Blackpond Nutrient Mitigation Bank Creates Unique Feature On Crosswinds Farm
Davey Mitigation restored nearly 3,000 linear feet of stream on a farm in Fauquier County, VA, stabilizing the stream and re-establishing habitats for native plants and animals.
The stream at Blackpond Nutrient Mitigation Bank is located on a 75-acre farm in Fauquier County, VA. Before restoration, the stream contained 3- to 5-foot incised banks with minimal vegetation and surface protection in the riparian buffer. The banks were unstable, with portions undercut, exhibiting loose, eroding soil.
The Challenge
After years of farming, the stream at Blackpond Nutrient Mitigation Bank had degraded over time. Overgrown invasive vegetation, erosion, channel manipulation, and sedimentation all impacted the riparian habitat, instream habitat, and the stream's function.
Davey Mitigation was called to help restore the stream and the riparian buffer, which also resulted in the generation of nutrient mitigation banking credits in the process.
The Solution
In 2022, Davey Mitigation contracted with Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. (WSSI), a Davey company, and KBS Earthworks, Inc. to restore 2,850 linear feet of the unnamed tributary to Goose Creek. A combination of low- and high-impact Natural Channel Design (NCD) features was implemented, focusing on stabilizing the streambed and bank. As an example, the design incorporated coir log stabilization as a low-impact design feature. Additional grade control measures were implemented, and approximately 6,000 trees were planted in addition to the dispersal of native seed mixes to help re-establish native vegetation in the riparian buffer.
The restoration was completed in the spring of 2023, and WSSI is currently monitoring and maintaining the stream’s ongoing progress.
The Results
Since restoration work was completed, the stream at Blackpond Nutrient Mitigation Bank has become the focal point of the farm, improving with time. The stream is now stable, and a recent assessment indicated it is operating at 99 percent efficiency.
The restoration also created nutrient mitigation banking credits to meet post-construction runoff requirements under the Virginia Stormwater General Permit Program.
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