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Ballston Wetland Park

Location

Ballston Pond, Arlington, VA 22201 View Map

Status

Complete

The Ballston Wetland project has been recognized by Civil + Structural Engineering Media in the Environmental/Sustainability category as part of their 2023 Yearbook of Engineering Achievement.

Projects To Watch: Ballston Wetland Park - YouTube

Project Information

The Ballston Pond was originally designed and constructed as a stormwater detention facility to collect and slow stormwater runoff from Interstate 66 when the highway was built. Over the years, the pond filled up with sediments deposited by stormwater runoff, which slows down when it reaches the pond. The Ballston Pond not longer functioned as originally designed, and its water quality benefits were limited due to water flowing straight through the pond instead of taking a more circuitous route. In addition to invasive plants, trash is a continual issue. Construction began on Dec.1, 2021 and completed in August 2023.

Retrofitting the Ballston Wetland Park was a high-priority project in the County’s Stormwater Management Program. This pond receives runoff from more than 450 acres of urban and suburban land, and represents the most feasible opportunity within Arlington for a larger regional stormwater management facility. Retrofitting the pond to provide more water quality treatment helps the County comply with the municipal separate storm sewer system permit and contributes to restoring the Chesapeake Bay.

In fall of 2000, the pond was drained and the bottom surveyed to determine the pond’s remaining capacity. The survey data provided essential baseline information for a comprehensive study and redesign of the pond.

The restored Ballston Wetland Park includes:

A weir at the top of the pond that controls the water level in the pond.
Trash control devices, allowing trash to be collected and removed.
A deep water area in the middle of the current pond, and multiple small channels to allow water to flow throughout the wetland.
Emergent, shrub and tree wetland vegetation areas.
Native plants and invasive plant control.
Wildlife components, including turtle basking stations.
A new boardwalk on the eastern side of the pond.
Interpretive signage.

Maintenance Schedule

The restored Ballston wetland includes two trash collection devices. These trash collection devices will initially be maintained on a quarterly basis (September, December, March, June) to remove accumulated material. In addition, trash will be removed from the pools and shorelines of the wetland twice per year.

Public Process

Date	Location	Meeting Materials
May 17, 2021	Climate Change, Energy and Environment Commission	Meeting information Planting Plan(PDF, 8MB)
February 2021	Civic Federation	Meeting information
Jan. 30, 2019, 7:30 PM	Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Bluemont Room (2nd Floor)	Meeting Presentation 90% Design Plan Meeting Summary
Nov. 13, 2012	NRECA Building, 4301 Wilson Blvd.	Final Design Public Meeting Presentation Meeting Summary Plant List
Oct. 27, 2011	NRECA Building, 4301 Wilson Blvd.	50% Design Public Meeting Presentation Meeting Summary Proposed Plant List
Oct. 18, 2011	Ballston Pond Restoration Advisory Group Meeting	Presentation Meeting Summary
June 13, 2011	NRECA Building, 4301 Wilson Blvd.	30% Design Public Meeting Presentation Meeting Summary Concept Design A Concept Design B Concept Design C
June 8, 2011	Ballston Pond Restoration Advisory Group Meeting	Meeting Summary
Feb. 24, 2011	NRECA Building, 4301 Wilson Blvd.	Stormwater Management in Arlington Presentation Ballston Pond Restoration Project Presentation Summary of Public Comment
Jan. 22, 2011	Ballston Pond Restoration Advisory Group Meeting	Stormwater Management in Arlington Presentation Ballston Pond Restoration Project Presentation Meeting Summary