Town Branch Stream Channel Improvements at Mosby Drive - Catoctin Circle to Morven Park Road project information from Fiscal Year 2025 Budget (Project No. 23402)

Project Start Date: Summer 2022

Estimated Completion Date: Spring 2029

Project Manager: Karin Franklin 703-771-6674

Project Documents: 

September 23, 2024 Town Council Work Session Update:

• PowerPoint Presentation Slides
• Town Council webcast video for Town Branch Project Update

May 15, 2024 Neighborhood Meeting Documents and Video:

• PowerPoint Presentation Slides
• Exhibit - Concept Design Plans - Roll Plot
• Exhibit - Concept Design Plans - Divided into Printable Pages
• Recorded Presentation

Project Description: This project is intended to restore approximately 1,500 linear feet of the Town Branch stream between Catoctin Circle and Morven Park Road. This work will include improvements to the existing stream channel to reduce significant erosion to the banks which is affecting adjoining properties. By reducing erosion, the project will reduce the amount of sediment being deposited downstream. Sediment transport is an area of concern for the Town’s Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) required reductions. The specific goals for the project include:

• Reduce erosion, sedimentation, safety risks and property loss in the project area
• Ensure that the project does not increase current floodwater levels on adjacent properties
• Complete stream restoration as required by the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF) grant to generate nutrient credits as outlined in the Town of Leesburg Stormwater Management Plan. This will help the Town meet the goals of the six minimum stormwater control measures as outlined in the Virginia’s General Permit
• Develop a stream restoration project that will be the most beneficial to the stream and residents
• This project will also support the Town in meeting nutrient removal requirements as established by the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) federal reduction requirements

Like a recently completed project on Tuscarora Creek, this stream restoration project is expected to result in a more attractive stream corridor with improved wildlife habitat and reduced erosion. The work required for this project will necessitate substantial regrading on either side of the stream, and therefore will result in the loss of most of the existing trees within or near the project area. The Town has a no net loss tree policy for capital projects, so the project will plant as many new trees as possible, where appropriate. The foliage planted as part of the project will likely mature quickly, like it has on the Tuscarora Creek Project.

Project Updates: As of October 11, 2024: A new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document has replaced the previous version and includes questions and received during meetings and as part of the feedback from residents in the summer of 2024. Use the blue button above to view this revised FAQ. Staff also provided an update to Town Council at their September 23, 2024 Work Session. See above under Project Documents for access to the materials and the webcast video of the presentation.