Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study
Authorization:
House Document Number 2558, United States House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, dated May 6, 1998.
Location and Description:
- Approximately 100 miles southeast of Richmond.
- 2000 Census population: 425,257
- 2020 Forecast population: 460,900
- Per Capita Income (1999): $22,365
The study area is the Lynnhaven River Basin, which is located in the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Lynnhaven River, with its three branches, the Eastern, Western, and the Broad Bay/Linkhorn Bay, encompasses an area of land and water surface of nearly 64 square miles. The watershed, representing one-fourth of the area of the City of Virginia Beach, performs vital functions for the City and its residents. The Lynnhaven River is the largest tidal estuary in the City and lies in the heart of the urbanized northern half of Virginia Beach. This resource has 150 miles of shoreline and hundreds of acres of marsh, mudflat, and shallow water habitats. The river supports a tremendous level of recreational boating, fishing, crabbing, ecotourism, and general environmental observation. The navigational needs of the residents and users of the river are an integral part of the river’s attraction. However, the river has become increasingly stressed as the watershed has experienced a shift from a predominantly rural to a predominantly urban/suburban land use pattern. This conversion has subjected the river to the expected accompanying development pressures related to concurrent loss of natural buffers and increases in population and density. This study identifies four specific areas of concern to be addressed in future studies and actions with the Corps of Engineers. These areas of concern are water quality, tidal wetlands, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and siltation. Environmental restoration and protection are Federally high priority project purposes and are the primary outputs of the alternative plans to be evaluated. Therefore, the reconnaissance study determined that there is a Federal interest in pursuing this analysis into the feasibility phase. Based on preliminary analysis and comparisons with other projects in the Norfolk District, there is high probability that one or more alternative plans will be feasible from environmental, economic, and engineering perspectives. The feasibility study was initiated in September 2004. The project is funded in FY 07 for continuation of the feasibility phase.
Updated: 13-Jan-2012