The Big Rocky Run Phase II Stream Restoration project in Fairfax County, Virginia was completed in June 2014. The project restored over 2,500 linear feet of Big Rocky Run and its riparian corridor using natural channel design principles. This included installing structures to create a stable stream morphology, restoring floodplain habitat, and planting native vegetation. The project aims to improve water quality by reducing total phosphorus, nitrogen, and suspended solids in the stream.

1. A Fairfax County, VA, publication
Department of Public Works and Environmental Services
Working for You!
BIG ROCKY RUN PHASE II STREAM RESTORATION
Contract Number CN10316077
Project Number SD000006-003
Sully District
July 2014

2. BIG ROCKY RUN PHASE II STREAM RESTORATION
Stormwater Planning, Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction, Transportation/Stormwater Construction

3. Project Details
Big Rocky Run Phase II Stream Restoration
Stormwater Planning, Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction, Transportation Stormwater Construction
Description:
The Big Rocky Run Phase II Stream Restoration project was substantially completed on June 25,
2014. The scope of this project included achieving water quality improvements through the
restoration of approximately 2,550 linear feet of the Big Rocky Run and riparian corridor by use of
natural channel design principles.
Project Overview:
• Creation of stable and regenerative stream morphology via the installation of in-stream stone and
wood structures, reinforced streambed material, stable channel cross sections, longitudinal
profile and channel geometry.
• Creation of floodplain habitat features in abandoned channel reaches.
• Restoration of native trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and grasses along the riparian corridor.
Project Team:
• Utilities Design and Construction Division - Bill “Newt” Nolan
• Utilities Design and Construction Division - Jeff Bartlett
• Stormwater Planning Division – Justin Pistore

4. BIG ROCKY RUN STREAM RESTORATION PHASE II
Stormwater Planning, Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction, Transportation Stormwater Construction
SULLY DISTRICT – TAX MAP NO. 54-1 & 54-2
PROJECT
SITE

5. BIG ROCKY RUN PHASE II STREAM RESTORATION
Stormwater Planning, Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction, Transportation Stormwater Construction
Pre-Restoration View of the Stream

6. BIG ROCKY RUN PHASE II STREAM RESTORATION
Stormwater Planning, Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction, Transportation Stormwater Construction
Pre-Restoration Views of the Stream

7. Stormwater Planning, Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction, Transportation Stormwater Construction
BIG ROCKY RUN PHASE II STREAM INSTALLATION
Installation of Native Trees and Shrubs

8. Stormwater Planning, Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction, Transportation Stormwater Construction
BIG ROCKY RUN PHASE II STREAM INSTALLATION
Installation of Native Plantings

9. Stormwater Planning, Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction, Transportation Stormwater Construction
Completed Project
BIG ROCKY RUN PHASE II STREAM INSTALLATION

10. Stormwater Planning, Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction, Transportation Stormwater Construction
Completed Project
BIG ROCKY RUN PHASE II STREAM INSTALLATION

11. Stormwater Planning, Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction, Transportation Stormwater Construction
Completed Project
BIG ROCKY RUN PHASE II STREAM INSTALLATION

12. BIG ROCKY RUN PHASE II STREAM RESTORATION
Stormwater Planning, Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction, Transportation Stormwater Construction
Installation of Large Woody Debris Habitat Features

13. Stormwater Planning, Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction, Transportation Stormwater Construction
BIG ROCKY RUN PHASE II STREAM RESTORATION
Boulders Cluster Grade Control Structure

14. BIG ROCKY RUN PHASE II Water Quality Benefits
Stormwater Planning, Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction, Transportation Stormwater Construction
Total Phosphorus 106 pounds per year
Total Nitrogen 538 pounds per year
Total Suspended Solids 202,186 pounds per year
Pollutant Removal

15. Before After
BIG ROCKY RUN PHASE II STREAM RESTORATION
Stormwater Planning, Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction, Transportation Stormwater Construction

16. Additional Information
For additional Information, please call
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes
BIG ROCKY RUN PHASE II STREAM RESTORATION
Ben Boxer, Public Information Officer
703-324-5880, TTY 711
Ben. Ben Boxer, Public Information Officer
703-324-5880, TTY 711
Ben. Ben Boxer, Public Information Officer
703-324-5880, TTY 711
Ben.Boxer@fairfaxcounty.gov
Irene Haske, Public Information Officer
703-324-5821, TTY 711
SWPDmail@fairfaxcounty.gov
Stormwater Planning, Capital Facilities/Utilities Design and Construction, Transportation Stormwater Construction