This project restored an eroded 300-foot stream channel of an unnamed Difficult Run tributary in Fairfax County, VA. The restoration included raising the stream bed, installing boulder and log structures, and planting native vegetation. The project was completed on budget in June 2015 and provides annual water quality benefits by removing pollution and sediment from runoff.

1. A Fairfax County, VA, publication
Department of Public Works and Environmental Services
Working for You!
Difficult Run Tributary at Oakton Estates
(DF9045)
Contract No. CN14125123
Project No. SD-000031-102
Task Order No. 25
Sully District
June 26, 2015

2. Difficult Run Tributary at Oakton Estates
Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction Division/Transportation & Stormwater Construction Branch

3. Project Details
Difficult Run Tributary at Oakton Estates
Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction Division/Transportation & Stormwater Construction Branch
The purpose of this project is to restore the eroded stream channel to a stable condition, to provide water
quality benefits as well as channel protection. This project was substantially completed within budget on June
26, 2015.
Project Overview:
• Channel improvement and stream bank stabilization of approximately 300 linear feet of an unnamed
Difficult Run tributary.
• Raising of the stream bed elevation to connect to a graded bankfull bench.
• Installation of an imbricated boulder toe and three (3) in-stream rock structures.
• Installation of root wads and log sill structures.
• Planting of native trees, shrubs, and grasses to promote the natural reforestation of the project site and
enhance habitat.
• Annual water quality benefits obtained include removal of 19 pounds of total phosphorus, 121 pounds of
total nitrogen, and 3 tons of sediment.
Project Team:
• Emma Gutzler – Stormwater Planning Department
• Suzanne Foster– Stormwater Planning Department
• Chris Triolo– Utilities Design & Construction Division
• Kenny Giles– Utilities Design & Construction Division
• Yudhie Brownson – Utilities Design & Construction Division
• Nicholas Drunasky – Urban Forest Management

4. Difficult Run Tributary at Oakton Estates
Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction Division/Transportation & Stormwater Construction Branch
Difficult Run Tributary Project Site– Tax Map No. 46-2
Difficult Run Tributary-
Approximate Project Limits

5. Difficult Run Tributary at Oakton Estates
Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction Division/Transportation & Stormwater Construction Branch
Existing Stream Condition Pre-Construction

6. Difficult Run Tributary at Oakton Estates
Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction Division/Transportation & Stormwater Construction Branch
Existing Site Condition Pre-Construction

7. Difficult Run Tributary at Oakton Estates
Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction Division/Transportation & Stormwater Construction Branch
Construction

8. Difficult Run Tributary at Oakton Estates
Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction Division/Transportation & Stormwater Construction Branch
Post Construction

9. Difficult Run Tributary at Oakton Estates
Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction Division/Transportation & Stormwater Construction Branch
Post Construction

10. Before After
Difficult Run Tributary at Oakton Estates
Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction Division/Transportation & Stormwater Construction Branch

11. Additional Information
For additional Information, please call
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes
Difficult Run Tributary at Oakton Estates
Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction Division/Transportation & Stormwater Construction Branch
Irene Haske, Public Information Officer
703-324-5821, TTY 711
SWPDmail@fairfaxcounty.gov