Lake Accotink Preservation Feasability Study: Key Questions Remain

Author: Martin E. Shepherd, Used with Permission.

The recent Lake Accotink Preservation Feasibility Study update, provided through Supervisor James Walkinshaw's Braddock Beacon Newsletter for February 2025 (published 2/7/2025), highlights several ongoing efforts and key milestones. However, critical questions remain unanswered, and gaps in public transparency persist. Below is a detailed evaluation of the update, key takeaways, and questions that need addressing.

IMPORTANT TAKEAWAYS:

1. Sedimentation Study: Field monitoring and lake modeling continue, with USGS preparing a webpage dedicated to their sediment measurement work. Once available, the link will be provided on the project’s website: “Smaller Lake Accotink PreservationFeasibility Study” (https://publicinput.com/lake-accotink-preservation).

2. Dam Assessment: The Fairfax County Park Authority initiated the lake drawdown on January 3, 2025. However, operations were temporarily halted due to snow and ice on January 10. The drawdown will resume as conditions allow, enabling an inspection of the dam and spillway.

3. Preservation Feasibility Study Scope and Schedule: Feedback from a recent public survey has led to updates in the scope of work and schedule. A document showing how comments were incorporated and the updated scope will be posted on the project’s website later this month.

4. Cost Estimation: The consultant is preparing a cost estimate for the feasibility study. The County will review and negotiate this estimate before authorizing the commencement of the study.

5. Outreach and Engagement: A new multi-lingual public engagement website has been launched. The site will provide updates on public meetings and opportunities to share comments. Additionally, last fall’s public survey results are available under the "Additional resources" section at this link.

6. Community Engagement Plan: The engagement plan is being revised based on survey results and will be available for public review upon completion.

7. Project Background and Previous Studies: Information on prior studies and project history is accessible through the DPWES project website.

KEY QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION:

1. Why have there been no formal public meetings?

Background: Although Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP) hosted three meetings with County DPWES staff, representatives from Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), the organization overseeing the dam assessment, have not attended any of these meetings to provide updates. Further, considering the topic, these meetings should have - but did not meet the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) standards. These meetings were poorly advertised and limited to FLAP volunteers. Why has there been no effort to hold properly announced public meetings to engage the wider community that complies with VFOIA requirements?

2. Why has it taken over a year to complete contract negotiations for the feasibility study?

Background: The Board Matter approving the study was passed on January 23, 2024. There is still no completed task order, and the Board of Supervisors has yet to approve the contract required to begin the study. Initially, the study was expected to take 12 months, but we are now in the second year of a hidden process without any progress made. A year-long delay has resulted in additional silt accumulation, complicating future dredging efforts. What specific factors have caused this delay, and what measures are being implemented to prevent further setbacks?

3. Where is the project timeline specified in the Board Matter?

Background: To date, no comprehensive project planning document, such as a Gantt Chart, has been publicly shared. Lifecycle project planning must include programming of activities from the very start of internal discussions, timelines for deliverables, and milestones through to the final report. Why has the County not made a project timeline publicly available, and when can stakeholders expect to see one?

4. What is the status of the updated Scope of Work and cost negotiations?

The update mentions that the consultant is preparing a cost estimate and that negotiations will follow. The County stated that the survey results would be integrated into the Scope of Work. How did the survey results affect the Scope of Work? What is the anticipated timeline for finalizing these negotiations and officially launching the feasibility study?

5. How will the County ensure equitable public engagement moving forward?

Background: The engagement plan is being updated based on survey results, but previous engagement efforts have been limited and have not included the broader community. What new mechanisms will be included in the revised plan to ensure broader participation, especially from underrepresented groups?

6. Why is there no mention of the Robinson Terminal option for dredged material handling?

Background: There has been significant discussion about identifying a suitable location for dewatering and transporting dredged materials. Robinson Terminal offers infrastructure and logistical advantages over other proposed sites. Why has this option not been explicitly evaluated or discussed in the update?

CONCLUSION:

While the status update provides insight into ongoing activities, significant gaps in transparency and community engagement remain. The lack of a publicly available project timeline, delays in contract negotiations, and limited formal public meetings highlight critical areas requiring improvement. The County must address these concerns promptly to build community trust and ensure the long-term success of the Lake Accotink Preservation Feasibility Study.

About the Author: Mr. Shepherd, a lifelong resident of Ravensworth Farm since 1963, has been actively involved in conservation efforts in and around Lake Accotink Park since the 1960s and 1970s. His long-standing commitment to the lake’s preservation includes consulting with the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, contributing to the Park’s Master Plan process, and providing a historical perspective on the lake’s environmental importance to the Accotink Watershed. He serves as a volunteer with Friends of Lake Accotink. He had an active role on the Save Lake Accotink Planning Committee and regularly contributes to the Save Lake Accotink Community Facebook Page. As the Ravensworth Farm representative to the now-concluded Future of Lake Accotink Task Force, he played a key role in advocating for the lake’s long-term future. Mr. Shepherd continues to champion sustainable solutions for Lake Accotink and provide input on the scope of the Lake Accotink Preservation Feasibility Study.