Frequently Asked Questions

Why are expensive stream corridor restoration projects done instead of focusing our efforts on cheaper projects? 

Local governments do both large-scale stream corridor restoration projects and stormwater management projects like rain garden or tree plantings in our region. Some stormwater management projects are likely less noticeable given their small scale of construction and placement spread throughout the community. Planting rain gardens and trees along streams are vital to improve local water quality, but these practices are not enough on their own to meet federal and local water quality regulations. 

Localities use watershed planning and monitoring to identify both upland stormwater projects to reduce runoff and in-stream improvement projects. Based on the unique features of an area, different types of projects are best to reduce sediment and pollution in our streams in a cost-effective way. Often in urban areas, stream corridor restoration projects offer a more cost-effective solution based on dollars spent per pound of pollution reduced. This means it would take many more small-scale restoration projects to reduce the same amount of pollution that several large-scale stream corridor restoration projects could. These projects have a big effect in a small area without overtaking valuable property, like many small-scale restorations. 

In urban areas like Northern Virginia, developed infrastructure such as roads and buildings cover most of the land. This limits the amount of space that is available for stormwater management practices and makes it difficult to find locations for many impactful small-scale restoration projects. Maintenance needs and costs vary for different types of restoration projects. Typically, stream corridor restoration projects that used natural materials during construction have a low cost of maintenance. In comparison, rain gardens need more effort and higher maintenance costs to ensure they work properly. With projects spread throughout communities, high maintenance projects can quickly become overwhelming and fall into disrepair. 

Why are stream corridor restoration projects expensive?

They are high cost because they include the cost of all planning, design, construction, and maintenance. These projects often range from $1,200 to $2,000 per linear foot of stream restored. They are still more cost effective in terms of pollution removed per dollar spent than many alternatives. It is important to  remember that money spent on these large-scale projects are not taking away the millions of dollars available to fund small-scale low-cost restoration projects.

Why don’t we let the stream heal itself naturally?

It is true that streams heal naturally, however this occurs over long periods of time at a geologic scale. The time needed for a stream to heal itself gets longer as the stream becomes more degraded. Also, the time needed grows longer as watershed and land conditions change. Even with regulations and efforts to develop in a way that has less impact on streams, our local stream conditions continue to worsen. Stream corridor restoration is one way to manage our streams long-term. If left untouched, widening streams would allow more property damage to occur. It would also not allow for exposed system fixes to occur during restoration projects.

Why are trees removed during stream corridor restoration? 

Stream corridor restoration calls for tree removal for several reasons. However, project design plans minimize the number of trees removed while still achieving project goals. Before tree removal, an ecologist or biologist takes stock of trees and plants on the site and studies their health. They decide which trees and plants are the best to preserve and enhance within the area surrounding the stream. Also, they map plants and wetlands with a focus on keeping plants connected to nearby forests and natural areas. 

Trees near urban streams capture stormwater and help it soak into the ground. This helps reduce runoff to streams during storms. Tree roots, organisms in soil, leaves, and wood lying beneath trees act like sponges which slow down and hold stormwater. Trees protect our local streams from erosion and pollution by reducing sediment and taking up nutrients. They improve water quality throughout our waterways and improve soils to help with drainage. Using the information gathered from studying the site, existing trees help determine the path of the stream. They also help decide the level of construction needed and the ability to connect the stream to the neighboring floodplain. 

The trees removed from a stream corridor restoration project are based on an inventory and assessment of trees by an urban forester. The goal is to remove as few trees as possible. Construction teams remove trees if they are unhealthy or dead, falling into the stream, threaten infrastructure or property, or become damaged from construction. Project design plans include native tree and vegetation plantings to replace removed trees with monitoring in place to ensure they survive after construction. Some projects also include invasive plant management as part of the site study both before and after construction.

Why do local governments use many different approaches to improve local water quality?

Local governments protect and improve our local streams with a combination of different approaches working together. Local governments use policy that guides decision making on the management of land use, the environment, and flooding. They use stormwater management to reduce runoff from rain, control flooding, and reduce erosion. This includes putting in new stormwater practices and requiring controls for redevelopment projects that previously had none. They use stormwater improvement projects like stream corridor restoration, improving existing stormwater systems, and constructing new stormwater facilities. 

Planting trees and rain gardens capture and filter stormwater, which addresses the source problem of polluted waters entering our streams. Stream corridor restoration projects improve the functionality of our streams and floodplains to allow them to handle stormwater during storms. The best approach is using both in-stream and up-stream approaches whenever possible. Local governments should add more stormwater facilities, trees, and rain gardens to reduce runoff over time. They should also create stable stream channels that will protect infrastructure and trees along the stream. By using both methods, there will be healthier water flowing at a manageable rate into stable streams. This will hold up through heavy rain events and the test of time.

What makes a stream corridor restoration project successful?

Stream corridor restoration design, permitting, and construction is a multi-year and complex process. It requires experienced consultants in engineering, biology, forestry, landscape architecture, project management, and construction. Contractors can differ greatly in their level of experience and their preferred methods and materials. It is important to use contractors with recognized long-term success in previous stream corridor restoration projects. It is important to consult professional biologists to consider the potential gains or losses to the stream and nearby area that may occur from the project. Communication with the public is a key component to a successful project. Local governments work with communities during the design phase to ensure the project goals address concerns. Stream corridor restoration projects must follow all permitting requirements to be successful.