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Jul 11, 2026:
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Days, Hours, Min.
Oxon Run Stream Stabilization
National Capital Parks - East » Oxon Run Stream Stabilization
The purpose of the project is to restore a more naturalized state to the stream, thereby restoring natural hydrology, preventing erosion and improving sediment transport, protecting infrastructure, improving public access to the stream corridor, reducing flood risk, improving water quality and creating wildlife habitat, and protecting the critically rare magnolia bog ecosystem. Specifically, the project aims to improve resiliency by stabilizing sewer infrastructure and bridges currently damaged or threatened by Oxon Run, increase flood conveyance and flood storage thereby reducing flood risk and nuisance flooding, preserve the magnolia bog ecosystem making it more resilient to pressures of urban hydrology, improve ecological integrity of the site through restoration and enhancement of the channel and wetland habitats, and addressing erosion through a suite of restoration best management practices.
The project would use a hybrid approach consisting of multiple methodologies to form a comprehensive but modified floodplain restoration approach. It relies heavily upon both natural channel design elements and floodplain restoration and includes elements of monitored natural recovery, no action, and stabilization in-place. The project is divided into three sections (called reaches) each one with a different approach. From the overall project Reach 1 is located in Oxon Run Parkway and involves minimal disturbance. Most work stays near the proposed repairs to the existing sewer, with some small improvements made to reduce erosion and improve habitat. Some floodplain areas will be reshaped to spread out water during floods, removing some nearby properties from the 100-year flood risk. Also in this section, a new sewer pipe will be installed that will result in the removal of multiple large canopy trees for a construction road. Reach 2 is located on DPR lands. Reach 3 is partially located on NPS lands. This reach includes major changes including rebuilding the stream farther away from nearby structures and a solar farm. A dam is proposed for removal, potentially allowing for fish passage. The floodplain would be reshaped to reduce erosion and improve habitat for plants and animals.
The project would use a hybrid approach consisting of multiple methodologies to form a comprehensive but modified floodplain restoration approach. It relies heavily upon both natural channel design elements and floodplain restoration and includes elements of monitored natural recovery, no action, and stabilization in-place. The project is divided into three sections (called reaches) each one with a different approach. From the overall project Reach 1 is located in Oxon Run Parkway and involves minimal disturbance. Most work stays near the proposed repairs to the existing sewer, with some small improvements made to reduce erosion and improve habitat. Some floodplain areas will be reshaped to spread out water during floods, removing some nearby properties from the 100-year flood risk. Also in this section, a new sewer pipe will be installed that will result in the removal of multiple large canopy trees for a construction road. Reach 2 is located on DPR lands. Reach 3 is partially located on NPS lands. This reach includes major changes including rebuilding the stream farther away from nearby structures and a solar farm. A dam is proposed for removal, potentially allowing for fish passage. The floodplain would be reshaped to reduce erosion and improve habitat for plants and animals.