Green Infrastructure Implementation 

Aislinn T. Creel, PE, Timmons Group[1]

Megan E. Foreman, Timmons Group[2];

 

The Town of Ashland requested funding assistance from the CB Trust’s Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns program to implement green infrastructure retrofits along a major thoroughfare in a well-travelled corridor near the southern Town boundary. The G3 funding was used to complete construction of a grass channel and was supplemented with match funding provided from the Town for engineering design and project management, as well as a VA Trees grant to pay for the street trees and their planting. In conjunction with the Town of Ashland, Timmons Group has developed plans to retrofit a grass channel located between Frontage Road and Washington Highway (Route 1) to fulfill the grant requirements, while providing a visually appealing, functional treatment facility.

The project includes construction of a 1,150 linear foot grass channel, VA BMP Clearinghouse Design Specification No. 3, which will provide runoff reduction and water quality treatment via filtration of the adjacent impervious areas. The project will treat a highly impervious contributing drainage area (1.55 acre) and features compost amendments, native grass plantings, and tree check dams. The project will address existing drainage issues such as ponded water and scour, while providing environmental uplift through green infrastructure.

In addition to providing measurable runoff reduction and water quality benefits, the project features additional positive outcomes such as improving air quality using street trees and tree check dams, and habitat enhancement through the use of native grasses and plugs for permanent stabilization. The prominent location at the southern boundary of Town also sends a public message of the importance of green infrastructure and access to green space, especially along well traveled thoroughfares.

During the design process conflicts were identified and addressed to achieve the maximum number of benefits.

[1] Senior Project Manager; 1001 Boulders Parkway, Richmond, VA, 23227; 804-200-6432; Aislinn.Creel@timmons.com

[2] Project Engineer; 1001 Boulders Parkway, Richmond, VA, 23227; 804-523-8387; Megan.Foreman@timmons.com