point River are few private lands available for TO 31%, fringe marsh 5%, and embayed marsh tional use in front of residences. structures would be littered with de­ Estates. Riprap is located south of Sandy development. HALLOWING 57%. NEARSHORE: The Potomac River is used affected. bris. Point, and three groins are south of the rip-·· POINT NEARSHORE: Narrow 11%, intermediate 8%, for commercial traffic, sport boating, rap. All structures appear to be effective. 12.3 miles and wide 33%. The remainder of the near­ and fishing. (12.0 miles shore zone is too narrow and shallow for of fastland) classification.

3A FASTLAND: Low shore 28%, moderately low FASTLAND: Agricultural 2%, preserved hivate 60% Moderate. The 100- This section generally Fair. Hallowing No data. Field investigations show erosion is Low. The forty percent of the FAIRFAX shore 31%, moderately low shore with 12%, recreational 41%, residential and year flood would has good water quality. Point has a moder- continuing from Hallowing Point to inside the shorelands which are privately owned COUNTY bluff 15%, moderately high shore 5%, high 23%, and unmanaged, wooded 22%. ~ity 40%. affect areas to ately wide beach, mouth of Gunston Cove. There are 2,500 feet are already largely developed. Some HALLOWING shore 10%, and high shore with bluff 11%. SHORE: Some recreational use along elevations of 9.5 but is littered with of artificially stabilized shoreline in the continued residential development is POINT SHORE: Artificially stabilized 5%, beach public shorelands and in front of feet, including debris. Other subsegment, most of which is bulkhead. A small possible in some areas of the shore­ TO 45%, fringe marsh 33%, and embayed marsh residences. several structures beaches in the sub- groin field is located north of Hallowing line. POHICK CREEK 16%. NEARSHORE: Unused in Gunston Cove and along Pohick Bay. segment are usually Point. 8.7 miles NEARSHORE: Narrow ·14% and intermediate Pohick Bay. Commercial shipping in narrow. (9.3 miles 17%. The remainder of the nearshore zone the Potomac River. of fastland) is too narrow and shallow for classifica­ tion.

3B FASTLAND: Low shore 72%, moderately low FASTLAND: Entirely governmental. !Federal 100%. Moderate. The 100- This area generally has Fair. The beaches No data. Field investigations show no signifi­ ~ow. No private development is pos­ FAIRFAX shore 18%, moderately high shore 7%, and SHORE: Mostly unused, except for the year storm would good water quality. from Accotink Bay to cant erosion in the subsegment. There are ap­ sible unless the government relin­ COUNTY high shore 3%. area from Accotink Bay to Whitestone reach elevations of Whitestone Point are proximately 2,500 feet of bulkhead in the sub­ ~uishes control of the area. POHICK CREEK SHORE: Artificially stabilized 4%, beach Point, which is used for access to 9.5 feet, flooding generally narrow and segment, all of which appears to be effective. TO 10%, fringe marsh 73%, and embayed marsh boats by the military. several structures debris litters the WHITESTONE 13%. NEARSHORE: Sport boating and fishing; on the east bank of area. POINT NEARSHORE: Pohick Creek and Accotink Bay some use by military vessels. the mouth of Acco­ 13.3 miles are too narrow and shallow for classifica­ tink Bay. (13.2 miles tion. of fastland)

4A FASTLAND: Low shore 52%, moderately low FASTLAND: Governmental 72%, recrea- Private 27"/o Moderate. The 100- The area has good water Fair. The beaches No data. Field investigations show erosion ~oderate. The unused areas of the FAIRFAX shore 26%, moderately high shore 4%, mod­ tional 3%, residential 19%, unmanaged,~nd year storm, reach­ quality. are generally of along the bluffs near Whitestone Point. There ~ubsegment are located near residen­ COUNTY erately high shore with bluff 1%, high unwooded 3%, and unmanaged, wooded 2%.[ederal 73%. ing elevations of moderate width but are 7,600 feet of artificially stabilized tial sections. These areas will WHITESTONE shore 3%, and high shore with bluff 14%. SHORE: Mostly unused; some recrea- 9.5 feet, would are often littered shoreline in the subsegment, sixty percent of ~robably be developed for residences POINT SHORE: Artificially stabilized 18%, beacl tional use along residential areas. flood many struc­ !With fallen trees !Which is bulkhead and the rest riprap. All ~lso. TO 35%, fringe marsh 31%, and embayed marsh NEARSHORE: Commercial traffic, tures in a housing and other debris. appear to be effective. FERRY POINT 16%. pleasure boating and fishing. development in Fort 8.1 miles NEARSHORE: Narrow 20%. The remainder of Belvoir and several (8.1 miles the nearshore zone is too narrow and shal­ structures at Mount of fastland) low for classification. Vernon Yacht Club.

22 TABLE 2 (Cont'd.)

SUBSEGMENT SHORELANDS TYPE SHORELANDS USE OWNERSHIP FLOOD HAZARD WATER QUALITY BEACH QUALITY SHORE EROSION SITUATION ALTERNATE SHORE USE

4B FAS'FLAND: Low shore 37%, moderately low FASTLAND: Industrial 2%, preserved Private 77%, Moderate. The 100- The area has good Fair. The area has No data. Field investigations show moderate Low. Most of the private lands have FAIRFAX shore 48%, moderately low shore with 14%, recreational 21%, residential federal 21%, year storm would water quality. beaches of moderate erosion of the bluffs 1,500 feet north of Ferry already been developed for residen­ COUNTY bluff 2%, high shore 8%, and high shore 59%, unmanaged, unwooded 3%, and un­ and affect areas to width, but they are Point. Much of the remainder of the shoreline tial purposes. FERRY POINT with bluff 5%. managed, wooded 2%. city 2%. elevations of 9.5 often littered with has been artificially stabilized. There are TO SHORE: Artificially stabilized 17%, SHORE: Mostly unused; some recrea­ feet, flooding sev­ debris. 9,200 feet of riprap and bulkhead in the sub- SHERIDAN beach 15%, fringe marsh 35%, and embayed tional use along Little Hunting eral structures. segment. All appear to be effective. POINT marsh 33%. Creek. 10.2 miles NEARSHORE: Narrow 6% and intermediate NEARSHORE: Commercial shipping on (10.0 miles 21%. The remainder of the nearshore zone the Potomac River. of fastland) is too narrow and shallow for classifica­ tion.

5 FASTLAND: Artificial fill 18%, low shore FASTLAND: Commercial 2%, preserved Private 43% Moderate to high. Poor to fair. This Fair. There is a No data. Field investigation shows no signifi­ Low, Most of the segment is either FAIRFAX 39%, moderately low shore 20%, moderately 3%, recreational 58%, residential and The 100-year storm section of the Potomac beach of moderate cant erosion along this section of the Potomac preserved or is already consumed. COUNTY high shore 20%, and high shore 3%. 31%, unmanaged, unwooded 2%, and un­ federal 57%. would flood eleva­ River usually has high width from Sheridan River. There are 8,100 feet of bulkhead and There are few privately owned and SHERIDAN SHORE: Artificially stabilized 11%, managed, wooded 3%. tions of 9.8 feet, fecal coliform counts. Point to Hog Island. riprap in the segment, all of which appear to unused lands. POINT beach 19%, fringe marsh 23%, and exten- SHORE: Recreational uses, especially inundating the en­ be effective. TO sive marsh 46%. at the marina. tire Belle View HUNTING CREEK NEARSHORE: Narrow 6% and intermediate NEARSHORE: Pleasure boating and com­ development and 13.6 miles 49%. The remainder of the nearshore zone mercial traffic along the Potomac most of New Alex­ (9.2 miles is too narrow and shallow for classifica­ River. ·- andria. .of fastland) tion.

6 FASTLAND: Artificial fill 13%, low shore FASTLAND: Commercial 4%, governmen­ Private 22%, High. The 100-year Poor to fair. This Poor. There are No data. Field investigation showed little or High. The City of Alexandria plans ALEXANDRIA 72%, and moderately low shore 14%. tal 8%, industrial 43%, recreational federal 70%, storm would flood section of the Potomac only thin strip no erosion in this segment. Approximately to revitalize its waterfront for CITY SHORE: Artificially stabilized 41%, 33%, residential 6%, and unmanaged, and areas ranging from River usually has high beaches along this 21,000 feet of bulkhead has been constructed recreational open space, small busi­ HUNTING CREEK beach 13%, fringe marsh 45%, and embayed unwooded 6%. ity 7%. 12 feet at Hunting fecal coliform counts. section of shore­ in this area. Though all appear to be effec­ nesses, and conmercial shipping. TO marsh 1%. SHORE: Recreational and commercial Yluch owner­ Creek to 15 feet at line. tive, some structures are old and should be However, any development of the FOURMILE RUN NEARSHORE: Narrow 48% and intermediate uses along Alexandria's waterfront. ship is in Fourmile Run, inun­ strengthened or replaced in the next decade. ~lexandria waterfront depends upon 9.8 miles 8%. The remainder of the nearshore zone NEARSHORE: Commercial shipping, dispute. dating the entire the outcome of the shore ownership (9.8 miles is too narrow and shallow for classifica­ pleasure boating, and tour boat waterfront area. dispute between the city and federal of fastland) tion. traffic. government.

7 FASTLAND: Artificial fill 2%, low shore FASTLAND: Governmental 8%, industrialPrivate 8%, Low to moderate. Poor. The Potomac Riv- Poor. There are No data. Field inspection showed little or no Low. All shorelands are being used. ARLINGTON 44%, moderately low shore 18%, moderately 33%, recreational 55%, and residential•ederal 72%, The upper section er has high fecal coli- only very narrow erosion in the area. There are 15,900 feet of Any new use would be via redevelop­ COUNTY high shore 3%, high shore 4%, and high 4%. and of the segment has form counts in the strip beaches in the effective riprap along the shoreline. ment of existing areas. FOURMILE RUN shore with bluff 29%. SHORE: Recreational use along George state 20%. high shoreline. segment. segment. TO SHORE: Artificially stabilized 27%, Washington Memorial Parkway. South of the Key LITILE FALLS beach 19%, and fringe marsh 54%. NEARSHORE: Commercial traffic along Bridge, some areas 11.1 miles NEARSHORE: Narrow 66% and intermediate the southern section; pleasure boat- would be flooded, (11.1 miles 15%. The remainder of the nearshore zone ing along the entire nearshore. including much of of fastland) is too narrow and shallow for classifica­ Washington National tion. ~irport.

23 SEGMENT ...1 .. storms, as rain runoff washes pollutants and nutrients into the stream. FAIRF.AX .COUNTY BEACH QUALITY: There are only thin strips of OCCOQUAN RIVER DAM TO .SANDY POINT beach in the segment.

Maps 2 and 3 PRESENT SHORE EROSION SITUATION EROSION RATE: No data. VIMS field investiga­ tions show some erosion due to downhill rain EXTENT: 57,300 feet (10.9 mi.) of shoreline along runoff along sections of the Belmont Bay shore­ the Occoquan River and Belmont Bay. The segment line. However, erosion is not considered a includes 90,300 feet (17.1 mi.) of fastland. significant problem along the Occoquan River or in Belmont Bay. SHORELANDS TYPE ENDANGERED STRUCTURES: None. FASTLAND: Low shore 32% (5.5 mi.), moderately SHORE PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES: There are approx­ low shore 52% (8.9 mi.), moderately low shore imately 650 feet of bulkhead just east of the with bluff 3% (0.5 mi.), moderately high shore Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac railroad 1% (0.1 mi.), high shore 9% (1.6 mi.), and high span across the Occoquan River. Approximately shore with bluff 3% (0.5 mi.), 50 feet of bulkhead is located near the mouth SHORE: Artificially stabilized 1% (0.2 mi.), of Massey Creek. The shoreline fronting a res­ beach 5% (0. 6 mi.), fringe marsh 58% (6. 3 mi.), idence east of Massey Creek is protected by 100 and embayed marsh 35% (3.8 mi.), feet of riprap. All structures appear effec­ NEARSHORE: This segment is located along the tive, though they are more for cosmetic or com­ Occoquan River and Belmont Bay, which are too mercial purposes than for shore protection. narrow and shallow for classification. OTHER SHORE STRUCTURES: There are several piers SHORELANDS USE in the segment. FASTLAND: Agricultural 2% (0.4 mi.), industrial 10% (1.8 mi.), preserved 51% (8.7 mi,), residen­ SHORE USE LIMITATIONS: Fifty-nine percent of the tial 10% (1.8 mi.), unmanaged, unwooded 1% (0.1 shorelands in this segment are owned by the mi.), and unmanaged, wooded 25% (4.4 mi.). state and local governments, including the Lor­ SHORE: Mostly unused, except for some recrea­ ton Youth Correctional Center owned by the Dis­ tional use in front of residential areas (Harbor trict of Columbia. Public ownership restricts View) and some commercial use east of the rail­ other alternate uses. Much of the privately road bridge spanning the Occoquan River. owned lands have bluffs along the shoreline. NEARSHORE: Some sport boating and fishing. ALTERNATE SHORE USE: Moderate. Many of the pri­ WIND AND SEA EXPOSURE: The Occoquan River trends vately held lands are being developed for res­ basically SE - NW from its mouth to its head. idential purposes. This development will No significant fetches affect this area of the probably continue along the Massey Creek sec­ county. tion of the segment. The area from just north of Kanes Creek to the segment end at Sandy OWNERSHIP: Private 41%, state 51%, and city 8%. Point is part of a state owned wildlife refuge.

FLOOD HAZARD: Moderate to high. According to the MAPS: USGS, 7.5 Min.Ser. (Topo.), OCCOQUAN Federal Insurance Administration, the 100-year Quadr., 1966,. pr. 1971; flood would affect areas 9.3 feet above MSL. USGS, 7.5 Min.Ser. (Topo.), FORT BELVOIR Several sections would be flooded, including a Quadr., 1965, pr. 1971. small housing development on the eastern bank NOS# 12289 (560), 1:40,000 scale, of the mouth of Massey Creek. POTOMAC RIVER, Mattawoman Creek to Georgetown, 31st ed., 1971. WATER QUALITY: The Occoquan River generally has good water quality. Problems occur during PHOTOS: Aerial-VIMS 2Mar78 FX-1/1-14.

25 SEGMENT 2 BEACH QUALITY: Fair. The beaches near High Point are usually of moderate width, being nourished FAIRFAX COUNTY by the nearby eroding bluffs. Fallen trees and other debris are strewn along much of the shore­ SANDY POINT TO HALLOWING POINT line. Along the shoreline at Hallowing Point River Estates, the stabilization of large areas Map 3 has reduced the amount of material eroding from the bluffs. This has caused the remaining beaches to be very narrow. EXTENT: 64,800 feet (12 .3 mi.) of shoreline along Belmont Bay and the Potomac River. The segment PRESENT SHORE EROSION SITUATION includes 63,500 feet (12.0 mi.) of fastland. EROSION RATE: No data. VIMS field inspection of the area shows moderate erosion is occurring SHORELANDS TYPE from Sandy Point to Sycamore Point. This area FASTLAND: Low shore 4% (0.5 mi.), moderately is susceptible to both rain runoff erosion and low shore 70% (8.4 mi.), and moderately low wave attacks. shore with bluff 26% (3.1 mi.). ENDANGERED STRUCTURES: None. SHORE: Artificially stabilized 7% (0.9 mi.), SHORE PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES: There are approx­ beach 31% (.3. 9 mi.) , fringe marsh 5% (O. 6 mi.) , imately 4,500 feet of bulkhead in this segment, and embayed marsh 57% (7.0 mi.). most of which is located along the Hallowing NEARSHORE: Narrow 11%, intermediate 8%, and Point River Estates shoreline. For the most wide 33%. The remainder of the nearshore zone part, there has been no attempt at a collective is located along marsh creeks, which are too stabilization program; rather, individual land­ narrow and shallow for classification. owners have bulkheaded their property. This ununified approach at shoreline stabilization SHORELANDS USE often causes the loss of beaches in neighboring FASTLAND: Preserved 9% (1.1 mi.), recreational areas. Several areas south of Sandy Point have 72% (8 .7 mi.), residential 15% (1. 8 mi.), and riprap along the shoreline. There are three umnanaged, wooded 4% (0.5 mi.). effective groins south of the riprapped areas. SHORE: Mostly unused; some recreational use in front of residences. OTHER SHORE STRUCTURES: There are several piers NEARSHORE: The Potomac River is used by various in the segment. vessels for shipping to Alexandria and Washing­ ton, D.C. SHORE USE LIMITATIONS: Eighty-one percent of the shorelands are owned by the state and local WIND AND SEA EXPOSURE: The shoreline trends NNW - governments and are public parks. Fifteen per­ SSE from Sandy Point to High Point, then SW - NE cent of the shorelands are residential areas. from High Point to the segment's end at Hallow­ The remaining four percent are wooded. ing Point. The fetch at Sandy Point is SSW - 4.8 nautical miles; at High Point SW - 11.5 nau­ ALTERNATE SHORE USE: Low. There is little avail­ tical miles; and at Hallowing Point WSW - 6.3 able unused land in the segment. The presence nautical miles. of the Northern Virginia Regional Park allevi­ ates the need for other recreational lands. OWNERSHIP: Private 19%, state 9%, and county 72%. MAPS: USGS, 7.5 Min.Ser. (Topo.), FORT BELVOIR FLOOD HAZARD: Moderate. Flooding during the 100- Quadr., 1965, pr, 1971; year storm would reach 9.3 feet above MSL, but USGS, 7.5 Min.Ser. (Topo.), INDIAN HEAD no structures would be affected by the waters. Quadr., 1966. NOS:/fo 12289 (560), 1:40,000 scale, WATER QUALITY: This section of the Potomac River POTOMAC RIVER, Mattawoman Creek to generally has good water quality. Problems Georgetown, 31st ed., 1971. arise from rain runoff carrying pollutants and heavy suspended sediments into the water. PHOTOS: Aeriai-VIMS 2Mar78 FX-2/15-54.

26 SUBSEGMENT 3A BEACH QUALITY: Fair. Hallowing Point has a beach SUBSEGMENT 3.B of moderate width but it is littered with de­ FAIRFAX COUNTY bris. Beaches along other sections of the sub­ FAIRFAX COUNTY segment are usually narrow. As in other sec­ HALLOWING POINT TO HEAD OF POHICK CREEK tions of the county, the beaches depend upon HEAD OF POHICK CREEK TO WHITE.STONE POINT the erosion of bluff areas for nourishment. Maps 3 and 4 Stabilization of some areas of shoreline has Map 4 diminished the sand supply of the beaches.

EXTENT: 46,000 feet (8.7 mi.) of shoreline along PRESENT SHORE EROSION SITUATION EXTENT: 70,200 feet (13.3 mi.) of shoreline along Gunston Cove and Pohick Bay. The subsegment in­ EROSION RATE: No data. Field investigations Pohick Bay, Accotink Bay and Gunston Cove. The cludes 49,800 feet (9.3 mi.) of fastland. indicate that erosion is continuing from Hal­ subsegment includes 69,500 feet (13.2 mi.) of lowing Point to inside the mouth of Gunston fast land. SHORELANDS TYPE Cove. Most erosion here is due to downhill FASTLAND: Low shore 28% (2.6 mi.), moderately rain runoff rather than to waves impinging SHORELANDS TYPE low shore 31% (2.9 mi.), moderately low shore upon the shore. FASTLAND: Low shore 72% (9.5 mi.), moderately with bluff 15% (1.4 mi.), moderately high shore ENDANGERED STRUCTURES: One house at the mouth low shore 18% (2.4 mi.), moderately high shore 5% (0.4 mi.), high shore 10% (1.0 mi.), and high of Gunston Cove is endangered by continued ero­ 7% (0.9 mi.), and high shore 3% (0.3 mi.). shore with bluff 11% (1.0 mi.). sion. SHORE: Artificially stabilized 4% (0.5 mi.), SHORE: Artificially stabilized 5% (0.5 mi.), SHORE PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES: There are 2,500 beach 10% (1. 4 mi.), fringe marsh 73% (9. 8 mi.), beach 45% (3.9 mi.), fringe marsh 33% (2.9 mi.), feet of artificially stabilized shoreline in and embayed mar sh 13% ( 1. 7 mi. ) . and embayed marsh 16% (1.4 mi.). the subsegment, most of which is bulkhead and NEARSHORE: This subsegment is lo~ated along NEARSHORE: Narrow 14% and intermediate 17%. The the remainder riprap. There is one small groin Pohick Creek and Accotink Bay, which are too remainder of the nearshore zone is located along field north of Hallowing Point. narrow and shallow for classification. Gunston Cove and Pohick Creek, which are too nar­ row and shallow for classification. OTHER SHORE STRUCTURES: There are several piers SHORELANDS USE and a concrete boat ramp in the subsegment. FASTLAND: Entirely governmental. SHORELANDS USE SHORE: Mostly unused except for the area from FASTLAND: Agricultural 2% (0.2 mi.), preserved SHORE USE LIMITATIONS: The local governments own Accotink Bay to Whitestone Point. This section 12% (1..1 mi.), recreational 41% (3. 8 mi.), resi­ forty percent of the shoreline (part of the is used for access to boats by the military. dential 23% (2.2 mi.), and unmanaged, wooded 22% Northern Virginia Regional Park). Gunston Hall, NEARSHORE: Pleasure boating and fishing and (2. 0 mi.). owned by a public trust, is an historic site and use by military vessels. SHORE: Some recreational use along the public is open to visitors. These sites, which account shorelands and in front of residences. for over fifty percent of the shoreline, are not WIND AND SEA EXPOSURE: The shoreline trends basi­ NEARSHORE: Mostly unused in Gunston Cove and available for private development. Most of the cally WNW - ESE in the subsegment; Accotink Bay Pohick Bay. The Potomac River is used for com­ privately owned lands are susceptible to ero­ trends N - S. The fetch at Whitestone Point is mercial shipping to Alexandria and Washington, sion. SSE - 3.0 nautical miles. D.C. ALTERNATE SHORE USE: Low. There seems to be lit­ OWNERSHIP: Federal. WIND AND SEA EXPOSURE: The shoreline trends basi­ tle need for alternate shorelands use in the cally SE - NW in the subsegment. The fetch at subsegment, given the presence of both a re­ FLOOD HAZARD: Moderate. The 100-year flood would the southern bank of the mouth of Gunston Cove gional park and an historic site. The private­ affect areas to approximately 9.5 feet above MSL. is NW - 8 nautical miles. ly held section of the area will probably con­ Several structures in Fort Belvoir, located on tinue to be developed for residential purposes. the east bank of the mouth of Accotink Bay, OWNERSHIP: Private 60% and county 40%. could be damaged by the flood. MAPS: USGS, 7.5 Min.Ser. (Topo.), FORT BELVOIR FLOOD HAZARD: Moderate. The 100-year storm would Quadr., 1965, pr. 1971. WATER QUALITY: Good. Fecal coliform bacteria flood areas to approximately 9.5 feet above MSL. NOSif/: 12289 (560) , 1: 40,000 scale, counts are generally low, allowing water con­ Several structures along Pohick Bay could be POTOMAC RIVER, Mattawoman Creek to tact recreation. damaged during the flood. Georgetown, 31st ed., 1971. BEACH QUALITY: Fair. The beaches are located WATER QUALITY: This section generally has good PHOTOS: Aerial-VIMS 2Mar78 FX-3A/55-89. from Accotink Bay to Whitestone Point. They water quality. are generally narrow with some debris litter­ ing the shoreline.

27 PRESENT SHORE EROSION SITUATION EROSION RATE: No data. Recent field investiga­ tions indicate that there is no significant ero­ sion in the subsegment. ENDANGERED STRUCTURES: None. SHORE PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES: There are approx­ imately 2,500 feet of bulkhead and riprap in the subsegment. These structures appear to be more for cosmetic or convenience purposes rather than for shore protection.

OTHER SHORE STRUCTURES: There are ntnnerous docks and several boat ramps at the mouth of Gunston Cove.

SHORE USE LIMITATIONS: The federal ownership of the subsegment limits other alternate uses.

ALTERNATE SHORE USE: Low. No private development can occur along the shoreline unless the federal goverrnnent relinquishes control over part of its holdings.

MAPS: USGS, 7.5 Min.Ser. (Topo.), FORT BELVOIR Quadr., 1965, pr. 1971. NOS1/: 12289 (560) , 1: 40,000 scale, POTOMAC RIVER, Mattawoman Creek to Georgetown, 31st ed~, 1971.

PHOTOS: Aerial-VIMS 2Mar78 FX-3B/90-96.

28 SUBSEGMENT 4A WATER QUALITY: The subsegment generally has good SUBSEGMENT 4B water quality. FAIRFAX COUNTY FAIRFAX COUNTY BEACH QUALITY: Fair. The beaches from Whitestone WHITESTONE POINT TO FERRY POINT Point to the mouth of Dague Creek are generally FERRY POINT TO SHERIDAN POINT of moderate width, though they are often lit­ Map 5 tered with fallen trees and other debris. Maps 5 and 6

PRESENT SHORE EROSION SITUATION EXTENT: 42,800 feet (8.1 mi.) of shoreline along EROSION RATE: No data. Recent field investiga­ EXTENT: 53,700 feet (10.2 mi.) of shoreline along the Potomac River, including Dague Creek. The tions by VIMS show that the bluffs near White­ the Potomac River; including Little Hunting subsegment has a fastland measurement of 42,700 stone Point have been eroding due to downhill Creek. The subsegment has a fastland measure­ feet (8. 1 mi.) . rain runoff and wave actions at the base of the ment of 53,000 feet (10.0 mi.). cliffs. Elsewhere in the subsegment, no signif­ SHORELANDS TYPE icant erosion was noticed. SHORELANDS TYPE FASTLAND: Low shore 52% (4.2 mi.), moderately ENDANGERED STRUCTURES: None. FASTLAND: Low shore 37% (3.7 mi.), moderately low shore 26% (2 .1 mi.), moderately high shore SHORE PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES: There are approx­ low shore 48% (4.8 mi.), moderately low shore 4% (0.3 mi.), moderately high shore with bluff imately 7,600 feet of artificially stabilized with bluff 2% (0.2 mi.), high shore 8% (0.8 1% (O .1 mi.), high shore 3% (0. 3 mi.), and high shoreline in the subsegment, sixty percent of mi.), and high shore with bluff 5% (0.5 mi.). shore with bluff 14% (1.1 mi.). which is bulkhead and the rest riprap. All SHORE: Artificially stabilized I7% (1.7 mi.), SHORE: Artificially stabilized 18% (1.4 mi.), structures appear to be effective. beach 15% (1.5 mi.), fringe marsh 35% (3.6 beach 35% (2.8 mi.), fringe marsh 31% (2.5 mi.), mi.), and embayed marsh 33% (3.3 mi.). and embayed marsh 16% (1.3 mi.). OTHER SHORE STRUCTURES: There are numerous piers NEARSHORE: Narrow 6% and intermediate 21%. NEARSHORE: Narrow 20%. The nearshore zone lo­ and docks in the privately owned section of the The nearshore zone located along Little Hunt­ cated along Dague Creek is too narrow and shal­ subsegment, most of which are located from the ing Creek is too narrow and shallow for clas­ low for classification. Mount Vernon Yacht Club to Ferry Point. sification.

SHORELANDS USE SHORE USE LIMITATIONS: Seventy-three percent of SHORELANDS USE FASTLAND: Governmental 72% (5. 9 mi.), recrea­ the shorelands are controlled by the Federal FASTLAND: Industrial 2% (0.2 mi.), preserved tional 3% (O. 3 mi.), residential .19% (1. 5 mi.), government and no other use is possible. Resi­ 14% (1.4 mi.), recreational 21% (2 .1 mi.), res­ unmanaged, unwooded 3% (0.3 mi.), and unmanaged, dential use accounts for nineteen percent of idential 59% (5.9 mi.), unmanaged, unwooded 3% w~oded 2% (0.2 mi.). the total, and recreational use makes up three (0.3 mi.), and unmanaged, wooded 2% (0.2 mi.). SHORE: Little used along the sec·tion owned by percent. The remaining five percent of the SHORE: Some recreational use along Little Hunt­ the government; some recreational use along the shorelands are located near the residential ing Creek, but mostly unused. north bank of Dogue Creek, especially at the sections of Dague Creek. NEARSHORE: Connnercial shipping on the Potomac , Mount Vernon Yacht Club. River. Little Hunting Creek is too narrow and NEARSHORE: Connnercial traffic along the Potomac ALTERNATE SHORE USE: Moderate. The unused lands shallow for navigation. River; pleasure boating and fishing in Dague which are now either wooded or open will proba­ Creek and on the Potomac. River. bly be developed for residential purposes. WIND AND SEA EXPOSURE: The shoreline trends basi­ Though some further development is possible in cally WNW - ESE. Little Hunting Creek trends WIND AND SEA EXPOSURE: The shoreline trends basi­ residential areas, little change in the present NNW - SSE from head to mouth. The fetch at cally SW - NE along the Potomac River. Dague use statistics is foreseen. Sheridan Point is WSW - 3.8 nautical miles. Creek trends SE -'NW from mouth to head. The fetch at Ferry Point is SW - 3.0 nautical miles, MAPS: USGS, 7.5 Min.Ser. (Topo.), FORT BELVOIR OWNERSHIP: Private 77%, federal 21%, and county 2%. and at the south bank of the mouth of Dague Quadr., 1965, pr. 1971; Creek ENE - 4.1 nautical miles. USGS, 7.5 Min.Ser. (Topo.), MOUNT VERNON FLOOD HAZARD: Moderate. The 100-year flood would Quadr., 1966, pr. 1971. affect areas to 9.5 feet above MSL. Several OWNERSHIP: Private 27% and federal 73%. NOS//= 12289 (560), 1:40,000 scale, structures could be damaged during the flood .• POTOMAC RIVER, Mattawoman Creek to FLOOD HAZARD: Moderate. The 100-year storm would Georgetown, 31st ed., 1971. WATER QUALITY: The area generally has good water affect areas to 9.5 feet above MSL, endangering quality. many structures at the Mount Vernon Yacht Club. PHOTOS: Aerial-VIMS 2Mar78 FX-4A/97-107.

29 BEACH QUALITY: Fair. Like other sections along Fairfax County's Potomac River shoreline, this area has beaches of moderate width, though they often are littered with fallen trees or other debris.

PRESENT SHORE EROSION SITUATION EROSION RATE: No data. Recent VIMS field in­ vestigations show that the bluffs 1,500 feet north of Ferry Point are eroding at a moderate rate. Elsewhere in the subsegment, much of the shoreline on the Potomac River has been artifi­ cially stabilized. ENDANGERED STRUCTURES: None. SHORE PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES: There are approx­ imately 9,200 feet of artificially stabilized shoreline in the subsegment, several sections of which are bulkhead and the rest is riprap. All appear to be effective.

OTHER SHORE STRUCTURES: There is a pier and land­ ing at Mount Vernon.

SHORE USE Lil1ITATIONS: Twenty-one percent of the shorelands are federally owned lands fronting the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Approx­ imately twenty-five percent of the shorelands are part of the historic Mount Vernon estate owned by a public trust. The marshes and wood­ ed lands along Little Hunting Creek are desig­ nated to remain as open space areas by the County of Fairfax.

ALTERNATE SHORE USE: Low. The lands which are privately held, excepting Mount Vernon, are already mostly developed for residential pur­ poses. No other alternate use is foreseen for these lands.

MAPS: USGS, 7.5 Min.Ser. (Topo.), MOUNT VERNON Quadr., 1966, pr. 1971. NOS# 12289 (560), 1:40,000 scale, POTOMAC RIVER, Mattawoman Creek to Georgetown, 31!!, ed., 1971.

PHOTOS: Aerial-VIMS 2Mar78 FX-4B/108-120.

30 SEGMENT 5 counts in excess of the 200 MPN/100 ml contact recreation standard. FAIRFAX COUNTY BEACH QUALITY: Fair. This segment has beaches of SHERIDAN POINT TO HEAD OF HUNTING CREEK moderate width from Sheridan Point to Hog Is­ land. Maps 6 and 7 PRESENT SHORE EROSION SITUATION EROSION RATE: No data. VIMS field investiga­ EXTENT: 71,500 feet (13.6 mi.) of shoreline along tions showed no significant erosion along this the Potomac River and Hunting Creek. The seg­ section of the Potomac River. ment includes 48,500 feet (9.2 mi.) of fastland. ENDANGERED STRUCTURES: None. SHORE PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES: There are approx­ SHORELANDS TYPE imately 8,100 feet of artificially stabilized FASTLAND: Artificial fill 18% (1.7 mi.), low shoreline in the segment, sixty percent of which shore 39% (3.6 mi.), moderately low shore 20% is riprap and the remainder bulkhead. All (1.9 mi.), moderately high shore 20% (1.8 mi.), structures appear to be effective. and high shore 3% (O. 2 mi.). SHORE: Artificially stabilized 11% (1. 5 mi.), OTHER SHORE STRUCTURES: There are several piers beach 19% (2.6 mi.), fringe marsh 23% (3.2 mi.), and docks at the marina. and extensive marsh 46% (6 .3 mi.) • NEARSHORE: Narrow 6% and intermediate 49%. The SHORE USE LIMITATIONS: Fifty-seven percent of the remainder of the nearshore zone is located along shorelands are federally owned. Only two areas Hunting Creek and several marsh creeks, which of private ownership are located along the Poto­ are too narrow and shallow for classification. mac River. The rest of the privately owned lands are located along Hunting Creek. Only SHORELANDS USE five percent of the segment is not actively used. FASTLAND: Connnercial 2% (0.2 mi.), preserved 3% (0.2 mi.), recreational 58% (5.4 mi.), resi­ ALTERNATE SHORE USE: Low. Most of the segment is dential.31-% (2. 9 mi.), unmanaged, unwooded 2% either preserved or consumed. There are few (0.2 mi.), and unmanaged, wooded 3% (0.3 mi.). privately owned and unused lands. SHORE: Recreational use, especially at the marina south of Hunting Creek. MAPS: USGS, 7.5 Min.Ser. (Topo.), MOUNT VERNON NEARSHORE: Pleasure boating and commercial Quadr., 1966, pr. 1971; traffic along the Potomac River. USGS, 7.5 Min.Ser. (Topo.), ALEXANDRIA Quadr., 1965, pr. 1971. WIND AND SEA EXPOSURE: The shoreline trends basi­ NOS# 12289 (560), 1:40,000 scale, cally S - Nin the segment. Hunting Creek POTOMAC RIVER, Mattawoman Creek to trends WNW - ESE from head to mouth. No signif­ Georgetown, 31st ed., 1971. icant fetches affect this shoreline. PHOTOS: Aerial-VIMS 2Mar78 FX-5/121-147. OWNERSHIP: Private 43% and federal 57%.

FLOOD HAZARD: Moderate to high. The 100-year storm would flood areas to 9.8 feet above MSL at the mouth of Hunting Creek. The flood would inundate the entire Belle View development and most of New Alexandria, damaging and possibly destroying many structures in the developments.

WATER QUALITY: Poor to fair. This section of the Potomac River usually has high fecal coliform

31 SEGMENT 6 WATER QUALITY: Poor to fair. The Potomac River MAPS: USGS, 7.5 Min.Ser. (Topo.), ALEXANDRIA in this section usually has high fecal coliform Quadr., 1965, pr. 1971. CITY OF ALEXANilRIA counts in excess of the 200 MPN/100 ml contact NOS# 12289 (560), 1:40,000· scale, recreation standard. The waters have experi­ POTOMAC RI~R, Mattawoman Creek to HEAD OF lillNTING CREEK TO.FQURMILE RUN enced low dissolved oxygen levels in past sum­ Georgetown, 31st ed., 1971. mers. Map 7 PHOTOS: Aerial-VIMS 2Mar78 AL-6/148-163. BEACH QUALITY: Poor. There are generally only thin strip beaches along the shoreline in this EXTENT: 51,600 feet (9.8 mi.) of shoreline along segment. the Potomac River and Hunting Creek. The seg­ ment includes 51,600 feet (9.8 mi.) of fastland. PRESENT SHORE EROSION SITUATION EROSION RATE: No data. VIMS field investiga­ SHORELANDS TYPE tion showed little or no erosion in the segment. FASTLAND: Artificial fill 13% (1.3 mi.), low ENDANGERED STRUCTURES: None. shore 72% (7.1 mi.), and moderately low shore SHORE PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES: There are approx­ 14% (1.4 mi.). imately 21,000 feet of artificially stabilized SHORE: Artificially stabilized 41% (4. 0 mi.), shoreline in the segment, most of which is bulk­ beach 13% (1.3 mi.), fringe marsh 45% (4.4 mi.), head. Though all structures appear to be effec­ and embayed mar.sh 1% (0.1 mi.). tive, some are old and will probably have to be NEARSHORE: Narrow 48% and intermediate 8%. The strengthened or replaced in the next ten years. remainder of .the nearshore zone is too narrow and shallow for classification. OTHER SHORE STRUCTURES: There are numerous piers and docks along the Alexandria waterfront. SHORELANDS USE FASTLAND: Connnercial 4% (0.4 mi.), governmental SHORE USE LIMITATIONS: The historic waterfront of 8% (0.8 mi.), industrial 43% (4.2 mi.), recrea­ Alexandria, long a local shipping and commercial tional 33% (3. 2 mi.), residential 6% (0. 6 mi.), center, in recent years has been the center of and unmanaged, unwooded 6% (0.5 mi.). the city's renewal efforts. The major factor SHORE: Rec.reational use along several areas of limiting the implementation of any plans is the Alexandria's waterfront; also some commercial disputed ownership of much of the shoreline. At use. the present time, the City of Alexandria and the NEARSHORE: Commercial shipping, pleasure boat­ Federal goverrnnent both claim ownership of these ing and tour boat traffic. lands. Until undisputed ownership is determined, no renewal of the area can be begun. According WIND AND SEA EXPOSURE: The shoreline trends basi­ to city plans, the shoreline is to be used for cally S - Nin the segment. The fetch at Jones recreational purposes, with the historical com­ Point is S - 4.6 nautical miles. mercial shipping industry to be continued. All industry not in keeping with this plan will be OWNERSHIP: Private 22%, federal 70%, and city 7%. discouraged from locating in the area, with The ownership of much of Alexandria's waterfront existing incompatible industries being encour­ is disputed between the city and the federal aged to relocate elsewhere. government. ALTERNATE SHORE USE: The future use of Alexandria's FLOOD HAZARD: High. According to the City of shoreline is contingent upon the outcome of the Alexandria's "Flood Plain Map, 197711 (Ordinance current ownership dispute. At present, two ma­ No. 2182), the 100-year flood would range from jor alternatives exist: 1) Give undisputed 12 feet above MSL at Hunting Creek to 15 feet ownership to the federal government and encour­ above MSL at Fourmile Run. According to this age them to preserve the area as a park or 2) data, the entire waterfront area would be inun­ give ownership to the City of Alexandria and al­ dated, flooding.numerous structures up to two low them to develop a series of open space parks blocks inland. Many structures could be dam­ and redevelop existing structures for commer­ aged or destroyed during the flood. cial/recreational use.

32 SEGMENT 7 tures could be damaged or destroyed during the flood. ARLINGTON COUNTY WATER QUALITY: Poor. This section of the Potomac FOURMILE RUN TO LITTLE FALLS River usually has high fecal coliform counts in excess of the 200 MPN/100 ml contact recreation Maps 7, 8, and 9 standard. Also, the river has experienced low dissolved oxygen levels in past sunnners.

EXTENT: 58,500 feet (11.1 mi.) of shoreline along PRESENT SHORE EROSION SITUATION the Potomac River. The segment includes 58,500 EROSION RATE: No data. VIMS field investiga­ feet (11.1 mi.) of fastland. tion showed little or no erosion in this area. ENDANGERED STRUCTURES: None. SHORELANDS TYPE SHORE PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES: There are approx­ FASTLAND: Artificial fill 2% (0.2 mi.), low imately 15,900 feet of artificially stabilized shore 44% (4.8 mi.), moderately low shore 18% shoreline in the segment, most of which is rip­ (2.0 mi.), moderately high shore 3% (0.4 mi.), rap. All structures appear to be effective. high shore 4% (0.4 mi.), and high shore with bluff 29% (3.2 mi.). OTHER SHORE STRUCTURES: There are several boat SHORE: Artificially stabilized 27% (3.0 mi.), ramps and piers in this section. beach 19% (2.1 mi.), and fringe marsh 54% (5.9 mi.). SHORE USE LIMITATIONS: The entire shoreline is NEARSHORE: Narrow 66% and intermediate 15%. actively used for a variety of purposes. Much The remainder of the nearshore zone is too nar­ of the area is federally owned park land adja­ row and shallow for classification. cent to the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

SHORELANDS USE ALTERNATE SHORE USE: Low. As all shorelands are FASTLAND: Govermnental 8% (0.8 mi.), industrial currently being used, the only change in the use 33% (3.6 mi.), recreational 55% (6.1 mi.), and of the shorelands would be via redevelopment of residential 4% (0.4 mi.). existing areas. SHORE: Some recreational use along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. MAPS: USGS, 7.5 Min.Ser. (Topo.), ALEXANDRIA NEARSHORE: Connnercial shipping in the southern Quadr., 1965, pr. 1971; section of the segment; pleasure boating along USGS, 7;5 Min.Ser. (Topo.), WASHINGTON WEST the entire nearshore area. D.C •. Quadr., 1965, pr. 1971. NOS# 12289 (560), 1:40,000 scale, WIND AND SEA EXPOSURE: The shoreline trends first POTOMAC RIVER, Mattawoman Creek to SE - NW, then ESE - WNW. No significant fetches Georgetown, 31st ed., 1971. affect this section of the Potomac River shore­ line. PHOTOS: Aerial-VIMS 2Mar78 AR-7/164-176; 186-190. OWNERSHIP: Private 8%, federal 72%, and state 20%.

FLOOD HAZARD: Low to high. The upper section of the segment has elevations greater than 100 feet near the shoreline and is not susceptible to flooding. Some areas south of the Key Bridge are prone to flooding, including much of Wash­ ington National Airport. However, most of the flood plains are owned by the federal government and are not developed. The 100-year storm would flood areas to 21 feet above MSL near the mouth of Fourmile Run. Many houses and other struc-

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