The Piedmont View

A MEMBERSHIP NEWSLETTER OF THE PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL AUTUMN 2017

IN THIS ISSUE Free Flow: Water, It’s

PAGE 2 Complicated Restoring Rivers & Connecting Habitat

By Claire Catlett

ivers naturally flow from and streams throughout Virginia’s the mountains to the sea. Piedmont. This survey, directed Dams and other barriers by our former habitat manager, like culverts can disrupt James Barnes, identified over 133 Rnatural stream flow, disconnect sites where barriers exist on public fish and wildlife habitat and impair and private roads and driveways. water quality. Removing unnatural PEC has taken on the work of barriers and disruptions is particu- restoring local rivers by removing larly important for conserving our culverts and low-water crossings waterways. that can be roadblocks to stream Greenway “I have seen hundreds of health. By replacing these barriers The removal of culverts at Sprucepine Branch in Rappahannock. PAGE 3 Effort miles of streams disconnected on roads and driveways with fish- by these barriers throughout the friendly designs, we are improving Photo by Claire Catlett Rappahannock River watershed. habitat and water quality. The big picture, ecologically Many aquatic species, 1900s,” says Peter Hujik, our downstream effects on water speaking, is to reconnect as many including Virginia’s state fish, the Orange and Madison County field quality are impressive, too. At miles of stream as we can, so Eastern brook trout, benefit from representative and project lead on Robinson River, 350 linear feet that fish can spawn and swim these restoration projects. Ideally, the stream restoration efforts in of stream were restored to its upstream to find new habitat,” we hope these projects will Madison. “Many are beginning to natural channel, stabilizing banks says Celia Vuocolo, our wildlife influence government agencies to fail and will need to be replaced from erosion, and ultimately habitat specialist. incorporate fish-friendly designs within the next five or ten years, removing sediment from going Celia’s work on a PEC survey as they update roads and stream so our initiative is timely.” downstream to the Chesapeake conducted in 2014 of aquatic crossings. While everyone loves Bay. In all, 5.3 miles of aquatic passage and barriers has directed “Most of these culverts seeing native trout thriving in habitat were restored. recent efforts to restore rivers were put in during the early our headwater streams, the Continued on page 5

$1 Million in PAGE 4 Solar Installed Eight Reasons By Gem Bingol

s their name implies, “zom- usually share an unfortunate set County, Maryland is one such help commuters by increasing bie projects” have a way of characteristics: they benefit zombie project. During the sum- access to transit: Aof coming back every few few, siphon off limited transporta- mer of 2017, the Loudoun County • Improve the Waxpool Rd/ years. Proponents of these proj- tion funding from real solutions, Board of Supervisors brought Loudoun County Pkwy ects keep spending money. They and worse yet, they often lead to the project back into focus by intersection gin up public relations campaigns increased congestion by contrib- voting unanimously to add the • Extend Prentice Dr from and eventually convince policy- uting to sprawl. project into the Countywide Lockridge across to Gre- makers that the project deserves The proposed Potomac Transportation Plan. enway transit another look. In the transporta- River crossing between Loudoun The bridge, a long sought- • Extend Shellhorn Rd tion world, these zombie projects County, Virginia and Montgomery after component of the Outer Provide transit connec- Beltway, is a bad idea. Here are • tions to the Metro stations just some of the reasons: Support PEC • Construct Moorefield Blvd Construct Greenway loop Limited dollars means • Make a donation 1. we can’t build everything. • Loudoun Metrorail Station or get in touch with PEC at: Pedestrian improvements We have to pick. Post Office Box 460 • Complete planned park Warrenton, VA 20188 There are limited transportation and ride lots for com- 540.347.2334 funds and an endless stream of muters [email protected] traffic problems that need to or make a secure online donation be addressed. To best serve the • There are also road improve- at www.pecva.org region’s residents and employers, ment projects that would do projects should be scored and more to relieve commuter congestion. For example: Thank you for helping prioritized based on congestion to protect the Piedmont! relief, mobility improvement and • Complete Riverside Pkwy community impacts. • Construct VA 606 ramp • In Loudoun, here are several • Complete Russell Branch options for projects that would Pkwy

Continued on page 4

Potential area of study for a Potomac Bridge crossing.

www.pecva.org The Piedmont View

Proposed Atlantic MD The Insufficient Process Coast Pipeline WV for The Atlantic Coast Pipeline DC C h e Staunton s ! a By Dan Holmes p ! e

Charlottesville a k

ew natural gas pipelines in Virginia would cross VDEQ isn’t likely to consider anything outside of a very e

steep mountains, national forests, streams and narrow scope they have designed. To put it bluntly, the B ! a Lynchburg y rivers, fertile farm fields, unstable karst geol- process is not a good one. Below are just a couple of ! Richmond ogy and public water supplies. They have the ! reasons why we believe it is flawed, potentially allowing Roanoke Npotential to severely impact communities and natural for violation of WQS: and historic resources, while increasing greenhouse gas Norfolk! emissions in the Commonwealth. • The timeline associated with the process fails to VIRGINIA Virginia Department of Environmental Quality provide adequate public review and appears to be (VDEQ) closed the comment period for the 401 designed to meet Dominion’s timeline instead of NC certification process for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline on ensuring WQS are met. August 22. According to the agency, this certification This map shows the route of the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline within Virginia. would assure protection of our waters, meaning Virginia • Artificial segmentation of stream crossings and would meet Water Quality Standards (WQS) under the Erosion and Sedimentation (E&S) issues avoids a Clean Water Act. cumulative impact review. E&S issues will be decided of responsibility for stream crossings. In our opinion, VDEQ’s preliminary decision is to recommend by the agency staff. All stream crossings will be in the there is no way to ensure the plan provided by issuance of a Section 401 Certification to the State Water hands of the Army Corps of Engineers, not the state. Dominion will meet Water Quality Standards without a Control Board (decision maker for the permit) for final comprehensive approach to the 401 permit. This is not decision in November. Numerous organizations and We are most concerned by the artificial a precedent we wish to set, especially when considering individuals submitted comments to the agency. But segmentation of E&S issues and the agency’s abdication how the agency will evaluate future proposals.

Water ... Chimney Dedicated It’s a Little More Complicated in Rappahannock By Paula Combs By Paula Combs

mportant questions to ask about local water supply are: how much do we have, he Shenandoah National how much can we use, and will we have enough to support future growth? Park is a wonder- I This year, PEC conducted a build-out analysis of the current zoning and ful resource for the land use plans for the service districts in Fauquier County, and water supply is public, and it’s important an important aspect to understand. The bottom line is the County doesn’t have toT remember and honor those who unlimited funds to drill wells and build infrastructure. Although there may be lost their homes when it was cre- plenty of raw water, much of the water resources are needed to serve ecological ated. This is exactly what the Blue purposes, and there should always be reserve in case of drought. It is dangerous Ridge Heritage Project has set out to assume all rainfall is available for human use. to do. “Our build-out analysis showed that none of the service districts have excess PEC's historic preservation capacity and some need nearly three times the current capacity to meet the manager, Kristie Kendall, is on the needs that are allowed through by-right zoning,” Julie explains. “With develop- board of the Heritage Project and ment picking back up and several areas facing drinking water challenges, now is the committee that helped dedi- the time to start thinking about this.” cate a chimney memorial, located Going forward, planning for water resource infrastructure should be more in Rappahannock County, to the strategic and less reactive. We all need to better understand the water and sewer former residents of the Blue Ridge resources that the current zoning and future plans would require, and then plan Mountains. accordingly. “As someone with deep ties PEC's historic preservation manager, Kristie This past summer, we participated in a Water Information Session to discuss to the mountains, it is incredibly Kendall, is on the board of the Blue Ridge the drinking water challenges facing Fauquier County, and Julie presented PEC’s moving to see these memorials, with Heritage Project and the committee that build-out analysis. The event hundreds of family names, erected helped dedicate this chimney memorial in was organized by the Conser- around Shenandoah National Park. Rappahannock County. She is part of three vation Roundtable, and other It is our hope that these people, and generations in this photograph, with her guests included the Marshall their sacrifices, will never be forgot- son and father, both Thomas Kendall, to District Water and Sanitation ten,” says Kristie. remember their family members that once Authority and the U.S. Geo- Bill Henry established the lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains before the logical Survey. Heritage Project in 2013, and the Shenandoah Park was created. If you would like organization plans to erect the to review the build-out chimney memorials in Albemarle, study presentation, visit Augusta, Greene, Madison, Page, Rappahannock, Rockingham and Warren Counties. pecva.org/fauquier. For ques- A dedication occurred this past May, and it was the third memorial put in place. tions, contact Julie Bolthouse There are five more chimneys currently underway. The site in Rappahannock County at [email protected] was made possible with the help of multiple families. The stone of the chimney was donated by Kristie’s in-laws, John and Jyl Pomeroy, from their farm on Old Hollow Road in Sperryville, Va. Bill Fletcher donated $12,000 toward the project, while Russell Jenkins donated land and construction services. Our Fauquier County "During the dedication ceremony, it was very emotional for me to look out into field representative, Julie Bolthouse, gives a water the crowd and see folks smiling, crying and nodding their heads in agreement as we presentation to show how talked about the importance of this memorial. Some folks have told me they now water reacts over different have a sense of closure on the matter. For others, there may never be that sense of geographic areas, and talks closure—but at least now there is something very visible to help tell the story of what about pollution and water happened," says Missy Sutton, head of the Rappahannock Committee for the Blue supply. Photo by Paula Combs Ridge Heritage Project.

2 www.pecva.org Autumn 2017

Making The Connection

By Paula Combs

ike and pedestrian con- "I'm excited to work with nectivity is a great way PEC, TJPDC and CACF on a Ivy Creek What is a to enhance quality of Natural Area topic I'm very passionate life and create healthy, about — connecting Bthriving urban communities. 29 Greenway? Albemarle people and communities This is why PEC is teaming up Ragged Growth with opportunities to live with the Thomas Jefferson Mountain Area better, healthier and more Planning District Commission Natural prosperous lives," says Peter. to build support for a com- Area 20 Within the first year, prehensive greenway system 29 250 Pen we will primarily focus 250 McIntire in the Charlottesville and Park Darden on outreach, collecting Albemarle Park Towe Albemarle urban area. community feedback and “These locations have Growth 250 Park Area 29 Albemarle coalition building. Then, an opportunity to create Growth the focus will shift more to a world-class bike and Charlottesville Area implementation and funding. pedestrian system that 64 64 As younger generations connects neighborhoods, 64 29 look toward urban areas retail areas and places of work Photo by Marco Sanchez Albemarle as a prefered place to live, with iconic resources such as Growth it is even more vital that Monticello, the Downtown Area 53 communities invest in the Sometimes there is confusion on Mall, UVA Grounds, the Biscuit Run amenities and infrastructure Rivanna River and Biscuit Run State Park what a greenway is, and it will that connect people with the State Park,” says Rex Linville, often be called a “trail.” Here is a 20 0 1 2 places they live, work, play our Albemarle County field more descriptive explanation of Miles and shop. representative. a greenway: The are many benefits “Charlottesville is We received funding to build support for a that come from creating increasingly seen as an 1. A linear open space established along either comprehensive greenway system in Charlottesville greenways, including incubator for innovation. As a natural corridor, such as a riverfront, stream and the Albemarle urban area. The above map shows the businesses leading this valley, or ridgeline, or overland along a railroad improved health and wellness, the specific location for the greenway effort. expanded transportation charge look to attract and right-of-way converted to recreational use, a options and greater economic retain new talent, we need to canal, a scenic road or other route. development opportunities. be engaging those communities to offer amenities that help the region 2. Any natural or landscaped course for pedes- As the TJPDC is currently build a shared vision for greenways stand out from the crowd. Ensuring engaged in a re-write of their regional among business and civic leaders, that the urban core is connected trian or bicycle passage. bike and pedestrian plan, this effort is with bike and pedestrian greenway the public sector and nonprofit 3. An open-space connector linking parks, designed to directly tie into their work organizations.” corridors is a great place to start,” says nature reserves, cultural features, or historic sites and significantly expand the outreach The collaborative project is being Rex. with each other and with populated areas. component of their effort. funded with a two-year grant from We will be hosting a kickoff event “The focus is on the City of the Charlottesville Area Community this fall in the Charlottesville area 4. Locally, certain strip or linear parks designated Charlottesville and the Albemarle Foundation that has allowed us to featuring a smart growth/walkability as a parkway or greenbelt. County urban area that directly hire Peter Krebs as the community expert. Stay tuned for more details at surround the City,” says Rex. “We will outreach coordinator for the effort. pecva.org/cville-way

A Buzz Worthy Home • Creating a habitat for native bees By Celia Vuocolo through the winter and only clean out the tree species depends greatly on the ou don’t have to be a genuine bee garden in the early spring in preparation for amount of space that you have. Some keeper to help our native bees. You new growth. Do not rake or remove dead shrubs to consider for smaller areas are can create a place for them to thrive vegetation unless absolutely necessary Virginia sweetspire or New Jersey Tea. If right in your backyard garden. — insects will use the leaf compost to over- you have space for a small tree, redbud is YFirst, assess your location. Is your a good choice. winter in, which is healthy for the ecosystem, project area in full sun, partial sun or is it and therefore our native bees. fully shaded? Soil drainage also matters, Making a "hotel" for bees: whether it’s average, dry or wet soil. Once Selecting your plants: Bees and other insects vary on the you know this, pick the plants that would types of nesting structures they prefer, thrive in that specific environment. • Pollinators are highly visual, and choosing so there’s no ‘one way’ to build an “insect Choosing native plants is best for a large mass of color will help them spot hotel.” If you google the term, you will find native bees, as they have adapted to each your garden. a variety of different types of structures. other over time. You can visit the Virginia You can pack compartments with natural Perennials will make up the majority of Plant Atlas at vaplantatlas.org to see a selec- • materials like tree bark, straw, leaves, sticks, The pollinator garden at PEC’s your plant list, but you should have 1–2 45 Horner Street office in Warrenton. tion of native species or review PEC’s “Go etc. The key is to use natural substrate — native grass or sedge species and at least Photo by Paula Combs Native Go Local” guide at pecva.org/gonative nothing that has paint, wood stain or has one type of spring-flowering shrub or to find retailers selling natives. otherwise been treated by chemicals. small tree, if possible. It’s nice to pick a suite of plants that will Most solitary bees nest in the ground, • For leafcutter bees, holes should be 1/4" bloom through the entire growing period, • If you are short on space, pick a few so you may not attract a wide diversity of wide and 2 1/2”–4” deep. which is early April through late October, species that attract a wide variety of them to your insect hotel, but leaf cutter • For mason bees, holes that are 6” deep, locally. Also, make sure the plants you pur- pollinators such as goldenrod, mountain bees (Megachile) and mason bees (Osmia) 5/16” wide. chase are not treated with pesticides. mint, asters, Monarda and joe-pye weed, will be interested. These bees lay eggs Try to space holes at least 3/4” apart, and If you have selected the right plant for to name a few. in tube-like structures. In the wild, they • never drill entirely through the wood. the right place, native plants generally do use dead standing reeds/stems or tree Also include species that are uncom- not need fertilizer or compost. You should • branches. To mimic this, you can bundle Your insect hotel will need mainte- mon in the landscape but are desirable plan to water the plants on a regular basis bamboo reeds or drill holes into your nance from time to time. Natural materials to specialist bees or bumble bees. Some until they are established, and weed around structure. They are a bit particular about degrade and will need to be replaced, and examples are golden alexander, bottle them until they fill out and shade out weeds the size of the holes, so make sure you are any nesting tubes/tunnels that are used gentian and Lance-leaved loosestrife. (usually this takes about one to two grow- putting in structures that are the right size will need to be cleaned out, otherwise bees ing seasons). Leave dead stems standing • Selecting the appropriate shrub or small for them to use: won’t use them the following season.

3 The Piedmont View

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m W a J Poolesville A F Potomac isher Ave Leesburg Byp Rd erry D s F a Montgomery County hite r Eight Reasons Bridge W ne st ow King St Agricultural Reserve n Continued from cover Dawsonville R Crossing ? d Leesburg LEESBURG • Construct grade-separated inter- WATER LOUDOUN changes along Rt 50 at Loudoun INTAKE WATER INTAKE B M County Pkwy and more ar ke Potomac t S ? • Complete improvements on Rt 15 t Station and Rt 9 to better manage traffic Tolb ? ert Ln Lansdowne ? ? C Previously Studied ? Potomac Crossings ? Investing in our existing road network, ? ? Potential Routes to be S ? providing better access to transit, and figur- y 7 Seneca Studied by Loudoun c ? o ? E l

i ? ing out how to increase capacity on the County n

R American Legion Bridge are all options that Belmont Ridge Road - d University FAIRFAX Potential 6 Lanes Belmont WATER INTAKE deserve more focus than a new bridge. LOUDOUN Center Drinking Water WATER INTAKE d Ha 267 R rry Algonkian Pky n B Montgomery County r y Countryside u rd Lowes Agricultural Reserve b H d h w Island R s Hay y 2. The bulk of the traffic is A 0 1 2 Cascades Miles east-west. Ashburn D Far Sugarland m P ky Run Beach Mill Rd The numbers speak volumes: Ashburn 28 F arm 47% of Loudoun residents work in the w Potomac View Rd • e Seneca Rd ll R 7 d During the summer of 2017, the Loudoun Board of Supervisors county, 92% work in Virginia or D.C. Broadlands d Potential votedv unanimously to add a statement of support for a new W l axp PotomacB River crossing into the Countywide Transportation Belmont oo gPlan. They indicated that the area between Goose Creek and l R in B d l Cascades Pky d r the County line should be studied. However, an EIS would Sully Rd R Ridge Road e hurch e C t 46% of Fairfax residents work in Fairfax; l • m S require a larger area to be studied during an alternatives review.

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n 96% work in Virginia or D.C. t Previously Studied Routes Shown are: L Georgetown Pike R

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o i rg C - 1972 M-NCPPC Outer Beltway P R M v y r k ik 49% live and work in Montgomery e Corridor Studys • d P e e e n n 28 D - 1999 Northern Virginia Transportation Ryan Rd n to M a s County; approximately 8% work in Alliance Studyr e i l D R l s E - Low Techway Route, Montgomery Fairfax and inner suburbs out of 9.3% R County TPR Study d Old Ox Rd total employed in Virginia Dulles This map does not include the numerous crossing routes Proposed considered as part of a 2001 Federal Highway Administration Outer Beltway study requested by Congressman Wolf. • 62.9% of Frederick residents work in Frederick and Montgomery Counties; This map shows the many proposed locations for where the potential Potomac River crossing could be built. Reston 90.4% work in Maryland or D.C., 5.9% work in Virginia There are short-term and long-term many would be threatened with eminent access roads radiating out from the considerations, such as: domain in order to create a path for both Beltway. Maintaining and improving 3. New and ever-widening roads How would our regional drinking the bridge and connecting roadways? Put our existing roads and highways, plus create development pressure and water source (and others downstream) be yourself in their shoes. Why should they adequately maintaining and funding induce sprawl. adequately protected during construction sacrifice their homes, property values, Metro, are better investments for today or in the event of a spill on the bridge? neighborhoods, clean air and water for a that will help reduce traffic now and into Instead of supporting walkable, thriv- The additional development this sort boondoggle project? the future. ing communities, they become physical of project brings with it will result in more So how do we put an end to zombie

barriers and incentives for people to move impervious surfaces — making it ever projects like this one and focus on better Who would pay for it? farther away from work. harder to provide clean, safe and afford- 7. solutions for our congestion woes? A sim- Furthermore, when combined with able drinking water. Bridge boosters suggest making this ple comparison of our options is a good the Bi-County Parkway to form the Outer Per the Loudoun Board’s direction, a toll project would avoid the drain on start (instead of just deciding yes/no on Beltway, a new bridge would promote staff is looking at sites for a bridge within limited regional funds. Adding a ten dollar one mega-project). The pros and cons of increased development in the Loudoun eight miles upstream of the intake, and or more toll for the bridge, on top of tolls the various transportation projects should Transition Area, Montgomery County some sites could be within a mile. Depend- on 95, 66 and the Beltway, seems unrealis- be brought to the forefront, allowing for Agricultural Reserve and the Prince William ing on location, pollution could hit the tic. And whatever the initial toll, Loudoun an informed decision on how we spend County Rural Crescent. intake with little time to react. residents also have some experience our limited dollars. Any comparison should factor in things like induced development Keep in mind that Fairfax Water serves with ever-rising rates on the Greenway. and traffic, community disruption, access It would devalue other Loudoun, Dulles, Herndon, Alexandria, Even worse than high tolls, there is a real 4. related to affordability and east-west con- transportation investments and Falls Church and the City of Fairfax as well possibility that the region’s taxpayers will gestion needs, to name a few. strain local road networks. as Fort Belvoir and Prince William from be asked to absorb the cost through a These boondoggles are primarily two intake sites. The northern intake for regional tax or a large share of all funds Inserting a new bridge undermines supported by speculative developers the Corbalis treatment plant is mid-river available for transportation from federal prior and ongoing investments in conges- seeking to increase the value of scattered in the Potomac, just upstream from the and state sources. parcels. We can’t afford a diversion of our tion relief projects on Route 7 and Route Loudoun-Fairfax county line. 28. These projects weren’t planned to resources to construct them, particularly handle additional cross-river commutes 8. Old-fashioned, outdated when it means a delay in the funding of and long-haul traffic. It would also disrupt 6. Direct impact on outer beltways are transportation real solutions to address existing conges- non-peak hour mobility in eastern Loud- neighborhoods near the bridge. solutions from the 1950s. tion in the region. oun and lead to more traffic all the time. It’s time this zombie dies for good. Noise, pollution, new traffic and A majority of businesses now prefer lower home values are all issues existing transit-oriented locations, moving away To learn more and take action, visit 5. It’s a threat to drinking water. homeowners would face. In addition, how from isolated campuses scattered along pecva.org/takeaction

• Locations: Albemarle, More than $1 Million Charlottesville, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Worth of Solar Installed Orange & Rappahannock By Bri West These numbers represent 41 indi- viduals and families that chose to move he benefits of solar power are multi- The campaigns empower area resi- forward with a financial investment that fold: it provides peak power close dents to get a free solar assessment and also provides clean, distributed genera- to the demand, energy security, a bid from a qualified local installer. Now T tion back to the grid. cost savings, local employment oppor- that the 2017 Solarize Piedmont campaign If you missed this year’s campaign, has come to a close (it ran from mid-March tunities and emission reductions. These stay tuned for more details on our 2018 benefits are why, for the last three years, through April), we wanted to share the results from these past three years: campaign. Or if you’re motivated to get we’ve partnered on a Solarize Piedmont something going sooner, you can reach Signed Contracts: 41 campaign with friends at the Local Energy • out to a solar installer this fall to get an Dollar Value of Systems: $1,260,005 Alliance Program and the Northern Virginia • estimate. Visit pecva.org/solarize for a list The installation of solar panels on Regional Commission. • Installed Capacity: 395 kW of solar providers that work locally! PEC’s headquarters office in 2016.

4 www.pecva.org Autumn 2017

Free Flow: Restoring Rivers & Connecting Habitat

Continued from cover When water stagnates behind effort. “We are so appreciative of all the Sprucepine Branch, Rappahannock County barriers, sediment can build up and water work and the funding that went into this quality can be impaired. Downstream project, and the very obvious results that h water can become warmer, causing we see everyday.” nc ra ucepine B limited oxygen for fish to breathe. You PEC is thankful for our projects’ sup- Spr rdon R Jo iv er can tell a stream’s health by the type and porters, who have given their time, talent Shenandoah quantity of bugs that you find. Where and funds toward restoring the Pied- National 522 Park there is poor water quality, you will find mont’s rivers and streams. The U.S. Fish Repla ced less diversity and less food source for fish and Wildlife Service has provided technical Crossing and other wildlife. assistance and funding for both Spru-

“The project was a total success cepine and Robinson River. The Virginia 211 and the stream through this property Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Washington has never looked better,” says Karl Beier, has provided fish population monitoring landowner along the Robinson River. on both projects, as well. These projects “The result of this restoration project is were also made possible because of our both functional and visually impressive. I partners: the Nimick Forbesway Founda- really appreciate the effort that PEC went tion, Trout Unlimited and the Krebser Fund Before through to see this project through.” for Rappahannock County. In addition, we Recent work at Sprucepine Branch extend our gratitude to the landowners reconnected 2 miles of stream habitat, — the Beier, Griffin, Hennaman, Northup, The culverts on Sprucepine Branch in as a set of culverts were removed from Sutton and Vogel families — who have Rappahannock County a private driveway and replaced with guided much of our work and contributed before they were removed. a bridge. Both projects at Sprucepine financially to its success. Branch and Robinson River included “Because of the complexity and The bridge that replaced natural channel design and construction, cost of these projects, we are grateful culverts on Sprucepine which was completed by the U.S. Fish for the landowners, funders and partner Branch in Rappahannock County. and Wildlife Service and Shenandoah organizations who banded together to get Streamworks. The work included the job done,” says Peter. re-grading stream banks and in-stream We are lining up additional culvert After structures that restored the natural removal projects with our partners for hydrology of those streams. This stabilizes the next several years. Efforts that are the banks, as well as improves water currently in the works are located on quality and habitat, too. Kinsey Run near Graves Mill, Bolton Branch “We are delighted with the changes near Huntly and Cedar Run at the White Robinson River, Madison County that the culvert project accomplished,” Oak Canyon trail head in Shenandoah The culvert, surrounded says Minna Vogel, another landowner National Park. Stay tuned for updates on by an eroding concrete along Robinson River benefiting from the these projects in 2018! bridge, before it was removed on the Robinson River in Madison County.

After the culvert was PEC Photo Contest removed on the Robinson River, which helped recon- SUBMIT BY SEPTEMBER 30 nect 5.3 miles of of habitat for aquatic species such as There’s a little time left to participate in our photo contest! This year, we’re American eel and brook trout. adding “Recreation” as a new category, so enter your favorite local outdoor adventures. Also, please encourage any young photographers you know to Before submit their photos to the “Youth Category.” The winners of each category will receive a $75 gift certificate to a nearby Buy Fresh Buy Local restaurant! And the youth category winner will receive a $75 gift Old Rag Mtn

e k iv r card to iTunes! r a D P e l in d l a a y n o Categories include: Beautiful Landscapes and Streetscapes, Native Plants and k S o R i R y t e l a o l Wildlife, Recreation and the Youth Category (for ages 17 and under). b a N i V n T h s F a o - The deadline for submission is September 30! For contest details, go to o n 1 3 d Repla ced R 2 n t

i R pecva.org/photocontest. For questions, email [email protected]. a v

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QUESTION ANSWER How many of the nine counties that PEC serves are reliant on groundwater resources? d) 9 All nine counties are dependent on groundwater resources. Groundwater provides the base flow for all ABOVE: Winner of the “Native Plants and Wildlife” category of the 2016 PEC ANSWER Photo Contest. Photo by Susan Tucker our local streams and rivers, which feeds many of the reservoirs. It’s also the drinking water source for many of the There are a lot of events happening this fall! municipalities, and provides So many that we couldn’t fit them in the newsletter! Airlie Reservoir in water for agricultural needs. Fauquier County. Visit pecva.org/events for details. Photo by Bri West

5 The Piedmont View Out & About PEC's fellowship is a seven-week program where college students and recent college graduates gain the practical knowledge and skills necessary to successfully transition into careers in conservation, urban planning, agriculture, historic preservation, public policy and other related fields. See what our 2017 fellows were doing ‘out & about’ during the program this past summer!

ALL AROUND THE VIRGINIA PIEDMONT

Fellows used a 15-passenger van to visit many locations throughout the Piedmont. They had the opportunity to visit: the Piedmont Memorial Overlook — Roundabout Meadows — Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve — Bellair Farm — the Robinson River— Over Jordan Farm — Bruce Jones Nature Preserve — Sunnyside Farm — the RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY, VA Montpelier-Grelen Trail — James Madison’s Montpelier — Gilmore Cabin — Downtown Culpeper — Main Street Warrenton — Arlington Smart Growth Walking Tour — Clarke County Planning Commission Hearing — Mock House At The Farm at Sunnyside, the fellows learn about best management of Delegates Session — Rappahannock River Paddle — Marriott Ranch — Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello — Walking practices and help harvest organic garlic. Photo by Callee Manna Tour of Downtown Charlottesville.

FAUQUIER COUNTY, VA KELLY’S FORD IN FAUQUIER COUNTY, VA ORANGE COUNTY, VA

The fellows participate in a land use charette and learn On the Rappahannock River, fellows pick up trash such as tires The fellows visit James Madison’s Montpelier. what it’s like to plan for a real estate development. during their tour with the Friends of The Rappahannock. Photo by Paula Combs Photo by Paula Combs

She’s a Fellow, She’s a Volunteer... toward her career goals. Since then, Dana has As a participant in our fellowship program focused her remaining semester on completing this year, Dana and fellow Callee Manna col- a concentration in Environmental Conservation. laborated to complete their practicum, “Eastern She’s Dana Ek! “I wanted to learn more about conserva- Brook Trout Monitoring Protocols for Headwa- eet Dana Ek, a PEC fellow and tion and connect to my new home in Virginia,” ter Streams in Virginia’s Piedmont,” a guidebook volunteer intern from this past summer. says Dana, who moved to Fauquier County that will steer future monitoring and reporting MDana is a student at George Mason during high school. “I found the opportunity for PEC’s stream restoration initiatives. studying Conflict Analysis and Resolution to learn the full breadth of PEC’s work and the Dana continues this fall with her final and Global Affairs. Dana hails from the experience from the staff incredibly helpful in semester studying at the Smithsonian Conser- Northwest, and grew up with a passion for the learning what is being done in environmental vation Biology Institute. After graduation, she environment. She joined PEC as a volunteer work today and where I can take that in my plans to gain experience working in wildlife 2017 Fellow and Volunteer intern in May, seeking to apply her passion own career.” conservation and water quality issues. Intern, Dana Ek.

6 www.pecva.org Autumn 2017

On the Ground

Albemarle Loudoun Route 29 Transportation Improvements & Land Use Planning Update Transportation Planning & Hydraulic Road and Route 29 Intersection Improvements Comprehensive Plan Updates Since March, an advisory panel of local citizens, city and county officials, and VDOT have been developing a land Planning for Loudoun’s future has gotten a lot of attention use and transportation plan for the area. That first phase of the study will wrap up this fall, and drafts of the vari- through the summer. We continue to track and inform the ous land use concepts will be presented to city and county for formal review. Then, the panel will use that plan to public about the many critical transportation decisions develop, assess, and ultimately recommend potential transportation improvements. currently being considered, which could drastically impact the County’s character. Decisions on a potential new Rio Road and Route 29 Small Area Plan Potomac River Bridge crossing and traffic improvements With the improvements at this intersection completed, the focus has shifted to the higher-density, more urban- on Route 15 north of Leesburg are in the works (see “Eight scale development — approximately 1,000 acres — around the intersection. Integrated into this plan will be the Reasons” on page 1). In addition, the new comprehensive framework for a transportation network of smaller plan draft is getting fleshed out with new land use desig- streets, bike and pedestrian paths, greenways, and nations for the suburban and transition areas, called “Place the elements necessary to facilitate current and Types,” and a revision of all policies are in preparation for future transit options. Information about preferred the next round of public input sessions in January 2018. concepts should be available for review this fall. Please stay tuned as we will be alerting you of important decisions and opportunities for public involvement. Relocation of County Courthouse remains a real concern Within the discussions of the Rio/Route 29 Small Madison Area Plan, advocates for relocating the courthouse and/or the County’s administrative office suggest Civil War Battlefield Research that locating one or both near the Rio intersection The 1863 battles of Jack's Shop and James City in Madison would be a catalyst for additional development. County were important engagements in the Civil War. Yet, We will continue to oppose the relocation of the little is known about how they unfolded or the signifi- courts, a position almost unanimously held by the cance of the battles within the context of the war. We legal community. By December, the County antici- received a grant from the National Park Service's American pates a consultant’s report outlining public-private The courthouse in Charlottesville that the County Battlefield Protection Program to research and document partnership options that might be necessary to may move to the intersection of Rio and Route 29. these two battlefields, and we selected Rivanna Archaeo- facilitate the move. Photo by Marco Sanchez logical Services to undertake the research and mapping project to develop a better understanding of these battlefields. To kick off this project, we hosted a commu- Clarke Fauquier nity meeting on July 11 in the historic village of Rochelle to explain the project and gather information about the Quarry Site & Sporting Clays Water in Marshall & Buckland Bypass battlefields. Contact Kristie Kendall, our historic preserva- for Conservation Marshall faces two problems in regards to its water sup- tion manager, at [email protected], if you want to learn more about this effort. The County is proposing to develop a County- ply, a limitation on the amount of uncontaminated water operated citizen convenience center for waste they've been able to access and a lack of information to and recycling to be located on the quarry make informed decisions. Besides having a significant property through a long-term lease. The Plan- amount of undeveloped land that is zoned and approved Orange ning Commission will forward the application to for development, there are several rezonings that have the Board of Supervisors for a public hearing in been approved that also have no water available. Gordonsville Park Initiative September. The Town of Gordonsville is working with PEC to develop The WSA is conducting a study of ways to address the a master plan for refurbishing Verling Park, a neighbor- If you enjoy shooting and supporting a good Marshall issue that will look at treatment, alternative wells hood park in the heart of the community. Over the cause, join us for this year’s Sporting Clays for and surface water options. summer, the Town held three community meetings and Conservation event on Sunday, Oct. 22 at beau- Another issue that has reemerged is the Buckland Bypass. conducted a survey to gather input for the park master tiful Prospect Hall Shooting Club. To register, Prince William County is studying options to relieve traffic plan, which is scheduled to be completed by fall. It will visit pecva.org/events or contact Karissa Epley through Buckland Battlefield along Rt. 29. At their last include a design for refurbishing the park, improving park at [email protected]. meeting they indicated that options for a bypass had access from Main Street and Baker Street, and develop- been taken off the table. However, in a side meeting, the ing sidewalks to connect Verling Park with Firemen’s consultant, Prince William County and various stakehold- Fairgrounds. The plan will be used to secure private and Culpeper ers met without Fauquier County representatives present public funding for refurbishing the park. The Future of Solar Farms and brought a new option of a 'short bypass' forward. The newly proposed bypass options would start at Rt. 29 at the Large-scale solar farms will play a role in the Vint Hill Rd. (Rt. 215) intersection and go north to connect Rappahannock state’s energy matrix. However, in our desire to Rt. 15 before the railroad track. to see greater implementation of renewable Sprucepine Branch Restored! energy projects, we should be mindful of the site specific considerations that hold true for any This June, three culverts were replaced with a driveway large-scale energy project. In June, we provided Greene bridge at Sprucepine Branch, near Huntly, Virginia. A special thanks to landowners — the Northup and Griffin Culpeper with a list of siting criteria and recom- Making Main Street More Walkable mendations for a public permitting process, families — who made this work possible, and are steadfast including avoidance of prime agricultural soils The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved stewards for Sprucepine Branch. Many thanks to part- and historic resources, as well as the removal of almost $400,000 of a Transportation Enhancement Alter- ners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Shenandoah the systems at the end of their useful life. We are natives grant for sidewalk construction on the east end of Streamworks, Trout Unlimited, and the Krebser Fund for pleased to see many of these criteria contained Main Street in Stanardsville. The Town still needs to raise Rappahannock County in supporting this work to improve within the language advanced to the Planning more than $100,000 in matching funds from the local com- habitat for Eastern Brook Trout and restore water quality Commission, including the use of a conditional munity to complete the project. This is an important part for the Piedmont’s headwater streams. See “Free Flow: or special use permit to ensure site specific of the revitalization of Stanardsville, a project we've been Restoring Rivers & Connecting Habitat” on page 1 for concerns are addressed. following and supporting for over a decade. more details.

7 Dear Friends, e were blessed with rain all through the supplies. We argued that in summer. We noticed it because we did addition to estimating future Wless watering than expected in July and demand and identifying future August of the hundreds of native trees and shrubs sources of water, localities should we planted at our office on 45 Horner Street. be required to evaluate the Our region is close to long-term averages for impact of current and future annual precipitation this year. Given the plentiful land uses on water supplies. rainfall, stories about a shortage of drinking water Unfortunately, the Department seem odd. However, those stories are everywhere of Environmental Quality would you look. For instance, in Fauquier County, water not support requiring a review of shortages from a combination of reduced flow and future land use plans. contamination in existing wells spurred negotiations Take Marshall, Virginia. for new wells in Marshall. Also, concerns about Recent headlines have the availability of water were central to the debate highlighted a shortage of The Ragged Mountain reservoir near Charlottesville, Virginia. over future development in Warrenton. Greene available groundwater to meet Photo by Deb Snelson. County is considering constructing, at considerable current demand from residential expense, a new storage reservoir for withdrawals and commercial customers. Developers of new County has taken first steps to establish well-head from the Rapidan River. In addition, Loudoun Water properties are being required to demonstrate new protection areas, near all the wells in the current is purchasing quarry sites along Goose Creek for sources of water supply in order to gain approval. system, moving forward. However, the possibility future storage. On a state level, the debate over the Our Fauquier field representative, Julie Bolthouse, the WSA will target areas outside of Marshall for Atlantic Coast Pipeline (see page 2) has become presented preliminary analyses that suggest that new wells in the future is frustrating, given the lack charged by the possibility that it could affect water the existing zoning within Marshall, if actually built of specific policies to reduce consumption and to supplies in Rockbridge County and Staunton. out, would far exceed existing or planned supplies. protect existing supplies. We are concerned that long-term economic Despite this, the long-term plans for Marshall do What can you do? If you have well water, development and land use planning largely not address the need to secure additional water test it and learn what you can do to protect the ignores increasing evidence of limits to local and supplies, nor do they call for the implementation of groundwater you rely upon. If you drink water regional water supplies. Frankly, Virginia and most water conservation measures in new development from the Town, take steps to conserve and reduce localities have not taken the proactive steps needed or to manage existing demand. consumption and support policies to protect the to protect their sources of drinking water or to What is most troubling though, is the lack existing water. encourage conservation measures to reasonably of action to prioritize the protection of existing Now is the time to plan and protect the water reduce consumption. Some localities are planning water supplies. In Marshall, nearly half of the wells we drink. in isolation and failing to incorporate water supply that provide the current water supply are located limitations, infrastructure costs and how to protect in areas zoned for commercial and industrial Sincerely, the quality of water sources into the future. development. Therefore, it’s not surprising that In 2004, PEC participated in a General Assembly industrial chemicals are being discovered in mandated Task Force to provide guidance to existing wells that are located next to businesses localities tasked with evaluating long-term water that used those products. Its encouraging that the Chris Miller, President

Pop Quiz

How many of the nine counties (Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock) that PEC serves are The Piedmont View reliant on groundwater resources? a) 2 b) 3 c) 6 d) 9 A MEMBERSHIP NEWSLETTER OF THE PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL AUTUMN 2017 ANSWER ON PAGE 5

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