Stream Restoration and Pollutant Removal in McIntire Park: Integrating Environmental and Community Goals
In April 2019, the City of Charlottesville (City) received SLAF grant funds from VADEQ for the design and construction of a stream restoration project in McIntire Park, matched by the City Stormwater Utility’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The Schenks Branch Tributary was selected for evaluation and design for pollutant removal credit generation towards the Chesapeake Bay TMDL pollutant reduction targets. The goals of the project are to increase water quality, provide a lift in ecological habitat, and facilitate community accessibility and education opportunities. Special consideration and coordination were taken to seamlessly integrate the project into the planned Botanical Garden of the Piedmont grounds. Hazen and Sawyer (Hazen) and the City collaboratively developed a design that accounted for site considerations, utility constraints, and future park and public amenities while exceeding water quality goals, balancing the reuse of materials on site, and designing within the available budget. Hazen also developed digital communication tools to educate and inform the community about the importance of water quality and the role of stream restoration in meeting regulations, achieving carbon sequestration, and providing resiliency and educational opportunities.
