If You Build It, They Will Come: The Unexpected Community Benefits of a Stormwater Pond Retrofit
The Ben Brenman Stormwater Pond is so much more than just a BMP. This presentation will highlight some of the investments made by the City of Alexandria — going above and beyond to protect our local waterways and help achieve pollution reductions required for the Chesapeake Bay TMDL. While the upgraded features in this pond enhance the reduction of pollution that enters Holmes Run, Cameron Run, the Potomac River, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay from more than 290 acres of that drain to it, the upgrades include amenities for the community and wildlife to enjoy. The City of Alexandria and AECOM will demonstrate how the forebay, weir walls, aquatic features, and upflow gravel filter in Ben Brenman Pond all work together to help reduce water pollution while enhancing wildlife and aquatic habitat. The unexpected community benefits of this pond, such as serving as an outdoor classroom for 1,000+ middle school students and the archaeological preservation of historic ship timbers within the pond itself, will also be highlighted.
Author Bio
Jessica Lassetter, MNR, is a Senior Environmental Specialist with the City of Alexandria’s Stormwater Management Division. Jessica has over 20 years of professional experience in environmental science, policy, and planning, with a specialization in water resources management. Jessica currently administers the City’s MS4 permit focusing on water quality and helped launch the City’s Flood Action program. Jessica currently serves on the Executive Committee of Resilient Virginia and on the National Board of EcoWomen. Melissa Bernardo Hess, PE, CFM, ENV SP, has over 25 years of experience in water resources engineering. She has managed programs in stormwater management, green infrastructure, flood mitigation, stream restoration and water quality. Her clients include many municipalities in Virginia and Maryland, as well as several federal facilities. She also serves as a disability advocate and a mentor to Military Veterans.
