Chesapeake Bay A Preservation Plan

The City recognizes the importance of preserving its valuable water The City has made progress towards maintaining and promoting a healthy resources for future generations and the need to protect them from environment; nonetheless, significant environmental issues still need to the adverse effects of pollution generated by urban land uses. The be addressed. This Chesapeake Bay Preservation component to the City’s City also recognizes that land use activities adversely affecting City Comprehensive Plan serves as a planning tool for the City Council, the streams also impact the health and viability of downstream resources, Planning Commission, City agencies, and citizens to help guide the City the most important of which is the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake in its protection of the Chesapeake Bay and the City’s natural resources. Bay is an economic, social, and ecological resource whose continued health is of benefit to all citizens of the Commonwealth.

The City of Fairfax has a vested interest and a responsibility to maintain and promote a healthy environment, including the protection of local waterways from further degradation as a result of development. In addition, steps must be taken to improve currently degraded resources to ensure the long-term health of both the City’s resources and the Chesapeake Bay. The City has risen to the challenge of natural resources and water quality protection and is committed to implementing the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation and Management Regulations as manifest by the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act of 1988. These regulations apply to all localities within Tidewater Virginia; however, the individual jurisdictions are responsible for identifying and implementing Chesapeake Bay preservation strategies.

148 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan Contents

150 Section 1. Introduction, Purpose, and Legal 163 Section 4. Existing and Potential Sources of Authority Water Pollution

151 Section 2. Water Resources Protection 163 4.1. Point Source Pollution Programs and Regulations 165 4.2. Nonpoint Source Pollution 151 2.1. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Regulation 166 4.3. Streambank Erosion and Sedimentation 153 2.2. Erosion and Sediment Control Regulation 170 4.4. Malfunctioning Water Quality BMPs 154 2.3. Landscaping Regulation 170 4.5. Underground Storage Tanks 154 2.4. Floodplain Regulation 172 4.6. Above Ground Storage Tanks 155 2.5. Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances 172 4.7. Illegal Dumping of Petroleum and Litter 155 2.6. City Source Control Programs 173 4.8 Pet and Animal Wastes 156 2.7. Local and Regional Watershed Management 173 4.9. Air Quality as it Relates to Water Quality Efforts 174 Section 5. Environmentally Sensitive 158 Section 3. Inventory of Existing Water Features and Constraints on Development Resources 174 5.1. Floodplains 158 3.1. Streams and Watersheds 175 5.2. Geologic and Sensitive Soil Conditions 161 3.2. Water Supply 175 5.3. Vegetative Buffers and Areas with Mature Tree 162 3.3. Water Quality Monitoring Canopy Cover 163 3.4. Groundwater Resources 177 5.4. Non-Tidal Wetlands 177 5.5. Topography 179 5.6. Groundwater Protection 180 Recommendations

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 149 Section 1. Introduction, Purpose, To achieve these ends, the City Council and the Planning Commission have, in accordance with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation and Legal Authority and Management Regulations (9VAC25-830), developed a Chesapeake Bay preservation program which is centered around the City’s Chesapeake Recognizing the economic and social importance of long-term Bay Preservation regulation of the Zoning Ordinance. This Chesapeake viability of State waters, and in particular the Chesapeake Bay and its Bay Preservation component to the City’s Comprehensive Plan builds tributaries, the Virginia General Assembly enacted the Chesapeake upon the City’s regulation and is designed to protect those qualities of Bay Preservation Act of 1988. The Chesapeake Bay Preservation life held important by the citizens of the Commonwealth and the City and Area Designation and Management Regulations as adopted in 1989 to encourage future development that enhances and compliments the and amended in 1991, 2001, and in 2012, state that local programs growth of the City as well as protects it natural resources. shall contain “a comprehensive plan or revision that incorporates the protection of Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas and of the quality of state waters, in accordance with criteria set forth in Part V (9VAC25- 830-160 et seq.).”

The waters of the Chesapeake Bay have been degraded significantly by many sources of pollution, including nonpoint source pollution from land uses and development. Existing high-quality waters are worthy of protection from degradation to guard against further pollution. Certain lands that are proximate to shorelines have intrinsic water quality value due to the ecological and biological processes that they perform. Other lands have severe development constraints as a result of flooding, erosion, and soil limitations. With proper management, they offer significant ecological benefits by providing water quality maintenance and pollution control, as well as flood and shoreline erosion control.

150 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan Section 2. Water existing regulations and programs related to • Safeguarding the clean waters of the water quality and natural resources protection. Commonwealth from pollution; Resources Protection These regulations and programs are then • Prevention of any increase in pollution; Programs and reexamined and options are presented for their improvement in light of an analysis of • Reduction of existing pollution; and, Regulations the City’s water resources (Section 3), existing and potential sources of pollution (Section 4), • Promotion of water resource The City has made substantial progress and constraints to development (Section 5). conservation in order to provide for towards ensuring the protection and balanced the health, safety, and welfare of the management of its natural resources through 2.1. Chesapeake Bay Preservation present and future citizens of the the implementation of various City regulations Regulation Commonwealth. and water quality protection and pollution The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act prevention programs. While the Chesapeake (Chapter 3.1 of Title 62.1 of the Code of In accordance with State guidelines, Bay Preservation regulation is the City’s Virginia) establishes a program to protect Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas (CBPAs) primary tool for protecting water resources environmentally sensitive features which, were mapped for the City and the City adopted within the City, water quality and natural when disturbed or developed incorrectly, lead a Chesapeake Bay preservation area map as resources protection requires an integrated to reductions in water quality in the Chesapeake part of the City’s Zoning Ordinance in October, approach. Bay. The Act provides a framework for local 1990 and was most recently amended in government to identify these sensitive areas March, 2015 (§4.18. et seq.). The Chesapeake This involves not only regulation but also and to enact regulations to better plan land Bay Preservation Areas were delineated for citizen participation through the use of use activities on and around them. Under the city according to criteria established by public education and volunteer programs. the regulations, the City of Fairfax is called to the State Department of Conservation and Enforcement of the City’s Chesapeake Bay promote the following: Recreation. Figure A1 presents the City’s Preservation regulation must be coupled with Floodplain and Chesapeake Bay Preservation • Protection of existing high quality State a comprehensive examination of how the Area Map. City’s various land use regulations, including waters and restoration of all other State its Zoning and Subdivision ordinances, may waters to a condition or quality that will be better utilized to protect the natural permit all reasonable public uses, and will environment. support the propagation and growth of all aquatic life which might reasonably be The following is an overview of the City’s expected to inhabit them;

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 151 Figure A1 FLOODPLAIN AND CHESAPEAKE BAY PRESERVATION AREA MAP

Blake Ln Lee Hwy´ I-66 Arlington Chain Bridge Rd Blvd

Orchard St

Jermantown Rd

Fairfax Blvd

Fairfax Blvd

Lee Hwy Old Lee Hwy

Pickett Rd Main St North St treams Ponds Main St Resource Protection Areas Resource Management Area University Dr

Chain Bridge Rd Floodplain 1-percent-annual-chance

Burke StationBurke Rd shallow flooding 1 inch 2,5 feet 1-percent-annual-chance ource: 2 RPA, 2 FMA Floodplain flood event Roberts Rd NOTE: FEMA flood maps are continually updated 2 percent-annual-chance through a variety of processes. The RPA does not change without design modifications. flood event

152 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan The resource protection area (RPA) includes §4.18.7 of the Zoning Ordinance as well as the 2.2. Erosion and Sediment Control (1) tidal wetlands; (2) nontidal wetlands development review procedures of §6.13 of the Regulation connected by surface flow and contiguous to Zoning Ordinance. The purpose of the City’s Erosion and tidal wetlands or water bodies with perennial Sediment Control Regulation is to prevent the flow; (3) tidal shores; (4) intermittent streams The performance standards establish the degradation of properties, stream channels, that remain largely in a natural condition and means to minimize erosion and sedimentation waters, and other natural resources by that have not been significantly impacted by potential, reduce land application of nutrients providing that adequate soil erosion and adjacent development; (5) water bodies with and toxics, and maximize rainwater infiltration. sediment control measures are taken before, perennial flow; and (6) a 100-foot vegetated Natural ground cover, especially woody during, and after the period of site clearance, buffer area located adjacent to and landward vegetation, is most effective in holding development, and construction. The Erosion of the components listed above, and expanded soil in place and preventing site erosion. and Sediment Control Ordinance implements to include noncontiguous wetlands within the Indigenous vegetation, with its adaptability the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control floodplain that are partially located within the to local conditions without the use of harmful Law (§ 62.1-44.15:51 et seq of the Code of buffer, along both sides of any water body with fertilizers or pesticides, filters stormwater Virginia (2013)) as well as the Chesapeake Bay perennial flow. runoff. Minimizing impervious cover enhances rainwater infiltration and effectively reduces Preservation Act. In general, development within the RPA is stormwater runoff potential. Under this ordinance, land owners proposing limited to water dependent uses, passive a nonexempt regulated land disturbing recreational uses, utilities and public facilities, The performance standards are intended to activity of greater than 2,500 square feet and certain types of redevelopment so long prevent a net increase in nonpoint source must first submit an erosion and sediment as the proposed land use is carried out in pollution from new development and to control plan to the City Department of Public accordance with the provisions of the City’s achieve a 10 percent reduction in nonpoint Works. The City’s erosion and sediment Zoning Ordinance. source pollution from redevelopment. control requirements are detailed in Erosion The resource management area (RMA) and Sediment Control section of the Zoning includes all lands in the city that are not Ordinance (§4.17). designated as an RPA. All development or redevelopment within a Chesapeake Bay preservation area exceeding 2,500 square feet of disturbed land area shall be subject to the general performance standards in

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 153 2.3. Landscaping Regulation requirements are detailed in the landscape The purpose of the City’s floodplain regulation section of the Zoning Ordinance (§4.5). is to prevent the loss of life and property, the The City’s landscaping regulations are intended creation of health and safety hazards, the to encourage the planting and proper care of Tree cover has long been recognized as serving disruption of commerce and governmental vegetation and trees throughout the City, to protect water quality. Tree canopy provides services and the extraordinary and unnecessary to enhance tree canopy, and to provide for a buffer between precipitation and the soil by expenditure of public funds for flood protection appropriate screening. These actions are slowing the rate and velocity of rainfall. and relief, and the impairment of the tax base intended to contribute to the health, safety, by: and welfare of the city by enhancing pedestrian Tree roots serve to keep soil particles in facilities, decreasing flooding, soil erosion, air place and from washing away due to rainfall. • Regulating uses, activities, and pollution and noise, and improving aesthetics. Vegetation of all types also extract nutrients development which, alone or in from water for use in plant tissues. In addition, combination with their existing or future The regulation controls the removal of tree cover in riparian areas serves to protect uses, activities, and development, will trees from public and private property and aquatic habitat by lowering and stabilizing cause unacceptable increases in flood establishes standards limiting tree removal and stream temperature. heights, velocities, and frequencies. ensuring the replacement of trees sufficient • Restricting or prohibiting certain uses, to safeguard the ecological and aesthetic 2.4. Floodplain Regulation activities, and development from integrity of the community’s environment. In 1981, the Federal Emergency Management locating within districts subject to In addition, the regulation was enacted: Agency (FEMA) investigated the existence and flooding. to prevent the unnecessary clearing and severity of flood hazards in the City of Fairfax disturbing of land so as to preserve, insofar as to aid in the administration of the National • Requiring all those uses, activities, and is practicable, the natural and existing growth Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood developments that do occur in flood- of vegetation; to replace the removed trees Disaster Protection Act of 1973. The study was prone districts to be protected and/or with new trees or large shrubs on the same also meant to be used by local and regional flood proofed against flooding and flood property and in the same general location; planners in their efforts to promote sound damage. to provide protective regulations against floodplain management. To these ends, the hazardous trees and diseased trees or shrubs; • Protecting individuals from buying land City established a floodplain district as part and structures which are unsuited for to control activities related to trees and of the City’s Zoning Ordinance in 1982, which plantings upon the streets or public properties intended purposes because of flood has been continually updated. The current hazards. of the City; and to establish a permit procedure Floodplain regulation was adopted by the City for tree contractors. The City’s landscaping in March 2015.

154 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan In addition to protecting life and property, between businesses, may be used to minimize year. In order for the City’s program to have a the floodplain regulation serves to protect impervious cover. more substantial effect on water quality, more water quality by decreasing the potential frequent and concentrated street sweeping 2.6. City Source Control Programs for stream bank erosion and by providing, would need to be implemented. Specifically, in many instances, vegetated stream buffer The control of pollutants before they enter more intense street sweeping efforts in areas which filter runoff from surrounding stormwater or groundwater is recognized as downtown areas, where nutrients and other impervious areas. Figure A1 on page 3 depicts the most cost effective and environmentally pollutants tend to accumulate at higher rates, areas of Fairfax that have been designated as sound method of environmental protection. may be of direct benefit to water quality. flood prone (the one-hundred year floodplain) While the effectiveness of source control In addition to street sweeping, the City for which the City’s regulation applies. The programs are difficult to ascertain due to conducts a curbside leaf and brush pickup City’s floodplain regulations are detailed in their heavy reliance on human behavior service which discourages those whose §4.15 of the Zoning Ordinance. modification, they are nevertheless integral properties lie within a RPA from dumping components of the Commonwealth’s 2.5. Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances yard waste near streams where it can kill Chesapeake Bay preservation effort. The City vegetation. This practice can result in erosion has addressed source control on a number of The City’s Zoning and Subdivision ordinances and the leaching of excess nutrients into the fronts, many of which are specifically geared provide the City with valuable tools for local stream. In conducting its program, the at water quality protection and some of which natural resources protection through City should take care to make sure that leaves have water quality protection as direct benefit. better development and redevelopment are not placed directly in the gutter where they Among the City’s source control programs practices. Many of the City’s water quality can be washed into the local stream course. protection regulations, including the City’s which benefit water quality are its street Chesapeake Bay Preservation regulation sweeping program, curbside leaf and brush The City has an extensive recycling program and Floodplain regulation are contained pickup service, and recycling program. which has collections for most recycling within the City’s Zoning Ordinance as overlay materials including plastics, glass, metals, etc. Street sweeping is effective in removing districts. Protection of water resources may The City also collects potentially hazardous harmful pollutants, particularly litter and sand be accomplished through the application of substances such as used oil, oil filters, from deicing and snow removal activities. Zoning Ordinance provisions which relate to rechargeable batteries, and car batteries Under the City’s street sweeping program, impervious coverage requirements, land use at the Property Yard Recycling Center. The main streets are swept once a week from densities, etc. For instance, creative parking City advertises its recycling program in the mid-March through mid-November and requirements to minimize impervious areas, Public Works Department’s insert to the City’s subdivision streets are swept three times a including cooperative parking arrangements monthly newsletter several times a year. New

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 155 homeowners are provided with a packet of In the last few decades, several water quality • Virginia Stormwater Management information on recycling requirements and related regulations, as summarized below, Program: These regulations were facilities within the City. have been enacted that has made it necessary established by the DEQ and include for the City to investigate and address these requirements for erosion and sediment In addition to City source control efforts, the problems on a watershed-wide basis. control during the construction process Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), • National Pollution Discharge and for the installation of BMPs to Water Division, works directly with owners of Elimination System: Established address stormwater runoff post- underground storage tanks (USTs) to ensure by the United States Environmental construction. that these tanks do not impact on groundwater Protection Agency (EPA) in 1987 as an quality. The DEQ, Water Division, has an • MS4 Permits: Issued by the DEQ and amendment to the Clean Water Act, the extensive monitoring program to detect and EPA, these regulatory permits require National Pollution Discharge Elimination mitigate any leaking USTs before substantial local governments to implement a System requires permits for discharges groundwater quality degradation can occur. variety of programs (ranging from from municipal separate storm sewer detection and correction of illicit 2.7. Local and Regional Watershed systems to limit pollutant discharges discharges to public outreach and Management Efforts into streams, rivers, and bays. The DEQ education) to lessen the volume of administers the program as the Virginia For many years, the City’s stormwater pollutants carried by their municipal Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. drainage system has been under considerable stormwater conveyance systems. These stress as the result of a rapid increase in • Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act: permits require consistency with the the City’s jurisdiction-wide imperviousness. Established by the DEQ in 1988 to pollution budgets of applicable total Several types of stormwater system problems improve water quality in the Chesapeake maximum daily loads (TMDLs); and have have been identified within the Accotink Bay. Localities are required to adopt been issued over time. Creek watershed including streambank and programs to protect water quality in the • Local TMDL: Established by the DEQ and streambed erosion, sedimentation, localized Chesapeake Bay from excessive nutrients EPA, these TMDLs set target reductions flooding, deteriorated drainage facilities, caused by stormwater runoff from for pollutants (nutrients, sediment, limited capacity of the drainage system as impervious surfaces. bacteria, trash, and PCBs) in a number originally designed, and finally, pollutants of waters in the region that have been affecting water quality. designated as ‘impaired’.

156 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan • Chesapeake Bay TMDL: Established by locations on Accotink Creek. the EPA in December 2010, this historic and comprehensive “pollution diet” The City also participates in regional efforts requires reductions in nutrient (nitrogen by being a member of the Chesapeake Bay and phosphorus) and sediment pollution Policy Committee, which was established throughout the Chesapeake Bay by the MWCOG Board of Directors. Elected watershed and for major tributaries such officials and staff from MWCOG’s member as the Potomac River. governments, and water and wastewater utilities comprise the committee’s membership. To determine how the City will face its The Committee tracks developments under watershed challenges, the City completed a the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program Watershed Management Plan in July 2005. for implications to local governments and The plan evaluated watershed conditions and recommends Bay-related policies to the included recommendations on how to improve Board. watershed health. The City also completed an On June 16, 2014, the Chesapeake Bay Accotink Creek Stream Stability Assessment Watershed Agreement was signed. Signatories and Prioritization Plan in October 2007 and a include representatives from the entire supplement report for Daniels Run in October watershed, including the Commonwealth of 2008. These reports captured the scale and Virginia, committing for the first time the extent of stream bank erosion in the Accotink Chesapeake Bay’s headwater states to full Creek watershed and included a prioritization partnership in the Chesapeake Bay Program. plan for future restoration activities based This plan for collaboration across the Bay’s upon observed conditions. political boundaries establishes goals and The City has been continually implementing outcomes for the restoration of the Bay, its the recommendations identified in these tributaries and the lands that surround them. reports. For example, the City has made significant efforts to stabilize the stream banks to handle the urban stormwater runoff and flows by implementing stream restoration and stabilization improvements at numerous

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 157 Section 3. Inventory on water quality been fully appreciated and jurisdictions. This provides a considerable level addressed. of control to the City over the water quality of of Existing Water its streams. Major perennial streams which Resources With the adoption of the City’s Chesapeake flow through the City include Accotink Creek Bay Preservation regulation in 1990, the (north and central forks) and Daniels Run City committed itself to a comprehensive The City contains a wealth of natural resources (also known as the south fork of Accotink and integrated approach to water quality which benefit both residents and businesses Creek), which drains to Accotink Creek within protection. In order to better plan for future within the City. Of its natural resources, the City. Many smaller tributaries drain to development and redevelopment within the the City’s water resources are among the Accotink Creek and Daniels Run in a roughly City and to identify ways to enhance the most important from an economic, social, dendritic (branched) pattern which has been quality of life through the preservation and and ecological point of view, as well as the substantially modified by development and restoration of the City’s water resources, it most sensitive. Land uses and development, channelization. is important to understand the resources air pollution, and human carelessness all which exist within the City. The following The City contains the headwaters of Accotink contribute to the degradation of water section presents an inventory of the water Creek, which flows through southern Fairfax resources. resources within the City including watersheds County and empties into Accotink Bay and The City has been able to protect many stream and streams, water supplies, water supply Gunston Cove and then into the Potomac corridors through the expansion of its public protection, and groundwater. River. Within the City, Accotink Creek is park system and the preservation of vegetative primarily a gravelly bottomed fast flowing 3.1. Streams and Watersheds buffers. However, as the population grew stream. However, in some wide, shallow, or from only 1,946 in 1950 to 24,097 in 2017, The City is located at the confluence of four slower moving areas, particularly in areas development pressures resulted in a dramatic major drainage divides and includes portions upstream of culverts, thick layers of sediments increase in the City’s impervious acreage of the Accotink Creek, Pohick Creek, Popes have been deposited over the gravel as a result and a loss of natural vegetation. While past Head Creek, and Difficult Run watersheds. of excessive erosion and both natural and man- responses to the pressures of development As a unique consequence, practically all made stream course blockage. Throughout have resulted in the implementation of erosion watercourses within the City (with the much of the City, Accotink Creek is only and sediment control measures, stormwater exception of a few tributaries to Accotink five to ten feet wide and relatively shallow. quantity measures to control flooding, and Creek in the northeastern portion of the City) However, the creek widens to ten to twenty- floodplain protection, only recently have the originate within its boundaries and are not five feet and is several feet deep where it exits post-development effects of urbanization directly affected by activities from neighboring

158 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan the northeastern edge of the City near the Figure A2 WATERSHEDS intersection of Pickett Road and Old Pickett Ontario Road in Thaiss Park. New York DIFFICULT RUN ACCOTINK CREEK WATERSHED WATERSHED According to the Division of Soil and Water Conservation’s Hydrologic Units Map of Northern Virginia, the City lies primarily within CHESAPEAKEPennsylvania the Accotink Creek watershed (HUC Code: C F Ohio BAY FAFA CHESAPEAKEWATERSHED 020700100402) which drains approximately BAY WATERSHED 90% of the City. The Pohick Creek watershed New (HUC Code: 020700100401), which drains Maryland Jersey FAFA the southeastern portion of the City covers West C Delaware Virginia C F District of approximately 3% of the City. The Difficult Run POPES HEAD FAFA Columbia CREEK watershed (HUC Code: 02070081004), which CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED CHESAPEAKE BAY drains the area west of Jermantown Road, Virginia covers approximately 3% of the City while POHICKPOHICK CREEKCREEK the Popes Head Creek watershed (HUC Code: WATERSHEDWATERSHED 020700100705), which drains the southwestern ´ portion of the City, covers approximately 4% Sources: City of Fairfax GIS, Fairfax County Watersheds layer North Carolina of the City. Popes Head Creek flows through

south-central Fairfax County, bisecting the South Carolina Sources: Esri Town of Clifton, and eventually empties into the Occoquan Reservoir. This is significant Tributary streams within the City are subject been cleared to their banks, or have been due to the fact that the Occoquan serves as to runoff from shopping centers, garages, modified to enhance drainage capacity, only a primary drinking water supply for a large parking lots, and other potentially high a relatively small proportion of the City’s percentage Northern Virginians. Figure pollution areas. Storm drains feed the perennial streams have actually been piped or A2 presents a schematic of the City’s major majority of the streams passing through the channelized with concrete. The implications watersheds. Figure A3 presents a schematic City and have been implicated as sources of that the City’s land uses, impervious cover, of the major streams within the City. pollution from improperly disposed petroleum and human activities have on water quality are products. Although many tributaries have further detailed in Section 4.

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 159 Figure A3 WATER RESOURCES Approximately 1 miles of stream channels, Blake Ln 9 acres of open water, and 11 acres of wetlands Lee wy exist in the City of Fairfax I Arlington Chain Bridge Rd Blvd

airfax Blvd Orchard St

ermantown Rd

airfax Blvd airfax Blvd

Lee wy Old Lee wy

Pickett Rd Main St North St

Perennial Main St

Streams that have continuous flow Rd Roberts all year round during years of normal rainfall ntermittent niversity Dr Streams that normally cease flowing Chain Bridge Rd for weeks or months each year phemeral Channels that flow only for hours or days following rainfall StationBurke Rd etland Land area that is saturated with water, 1 inch 2,5 feet either permanently or seasonally Source: City of Fairfax GIS , Watershed Management Plan, July 2005 Pond and the Accotink Creek Stream Stability Assessment and Prioritization A body of standing water Plan, 2008; Stream Assessment/Mapping and Chesapeake Bay (either natural or artificial) Preservation Area Mapping Project, 2003

160 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan 3.2. Water Supply Figure A4 FAIRFAX WATER SERVICE AREAS

The City sold its water system to Fairfax Water on January 2, 2014. Since that sale, Fairfax Water has been providing water services to TOWN OF HERNDON the City as presented on Figure A4.

Per the Fairfax Water Strategic Plan 2020, DULLES AIRPORT “Fairfax Water owns and operates the two TOWN largest water treatment facilities in Virginia OF VIENNA with an average daily water production of 163 million gallons and combined maximum CITY OF capacity of 376 million gallons per day. The FAIRFAX James J. Corbalis Jr. treatment plant is at the northern tip of Fairfax County and the Frederick P. Griffith Jr. treatment plant is on the southern border of Fairfax County. Fairfax Water also purchases water from the McMillan and Dalecarlia treatment plants in Washington

DC. They are part of the Washington Aqueduct, Source: Fairfax Water 2016 Annual Water Quality Report owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps Customers in this service area receive FORT BELVOIR of Engineers. Fairfax Water draws raw water water from the Potomac River and ccoquan Reservoir from two primary sources: the Potomac River that is treated at the James J. Corbalis Jr. or Frederick P. Griffith Jr. and the Occoquan Reservoir, which is fed by treatment plants, owned and operated by Fairfax ater the Occoquan River.” Customers in this service area receive water from the Potomac River that is treated at the McMillan and Dalecarlia water treatment plants, The principal source of potable water for part of the ashington Aqueduct system, owned and operated by the the City is the Potomac River and Occoquan Army Corps of ngineers

Reservoir that is treated at the James J. Customers in this service area receive water from the Potomac River that is treated Corbalis Jr. or Frederick P. Griffith Jr. treatment at the Dalecarlia water treatment plant, part of the ashington Aqueduct system, plants. Fairfax Water continually works to owned and operated by the Army Corps of ngineers reliably meet the needs of present and future

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 161 customers. The City will continue to work with 3.3. Water Quality Monitoring Plans. Under the program, the City collects Fairfax Water to ensure the City has access to water quality samples which are analyzed safe and reliable drinking water. Protecting the quality of surface water resources for water quality parameters including Total is a concern for many urban jurisdictions. The Suspended Solids (TSS), Bacteria (E. coli), In compliance with federal Safe Drinking Water removal of tree canopy cover, which serves to temperature, specific conductance, Dissolved Act, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) stabilize and cool stream temperatures, as well Oxygen (DO), pH, turbidity, nitrate + nitrite, conducts source-water assessments, which as increased imperviousness of surrounding total phosphorus, and volatile suspended consist of figures of the evaluated watershed areas, which increases the volume and velocity solids. Samples are collected twice a year from area, an inventory of known land-use activities, of stormwater runoff into local streams, have six representative MS4 outfalls located within and documentation of known source-water a generally negative effect on stream water the drainage sheds of the impaired reaches of contamination. The Potomac River and the quality. Water quality may be decreased Difficult Run, Accotink Creek, and Popes Head Occoquan Reservoir were determined to be of as a result of pesticide and fertilizer-laden Creek. high susceptibility to contamination. runoff from adjacent lawns or by runoff from parking lots which may contain nutrients, The City utilizes the water quality sampling In addition to protecting the City’s water heavy metals, and hydrocarbons. Eroding data to address multiple objectives including: supply from pollution, water conservation stream banks contribute to urban water screening for potential sources of the pollutants practices help conserve and protect it from quality problems by choking local streams of concern discharging into the City’s MS4; depletion. Conservation also reduces the with sediment. Illegal dumping into storm targeting locations within the MS4 permit amount of potable water that reaches the sewers, trash and litter, animal and pet wastes, area for implementation of BMPs; educating City’s sanitary sewer system and reduces the and leaking above ground and underground the public on the potential water quality potential that landscape irrigation and car storage tanks also take their toll on urban impacts of their actions and behavior within washing will result in water pollution. The City water quality. the MS4 drainage area; and ultimately to aid should develop a program to encourage City in assessing the overall effectiveness of the residents on a more regular basis to practice The City’s established Water Quality Action Plan in reducing the discharge of the water conservation, including the voluntary Monitoring Program (WQMP) helps the City pollutants of concern from the City’s MS4. replacement of water-intensive (or leaky) meet the requirements contained in Section fixtures in the home with new low consumption I.B.2.e of the City’s Municipal Separate Storm At the end of each MS4 permit reporting fixtures. Incorporation of water conservation Sewer System (MS4) permit, and Item 9 in the period, the City prepares annual Water Quality into the school curriculum is also an effective City of Fairfax’s DEQ approved TMDL Action Monitoring Reports, which are included approach and has been used elsewhere in Plans. It was designed to assist in assessing the with the City’s MS4 Annual Report. Once Northern Virginia, including Arlington County. effectiveness of all the City’s Local TMDL Action appropriate amounts of sampling data have

162 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan been collected under the WQMP, the City will Section 4. Existing and 4.1. Point Source Pollution analyze the results to determine the next steps Point source pollution is pollution which to take with the MS4 Permit Program and local Potential Sources of can be attributed to a specific outfall and is TMDL Action Plans. Water Pollution therefore often the most easily recognizable 3.4. Groundwater Resources and regulatable form of pollution. Industries While some level of environmental pollution and municipalities, under the federal Clean While the City no longer relies on groundwater resulting from human activity may be Water Act, National Pollution Discharge resources for its potable water supply, inevitable, the cost of pollution and its effects Elimination System, are required to report groundwater is nonetheless an important on quality of life should not be ignored. pollution discharges to water courses above water resource. An investigation of the Unmanaged pollution can result in surface and a certain threshold, and to the maximum groundwater resources of the City is important groundwater contamination, poor air quality, extent practicable, mitigate the effects of the because groundwater is intimately connected aesthetic degradation of the landscape, and the pollution on the environment. The DEQ, Water with the ecosystem as it provides the base destruction of important ecological habitats, Division, maintains records on these sources flow to many rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, all of which detract from the City’s basic of pollution and is charged with ensuring that and wetlands. Groundwater is also an issue character. The most cost-effective approach environmental regulations are enforced. of regional importance due to its dynamic to the problem of pollution is to prevent it at its nature, as was shown when a leaking oil source. A number of tools are available to the There are two National Pollution Discharge storage tank at the Fairfax Tank Farm formed City to aid in pollution prevention, including Elimination System discharge points located a plume which spread from the eastern edge public education and awareness programs, within the City (VA0001872 and VA0002283), of the City into the Mantua neighborhood of water conservation, lawn care programs, and both of which drain to tributaries of Accotink Fairfax County. Because the City no longer recycling efforts, to name only a few. The Creek (see Figure A5). The discharge points relies on groundwater for its potable water cost to the City once environmental damage are associated with ongoing activities at the supply, recent data on City-wide groundwater is done includes not only short term clean-up Fairfax Tank Farm Terminal Complex located dynamics and quality is not available. costs, but long-term costs including decreased on Colonial Avenue. The City’s water quality property values and loss of tax base. The is not affected by any upstream point source

following section describes the City’s existing discharges from surrounding Fairfax County sources of pollution as well as potential sources or other jurisdictions. There are currently no of pollution which the City may face as it grows municipal discharge points on property owned and develops. by the City which fall under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 163 Figure A5 NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) DISCHARGE POINTS

Blake Ln I Lee wy´

Eaton Pl airfax Blvd Orchard St

ermantown Rd

airfax Blvd Old Lee wy airfax Blvd

VA12 Lee wy Chain Bridge Rd .! Main St

Pickett Rd VA223 .! .! VPD utfall .! ndividual Permit

There are two discharge points in the City of Main St Fairfax Both are categorized.!.! as “minor, meaning the type of.! discharge and volume is “commercial, small industrial and sewage of

less than 1 million gallons per day Rd Roberts Whitacre Rd Whitacre

Burke StationBurke Rd

Permit Permit 1 inch 2,5 feet acility Address Number Ox Rd Expiration Source: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Virginia Environmental Geographic VA182 oint Basin Corporation - Fairfax Terminal Complex 91 Colonial Ave 11//22 Systems (VEGIS) , Accessed March 12, 2018 VA228 Motiva nterprises C - Fairfax 8 Pickett Rd /25/218

164 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan regulations. Stormwater runoff, which is immediately after periods of precipitation. Nonpoint source pollution from urban areas considered nonpoint source pollution, unless This results in increased soil erosion and the can be controlled by minimizing impervious piped, is further discussed under Section 4.2. destruction of wildlife habitat. areas from new development, reducing impervious areas through redevelopment, 4.2. Nonpoint Source Pollution The effect on local waterways is a general utilizing open space and preserving indigenous degradation of water quality and a Nonpoint source pollution is pollution which vegetation, restoring denuded vegetative phenomenon known as eutrophication. cannot be attributed to a single source but is stream buffers, and by employing the use of Eutrophic conditions, caused by excessive the result of many diffuse sources. Considered structural or nonstructural best management nutrients in the water, are characterized by singularly, each small source would not practices (BMPs), which operate by trapping low dissolved oxygen levels and high algal constitute a problem, but together these stormwater runoff and detaining it until growth. The primary detrimental effect on nonpoint sources constitute a substantial unwanted nutrients, sediment, and other water resources, particularly on large bodies threat to water quality. Most commonly, harmful pollutants are allowed to settle out of water such as the Potomac River and the nonpoint source pollution is caused by rainfall or be filtered through the underlying soil. Chesapeake Bay, is algal blooms, which running off roadways, parking lots, roof tops, The City’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation block sunlight from aquatic life and deplete and other urban land uses. Urbanization regulation requires the achievement of certain the dissolved oxygen content during decay. increases the imperviousness of a land area, performance standards for any development Eutrophication also destroys the recreational thereby increasing the amount and velocity of which takes place in designated Chesapeake use of water resources and results in strong stormwater runoff delivered to nearby streams. Bay Preservation Areas. odor and undesirable taste. Pollutants which would normally settle out or A useful analysis tool in nonpoint source infiltrate through the soil are carried directly Because the City lies within the Tidewater area pollution mitigation is to examine where highly to local waterways. On a per acre basis, urban of Virginia, which has a significant impact on impervious areas of the City are in relation to land use including residential development the health of the Chesapeake Bay, controlling the City’s water resources. In this way, various generally produces higher annual nonpoint nonpoint source pollution is an important nonpoint source pollution control efforts, from source pollutant loadings of nutrients, heavy aspect of the City’s environmental protection educational programs to redevelopment, can metals, and oxygen-depleting substances than efforts. The Virginia Division of Soil and Water be concentrated on those areas most likely to do rural agricultural uses. Oil contamination, Conservation has designated the control of produce the greatest impact on the quality of sediments, pesticides, metals, and other toxic nonpoint source pollution as a high priority for City water. Since the City is largely built out, substances can kill fish and destroy bottom life. all watersheds within the City. these figures are helpful when considering In addition to transporting pollution, increased where to concentrate redevelopment or runoff also increases instream flow during and retrofit to improve water quality. It is also

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 165 useful in deciding where and what types of Figure A6 PERVIOUS AND IMPERVIOUS AREAS public education programs may be beneficial. The City consists of approximately 42.7% Blake Ln ´ Lee wy impervious land areas and 57.3% pervious land I areas (Figure A6).

Chain Bridge Rd

Chain Bridge Rd The City’s nonpoint source pollution control airfax Blvd program also includes the City’s Erosion and Orchard St Sediment Control Ordinance. This ordinance

requires that stormwater management ermantown Rd facilities be installed during construction to airfax Blvd airfax Blvd help control increased stormwater runoff created by development thereby reducing Old Lee wy the possibility of downstream flooding and Lee wy

Pickett Rd erosion. Main St North St 4.3. Streambank Erosion and Sedimentation Main St

While streambank and land erosion is a niversity Dr

natural process, land development has greatly Chain Bridge Rd accelerated this process. As large areas of

Burke StationBurke Rd once forested land have been replaced with StationBurke Rd mpervious Area impervious land cover, a greater quantity 1 inch , feet

Roberts Rd of stormwater is directly piped into local Pervious Area Source: City of Fairfax GIS waterways at a much higher velocity. Signs of 2013 Impervious Surfaces stormwater erosion include undercut streams and fallen banks, felled bushes and trees which once lined the banks, and exposed sewer and other utility pipes. Suspended sediments choke and muddy local waterways making them uninhabitable to local species of aquatic

166 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan life. In addition, nutrients and other pollutants Figure A7 OVERALL STREAM HEALTH attach themselves to sediment particles and contribute to eutrophic conditions in Blake Ln Lee wy the Potomac River and the Chesapeake I Bay. Eventually, suspended sediments are Arlington Chain Bridge Rd Blvd deposited in slower moving portions of the stream course, causing buildup, destruction airfax Blvd Orchard St of benthic life forms, and a decreased stream capacity for floodwaters, thus resulting in greater potential for further erosion and ermantown Rd airfax Blvd property damage. airfax Blvd

Old Lee wy Completed in 2005, the City’s Watershed Lee wy

Pickett Rd Management Plan found that overall stream Main St health to be fair to poor in the majority of the North St City (Figure A7); erosion potential remains Main St at a very high level; there is evidence of Rd Roberts tream sediment deposition which can cause water niversity Dr Pond quality degradation and have negative Chain Bridge Rd

impacts on aquatic life; and down-cutting Overall Stream Health StationBurke Rd streams threaten City utilities and surrounding xcellent property. verall tream ealth ood Assessment ores Fair A bank erosion hazard index (BEHI) assessment for City of Fairfax treams was conducted on Accotink Creek (Figure A8) Poor Assessment Stream Length % of Score (Feet) Streams and Daniels Run (Figure A9). The BEHI is Excellent 0 0 a methodology used to assess and predict 1 inch ,2 feet Good 1,350 3 Source: City of Fairfax GIS , Stream Assessment/Mapping and Chesapeake Bay stream bank erosion potential. Based on the Preservation Area Mapping Project, 2003; Accotink Creek Stream Stability Fair 10,900 20 BEHI results, over 90% of studied stream reach Assessment and Prioritization Plan Supplemental Report for Daniels Run, 2008 Poor 41,360 77 length had at least a high potential for stream bank degradation and over half of all stream

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 167 Figure A8 BANK EROSION HAZARD INDEX ASSESSMENT RESULTS FOR ACCOTINK CREEK

Legend Stream Reaches Not Evaluated

Condition Extreme Very High High Moderate Low 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 Feet

Bank Erosion Hazard Index Assessment was conducted on Accotink Creek on January 16-19, 2007.

168 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan Figure A9 BANK EROSION HAZARD INDEX ASSESSMENT RESULTS FOR DANIELS RUN

Army-Navy Country Club

Legend Stream Reaches Not Evaluated Condition Extreme Very High High Bank Erosion Hazard Index Assessment was 0 500 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 Moderate conducted on Daniels Run on August 4-7, 2007. Feet Low

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 169 reaches were found to be at a very high or facilities throughout the City, it is responsibility for its land area. Underground storage tanks extreme risk for stream bank degradation. It of the owner(s) to maintain the BMP facility are concentrated along the City’s commercial is evident from these results that stream bank in good working order. The maintenance and industrial corridors including lower Pickett erosion is a major impact on the stability and agreement, Erosion and Sediment Control Road, Old Town Fairfax, the Kamp Washington overall health of the City’s streams plan or Site Plan, provides the City of Fairfax area, the intersection of Chain Bridge Road with authority to conduct inspections of BMPs and Fairfax Boulevard, and the Fairfax Circle 4.4. Malfunctioning Water Quality BMPs and Stormwater Management Facilities. area (Figure A8).

In response to the water quality requirements The City conducts a Citywide assessment to When properly maintained, underground of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, ensure all facilities are in working order on an storage tanks are safe, save space, and are many development sites within the City will annual basis. A representative from the City a more aesthetically pleasing alternative be called upon to establish water quality best or an authorized consultant visits the property than above ground storage tanks. However, management practices (BMPs). These BMPs (or HOA property) to conduct an inspection of leaking tanks are a major source of soil and are designed to detain polluted stormwater the stormwater control measures and BMPs in groundwater contamination. Leaking USTs runoff until harmful pollutants have had a place to ensure proper maintenance is being also have the potential to affect surface waters chance to settle, at which time the stormwater performed in accordance with the suggested since many streams are fed by groundwater is slowly released. However, BMPs, like most maintenance schedule for each facility. aquifers. Underground storage tanks often other structural facilities, will deteriorate pose a greater threat than other sources 4.5. Underground Storage Tanks over time and require regular maintenance. of pollution because a leak or spill may not Adequate maintenance will prolong the The Virginia Department of Environmental be detected until it has already created expected lifespan of a facility, therefore saving Quality (DEQ), Water Division, is responsible extensive damage. Further, there exist many considerable money in the long-run. Further, for permitting and tracking underground underground storage tanks which were while a properly functioning facility enhances storage tanks (USTs). Within the City limits, installed before more stringent regulations downstream environments by mitigating the there are approximately 376 USTs of varying were applied. The location and condition of environmental impacts of land development, capacity at 118 street addresses. Of these these tanks are often unknown. pollutant removal efficiencies will decline over USTs, only 62 are still active. The USTs are time if regular maintenance is not performed. Another important factor affecting the currently being used to store gasoline, diesel, incidence of leaking tanks is the age of the used oil, heating oil, and other substances. Pursuant to the BMP Maintenance and tanks. Particularly in an area such as Fairfax Due to the fact that the City is a major Monitoring Agreement, Erosion and Sediment where soils tend to be acid, older tanks are commercial and transportation corridor, the Control Plan, or Site Plan governing the more likely to be subject to leakage than City has a relatively high concentration of USTs

170 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan Figure A10 LOCATION OF UNDERGROUND AND ABOVE GROUND STORAGE TANKS (USTS & ASTS) 0 0 0 0#0 0 Blake Ln I 0 Lee wy ´ 00 0#0 0#0 00000#00 000#0 0 00 000#00#00 0 0#0[! 0 0#0 0H[! Eaton Pl 0airfax Blvd Orchard St 0 00 00 000# 0 0#0 000#0#0[!0 0 00#0 0 ermantown Rd 0000 0 0#0 airfax Blvd 00 00#0#0 0#0 Old Lee wy 00 00airfax Blvd 0 00 0#000 0 0 Lee wy0#00 00 0 0 Chain Bridge Rd 0Main0 St 0 0 0[! 0 Pickett Rd 0 0#0 0[! H0[!0 0# 000 0 0 00 0 00 0[! 0 0# Active T (2 0#0 00 0#00[! 0 00#000 0 0 nactive T (1 Main0 St 0#0 0 0 [! Active AT (2 0 0

H nactive AT ( 0 Rd Roberts Whitacre Rd Whitacre 1 inch 2,5 feet 0 0#0[! StationBurke Rd Source: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Virginia Environmental Geographic 0 Systems (VEGIS) , Accessed March 12, 2018 Ox Rd 0 0

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 171 newer tanks designed to counter acid soil. incorporate new performance standards for clearly marked on the tank and specifically Areas where age may be a factor are scattered certain aboveground storage tanks (1 million indicate the filling cap location. throughout the City which should be a gallon or more AST facilities) located in the City consideration when targeting areas for further as mandated by the 2011 General Assembly investigation or for public/business education. (CH 884 of the 2011 Acts of Assembly). By July 4.7. Illegal Dumping of Petroleum and Another factor to consider is the proximity 1, 2021, the impacted facilities must satisfy Litter of USTs to stream sites. Streams which are specific requirements for strength testing, and The reported presence of petroleum products located near USTs of above average age may release prevention barriers. in City streams is a major water quality be at particular risk to contamination. Most concern. Petroleum can severely damage the Individual tanks with a capacity of less than 660 of the commercial areas of the City directly ecosystem by destroying plant life and killing gallons or multiple tanks with an aggregate impact on at least one perennial stream. aquatic lifeforms. While some petroleum capacity of less than 1,320 gallons are not products in the water may be attributable to The City has and will continue to work with currently regulated by the State or the federal leaking automobiles on nearby parking areas the owners of leaking underground storage government. Within the City limits, there or leaking underground storage tanks, the tanks and the DEQ to ensure that any existing are 65 regulated ASTs of varying capacity most common source of petroleum is illegal or future contamination is properly addressed at 9 street addresses (Figure A 8). Of these dumping by do-it-yourself (DIY) automotive and corrected. ASTs, 62 are currently active. Most home maintenance activities. A DIY is an individual fuel oil tanks are only 200 to 660 gallons. It is 4.6. Above Ground Storage Tanks who removes used oil from a motor vehicle, therefore the responsibility of the individual utility engine, or other piece of equipment that The Virginia State Water Control Board in 1998 owner to ensure that leaks and spills do not he or she operates as opposed to someone adopted the regulation, 9 VAC 25-91-10 et seq., occur. While individual household tanks do not who takes the equipment to a lube shop or which consolidated three repealed regulations, pose a significant risk to the environment, the auto mechanic. that is, (i) Oil Discharge Contingency Plans and aggregate of tanks may pose a serious threat Administrative Fees, 9 VAC 25-90-10 et seq. if small problems are not taken seriously. There is a risk that DIYers may pour the oil (ii) Facility and Aboveground Storage Tank Releases from individual tanks may occur as down a storm drain or throw it out in the Registration Requirements, 9 VAC 25-130-10 a result of overfill or the tipping over of the trash, resulting in a release of oil into the et seq., and (iii) Aboveground Storage Tanks tank. To reduce the risk of accidental spill, the environment. For areas such as the City of Pollution Prevention Requirements, 9 VAC homeowner or fuel company should inspect a Fairfax, where streams are primarily fed by 25-140-10 et seq. tank before filling to ensure that it is sturdy and residential storm drains, only a few careless does not exhibit signs of corrosion. An owner instances can result in a significant degradation The AST regulations were revised primarily to should also have the capacity of the tank

172 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan in water quality. some pet owners who leave pet wastes which air sources contribute about one-third of the are then easily transported by the next storm total nitrogen loads to the Chesapeake Bay The City provides and advertises for the directly into the water course. by depositing onto the tidal surface waters of collection of used oil and oil filters at its the Bay and Bay watershed. Direct deposition Property Yard Recycling Center, implements Fecal coliform can severely impact on the to the Bay’s tidal surface waters is estimated a storm drain marking program, and works viability of the City’s water resources. Control to be six to eight percent of the total (air and with local civic organizations and volunteers mechanisms include enforcing local animal non-air) nitrogen load delivered to the Bay. to install storm drain markers, which state waste control provisions, BMPs, and natural Nitrogen deposited onto the land surface “Only rain down the storm drain.” These stream buffers. While BMPs and natural of the Bay’s watershed and subsequently markers are used to educate residents that buffers are established as part of the City’s transported to the Bay is approximately 25 to the storm drain eventually empties to the overall Chesapeake Bay Program, the most 28 percent of the total nitrogen load delivered Chesapeake Bay watershed and to prevent the effective manner of control is through public to the Bay. amount of pollution that reaches local creeks education and better enforcement of the and rivers. The City may wish to consider the City’s animal waste control regulation. Better The Clean Air Act requires significant air implementation of a public education program enforcement and education can reduce the quality planning and implementation at local, which not only informs residents what to do levels of fecal coliforms and nutrients in State, and regional levels. The Clean Air Act with used oil, but also tells them what to do if stormwater runoff. regulations and programs are expected to he/she witnesses a neighbor pouring oil down achieve significant decreases in air deposition a storm drain. The City will continue to promote and maintain of nitrogen by 2020. the dog waste disposal stations along the park 4.8. Pet and Animal Wastes trail. The City will also add brochure holders Nitrogen is the primary pollutant of concern for to each waste station that contain public brackish waterbodies such as the Chesapeake Fecal coliform is a pollutant of concern in education / outreach materials related to the Bay. While very little atmospheric deposition the City of Fairfax. While there are several water quality impacts of dog waste. will fall directly into the City’s streams, potential sources of fecal coliforms, the most pollutants deposited on impervious surfaces, 4.9. Air Quality as it Relates to Water likely source is from pet waste, and particularly which make up approximately 42.7% of the Quality dog waste, which is not disposed of properly. City’s land area, will be washed into local City paths and walkways along streams (or Recent evidence suggests that atmospheric waterways via curbs, gutters, and storm drains near storm drains) provide for public access deposition, as a result of poor air quality, during storm events. This has the potential and scenic areas to walk, run, and bicycle. has a greater impact on water quality than to contribute significantly to water quality However, these public areas are also used by previously assumed. According to the EPA, problems within the City and beyond.

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 173 The City has already contributed to improving Section 5. raised over environmental degradation, air quality through the establishment of and particularly the effects of increased pedestrian and bicycle trails in accordance Environmentally stormwater runoff on the City’s streams, the with the Comprehensive Plan and by keeping Sensitive Features City has begun to reevaluate past practices. CUE bus fares low to encourage ridership. The Good planning now prescribes that when City also continues to work with George Mason and Constraints on possible, development should avoid sensitive University and Fairfax County to encourage Development environmental features. The following section alternative forms of transportation. provides an overview of the sensitive natural Land use planning that takes into account resources within the City of Fairfax and an Many approaches to improving air quality from sensitive natural features and water resources analysis of how these resources are currently mobile source emissions will be implemented has the dual benefit of enhancing quality of being managed and additional management at the State and regional levels through life through protecting the environment from options. transportation control measures such as degradation as well as protecting businesses increased public transportation and high 5.1. Floodplains and homeowners from potentially harmful occupancy vehicle lanes. Technological environmental hazards. Although land use The relatively flat or low land area adjoining a advances such as alternative fuel vehicles patterns within much of the City are well river, stream, or water course which is subject and tighter tailpipe standards are other established, a few vacant parcels still have to partial or complete inundation is known as measures whose widespread application is development potential. These properties a floodplain. Encroachment on floodplains, expected. The City continues to contribute to deserve special consideration and should be such as artificial fill, reduces a stream’s flood- these regional efforts through participation developed in a manner which integrates the carrying capacity, increases flood heights, and on the Metropolitan Washington Council of man-made and natural environments. increases flood hazards in areas beyond the Government’s Air Quality Committee and encroachment itself. In addition, floodplain The Climate, Energy and Environment Policy Most development within the City, however, soils are often unsuitable for development due Committee (CEEPC). will take place as a result of redevelopment. to high water table, shrink-swell potential, and Development prior to the late 1980s took place highly permeable and hydric soil conditions. The City seeks to continue its commitment to without the benefit of many environmental Floodplains also provide important habitat clean air by expanding its efforts and adopting protection constraints; therefore some for a range of vegetative and animal species. policies to increase public awareness of the existing development is not sensitive to the environmental problems associated with air potential for water quality degradation that In 1974, the Federal Emergency Management pollution. development brings. With recent concern Agency (FEMA) conducted a study of flooding

174 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan potential and hazards in the City as part of its redevelopment. Development should be are poorly drained, subject to flooding, and national flood insurance program. The plan guided away from sensitive or unstable areas not suitable for urban development. Figure A was also meant to be used as a tool to assist in order to protect the safety of residents, 9 presents the distribution of soil associations local governments in effective floodplain the structural soundness of buildings, and in the City. management. As a result of the study, the the water quality of Accotink Creek, Pohick City adopted a Floodplain regulation which Creek, Popes Head Creek, Difficult Run, The underlying geology of the City, along with establishes an overlay as part of the Zoning and eventually the Potomac River and the climate, determines soils characteristics, which Ordinance in 1993. As discussed in Section 2.4, Chesapeake Bay. offers both constraints and opportunities the current Floodplain regulation was adopted for development. In order to promote soil by the City in March, 2015. The overlay district Common constraints placed by geologic conservation and protect water quality, as well severely limits the type and location of any conditions or sensitive soils include but are as safeguard residents and businesses from development in the floodplain district. The not limited to hydric conditions, shrink-swell potential hazards, including hazards such as floodplain district includes areas subject to potential, wetness, flooding potential, depth radon, it is imperative that future development inundation by waters of the one-hundred to bedrock, and high water table. Proper within the City takes geologic constraints year flood. The one-hundred year floodplain management of soils will help maintain clean into consideration. Most areas of the City are within the City is associated with areas along water and will provide areas to recharge generally suitable for development purposes the north and central forks of Accotink Creek, groundwater. However, poor management of if a site is properly engineered. A discussion of Daniels Run, and some major tributaries. A soils will choke local waterways with silt and the engineering capacity of underlying geology denuded or improperly developed floodplain sediments and result in the erosion of valuable is inappropriate for this Plan due to its technical can result in erosion and a significant reduction topsoil as well as spoil the landscape. and detailed nature. Developers must refer to in water quality and reduce the effectiveness of the City’s Department of Public Works for more According to the USDA Natural Resources the RPA. Figure A1 delineates the approximate information and recommended resources. Conservation Service soil survey data (2015), extent of the one-hundred year floodplain (1 most of the City falls into the Wheaton-Glenelg 5.3. Vegetative Buffers and Areas percent annual chance flood event) in the City. complex soil association. This complex is with Mature Tree Canopy Cover 5.2. Geologic and Sensitive Soil a mixture of the development disturbed To the maximum extent possible, the City Conditions Wheaton soil and the natural Glenelg soil wishes to maintain and enhance its urban tree which is well suited for development. Much It is difficult to overemphasize the importance cover. During development, provisions must of the soil within the City’s floodplains falls of geology and soils characteristics when be made to protect existing trees and replace into the Codorus and Hatboro complex and planning for new development and trees when they are damaged or removed. Codorus silt loam soil associations. These soils

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 175 Figure A11 SOILS

tream ´ Soils I 29 Codorus silt loam Codorus and atboro soils airfax Blvd 9 lenelg silt loam Eaton Pl Orchard St 12 heaton loam 15 heaton - lenelg complex ermantown Rd rban and airfax Blvd Old Lee wy ther oils airfax Blvd ater

Lee wy Chain Bridge Rd Main St

Pickett Rd

The City of Fairfax lies entirely in the Main St Piedmont pland region Most of the soils in the City fall into the heaton - lenelg complex

(15 soil association This complex is a mixture Rd Roberts of the development disturbed heaton soil (12 1 inch 2,5 feet and the natural lenelg soil (9 Much of the soil ource: DA-RC, VA, Version

Burke StationBurke Rd within the City’s floodplains falls into the Codorus ep , 215; VA59, Version , Dec 11, 21 and atboro complex ( and Codorus (29 soil associations

176 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan The City’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation 5.4. Non-Tidal Wetlands Pertinent law protecting non-tidal wetlands regulation also requires that a 100-foot includes Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Wetlands provide a variety of environmental buffer area along perennial streams be Act, which addresses dredge and fill operations and socio-economical benefits and also serve maintained or established during development and is administered through the Army Corps of as important fish and wildlife habitat. Wetlands or redevelopment in order to protect streams Engineers, and the Virginia Water Protection enhance water quality by filtering water as it from the adverse effects of increased Permit Act. Other programs, such as those passes through, thereby reducing sediments, impervious surfaces and resultant runoff. under the Virginia Endangered Species Act and nutrients, and chemical and organic pollutants various floodplain management regulations, flowing to open water. Wetlands also assist Since the City is almost entirely developed, few also serve to protect non-tidal wetlands. significant vegetation stands remain. Those with flood control and serve as groundwater that still exist deserve special protection so discharge and recharge areas. The U.S. Fish Under the City’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation that their aesthetic and ecological benefits to and Wildlife Service estimates that up to 43% regulation, non-tidal wetlands connected the City are not lost. The largest City-owned of the threatened and endangered species by surface flow and contiguous to tidal vegetation stand is located at Daniels Run rely directly or indirectly on wetlands for their wetlands or water bodies with perennial flow Park. The park covers 48 acres, most of which survival. are designated as RPAs. All other non-tidal is in a natural state. It contains deciduous wetlands are protected as part of the RMA. The City has a total of 11 acres of wetlands. vegetation with an oak canopy and a beech Most wetlands within the City are located Figure A2 presents the City’s water resources, understory. Other tree types found there are contiguous to a tributary stream and within including wetland areas. There are 8.6 acres hickory, sycamore, tulip poplar, and holly. The the confines of the floodplain. of woody wetlands, which consist of areas 20-acre Van Dyck Park is partially wooded where forest or shrubland vegetation accounts 5.5. Topography as is the 10-acre Ranger Road Park. The 20- for 25-100 percent of the cover and the soil acre Providence Park is largely wooded, and Poorly designed and constructed developments or substrate is periodically saturated with contains many of these same tree types. on steep slopes frequently result in substantial or covered with water. The remaining 2.4 costs to the public, either for repairs or for acres of wetlands are classified as emergent The City’s concern for trees is reflected in protective measures to prevent further herbaceous wetlands, which consist of areas its Arbor Day tree planting activities and its damage. Increased runoff and sedimentation where perennial herbaceous vegetation designation every year starting in 1987 as a Tree from denuded hillsides require increased accounts for 75-100 percent of the cover and City by the National Arbor Day Foundation. public expenditures for flood control and the soil or substrate is periodically saturated stormwater management. Further, improperly with or covered with water. planned development of hillsides affects the equilibrium of vegetation, geology, slope, and soil. Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 177 While the City is largely built out, any Figure A12 TOPOGRAPHY redevelopment within the City must take ´ Blake Ln Lee wy topographic constraints into consideration for the following reasons: I Arlington • Disturbance of hillsides can result in soil Blvd

instability and increased erosion. airfax Blvd Eaton Pl Lowest Orchard St Point • Disturbances of hillside can increase 276 feet runoff. ermantown Rd airfax Blvd • Disturbance of hillsides can destroy a airfax Blvd Old Lee wy community’s aesthetic resources.

Pickett Rd

Lee wy Chain Bridge Rd Steep slopes in excess of 15 percent and Highest Main St Point North St slopes located along streams are susceptible 490 feet to erosion; therefore, particular care must be Main St taken when planning to develop a site with this characteristic. In some instances, special niversity Dr

Chain Bridge Rd

engineering may be required to stabilize Rd Roberts

slopes. Figure A10 presents a topographic Rd Whitacre

Burke StationBurke Rd map of the City. treams Ox Rd Only a very small portion of the City’s land Elevation 1 inch ,2 feet area has slopes of over 15%. These areas are 5 - 9 5 - 5 ources: City of Fairfax 2ft contours primarily associated with reaches of Accotink and streams, Fairfax County roads 5 - 5 25 - 5 Creek and Daniels Run and lie within the City- owned Van Dyck and Daniels Run Parks and in 25 - 5 - 25 the Army Navy Country Club Property. - 25 2 - 5 -

178 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan 5.6. Groundwater Protection areas are not taken into consideration, wells may go dry, base flow to streams is reduced, The importance of groundwater protection was and wetlands may shrink. recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia when the General Assembly enacted the Once contaminated, the usefulness of an Groundwater Act of 1973 and the Groundwater aquifer as a resource may be limited or Management Act of 1992. The Groundwater destroyed depending on the toxicity of the Management Act reads “... unrestricted contamination and the effort, time, and usage of groundwater is contributing and money involved in clean-up. In most cases will contribute to pollution and shortage of it is impractical and sometimes impossible groundwater, thereby jeopardizing the public to restore a contaminated aquifer to its welfare, safety, and health.” original level of purity. Common sources of groundwater contamination include but are not Although the City now receives a treated water limited to leaking underground storage tanks, supply from the Potomac River and Occoquan antiquated sewer lines, septic systems situated Reservoir, protection of the City’s groundwater on improper soils, and improperly capped must be a consideration during development wells. In addition, improperly maintained and redevelopment. When development water quality best management practices occurs, it affects the natural balance of the may present a groundwater threat. In the groundwater flow. Increased imperviousness City, the most common source of groundwater as a result of development reduces the contamination on record with the DEQ, Water potential for groundwater recharge and should Division, is from petroleum leaks and spills. be taken into consideration when designing a More stringent underground tank standards site plan. Generally, high topographic areas are enacted in recent years should reduce the level groundwater recharge areas and impervious of contamination from these sources. surface areas in defined groundwater recharge areas should be minimized. By providing recharge areas for stormwater, groundwater equilibrium can be maintained. If recharge

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 179 Recommendations Recommendation 1: Protect the quality of the City’s surface water resources, the Potomac Estuary, and the Chesapeake Bay from the The City recognizes the importance of avoidable impacts of land development. the Chesapeake Bay as an economic and social resource and is committed to its • Enforce the provisions of the City’s improve the City’s maintenance program, protection through the implementation Chesapeake Bay Preservation if necessary. of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area regulation. • Continue implementation of stream Designation and Management Regulations. The Chesapeake Bay Preservation restoration and improvement efforts. The following provides the background regulation is the City’s primary water information and analysis necessary for the City Continue efforts to stabilize the physical quality protection tool. The regulation is to arrive at informed and proactive policies and conditions and restore the stream habitat designed to protect the overall quality of goals which address the issue of water quality to enable the natural restoration of the City’s water resources and the health of protection in City streams and the Chesapeake the streams’ biological integrity. The the Chesapeake Bay as it relates to impacts Bay. City should continue to prioritize the from existing and new development. worst stream reaches, and coordinate These recommendations approach water • Enforce the City’s Erosion and improvements with overall watershed quality protection from the viewpoint that Sediment Control Ordinance. strategy. environmental regulations and healthy economic development are not mutually The Erosion and Sediment Control • Ensure that development avoids where exclusive, but rather that both may be Ordinance serves to protect City streams possible, or minimizes, disturbance accomplished simultaneously, and that the during site development by minimizing of sensitive environmental features, result is a better quality of life for all City erosion and sedimentation. including problem soils. residents. • Maintain strong City oversight of Improper development of sensitive private BMP maintenance programs. environmental features, and particularly soils, may result not only in structural Review the effectiveness of the City’s damage to buildings, but also to a loss of current BMP maintenance program and soil to erosion, a decrease in local water determine whether stronger inspection quality, and the loss of important habitat and maintenance measures are warranted. and aesthetic resources. Make recommendations for how to

180 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan Recommendation 2: Ensure the adequacy of the City’s future stormwater management system while emphasizing the need to protect tributary streams and water quality. • Improve the City’s ability to identify • Continue to conduct and implement The implementation of a large number sensitive environmental features. watershed management plans to allow of small, site-specific stormwater quality/ for a holistic approach to local water quantity management facilities increases Readily available information concerning resource protection. maintenance costs and consumes valuable environmentally sensitive features land. The City should seek to facilitate will help the City to better plan for and The City should continue to conduct cooperative agreements among developers avoid negative environmental impacts watershed studies and planning to evaluate to encourage the establishment of shared resulting from land disturbing activities. conditions and identify actions that would or regional stormwater management The development and redevelopment improve watershed health. The City should facilities. processes often result in the generation of also continue to assess the effectiveness substantial information on environmental of capital projects and examine long-term • Continue to allocate dedicated and features. During the development process, trends in the City’s water quality. sustainable funding to guarantee the City should take the opportunity the stormwater program’s continued • Minimize exposure of the City’s natural to collect information, generated from viability. floodplains to new development. site plans, reports, etc. on sensitive Provide the funds necessary to meet MS4 environmental areas, and particularly on Natural floodplains are essential to the permit and TMDL requirements and to soils. conveyance of stormwater in that they address other stormwater infrastructure provide extra holding capacity during The City should arrange a protocol to needs, such as ensuring adequate storms. Floodplains left in their natural compile this information to create an capacity for flood control, replacing aging condition form a filter for polluted runoff overlay map identifying environmentally infrastructure, and performing preventive from surrounding land uses. Protection of sensitive features within the City including maintenance on all City stormwater the City’s floodplain is achieved through steep slopes, soils, wetlands, floodplains, management facilities. enforcement of the City’s Floodplain undisturbed natural areas, and features regulation. Reassess the Stormwater Fund on a regular that are unique or integral to the City’s basis to ensure that revenue generated character. • Encourage the use of shared or regional adequately covers program needs. stormwater control measures during development and redevelopment.

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 181 Recommendation 3: Reduce existing sources and prevent potential sources of point and nonpoint source pollution resulting from residential, commercial, and industrial activities within the City.

• Continue implementation of the City’s • Continue efforts to improve the • Expand public education and outreach Water Quality Monitoring Program. region’s air quality. programs.

At the end of each MS4 permit reporting The City should continue to pursue Continue to develop and implement period, the City prepares annual Water measures to improve air quality through education and outreach programs to Quality Monitoring Reports, which are support of pedestrian access and mass improve awareness and encourage the included with the City’s MS4 Annual Report. transportation. Since air quality is a community to protect and improve the Once appropriate amounts of sampling regional concern, continued participation quality of area waters. The City will include data have been collected under the Water on the Metropolitan Washington Air appropriate public involvement and Quality Monitoring Program, the City Quality Committee is necessary to achieve participation to meet MS4 requirements will analyze the results to determine the many air quality goals. and satisfy other watershed objectives. next steps (e.g. potentially pinpoint areas • Improve the City’s ability to respond • Continue to improve upon the City’s that could to be targeted for pollution to the potential hazards of leaking strong recycling program. prevention or source control programs). underground and above ground A well-publicized recycling program will • Encourage the use of green stormwater storage tanks and pipelines. decrease illegal disposal of materials, and infrastructure and low impact design The City should continue to work closely particularly of oil, into the City’s storm on private and public property. with the DEQ, Water Division, to monitor sewer system. Enhance zoning regulations and support and enforce clean-up of underground initiatives that encourage the use of storage tanks. green stormwater infrastructure and The City should support programs to low impact design on private and public educate residents on how to safely manage property. Consider providing incentives above ground storage tanks and should for developers to incorporate green promote policies aimed at providing infrastructure and low impact design in opportunities to reduce reliance on above their plans. ground storage tanks through conversion to alternative forms of fuel. 182 City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan Recommendation 4: Protect the quality of the City’s potable water supply and safeguard the City’s groundwater resources against contamination that may adversely affect the ecosystem.

• Work with the Department of Environmental Quality’s Water Division to protect groundwater from contamination from underground storage tanks.

The primary threat to the City’s groundwater is contamination from underground storage tanks. While the City has no legal authority to regulate underground storage tanks, it should work closely with the DEQ’s Water Division to identify areas with high contamination potential and to quickly remediate areas where contamination has already occurred.

Appendix A: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan 183