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Why So Salty?
Freshwater Salinization – Trends and Regional Impacts
The Occoquan Reservoir provides clean drinking water to 800,000 residents in northern Virginia. But researchers are noticing a concerning trend – our fresh water is getting saltier.
We were joined by Nicki Bellezza from Fairfax Water, Dr. San Grant from Occoquan Monitoring Lab, and Michael Nardolilli from the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin to explore this trend together, find out the sources, and what, if anything, we can do about it. >>watch the program here
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: Removing salt from water is costly and likely not a viable option. Preventing salt from entering our waterways in the first place is key.
Salt doesn’t just come from the road: While salt used as deicers during the winter months is certainly an important source of salt, other sources are also large contributors including industry wastewater from Micron and likely data centers and a growing population in the Upper Occoquan Service Authority serviceshed.
Land use decisions are key: Reducing salt from entering our drinking water supply comes down to proper point source regulation and land use decisions that reduce development pressure within the watershed and maintain/enhance natural open spaces and Resource Protection Areas.
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Protecting the Occoquan Reservoir
The Occoquan Reservoir watershed, primarily (40%) within Prince William County, is crucial for the water quality of our drinking water. Land use decisions in the county significantly influence the health of the watershed and thus the reservoir.
While Fairfax County implemented protective measures, such as downzoning, to protect the reservoir, Prince William County adopted the Rural Crescent in 1998 to limit sewer access and curb development pressure. However, recent changes in the Comprehensive Plan have blurred the line between rural and development areas.
Although the headwaters are experiencing development pressure, the updated Comprehensive Plan introduced an Occoquan Reservoir Protection Area (ORPA) in Midcounty, which was established to protect the Occoquan Reservoir as a public water supply, reduce nutrient & sediment loadings to the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and minimize land disturbance on one of the most environmentally sensitive areas in the county.
ORPA follows the Occoquan watershed line except where more intense development already exists. It also geologically follows the ground-water-flow system of the Piedmont. More intense development within the ORPA would mean more impervious surface, therefore, more runoff into the reservoir and less groundwater recharge. Residents on well water rely on the groundwater recharge for their drinking water supply, and wells in this area are more susceptible to drought due to the soil type.
Despite current regulatory efforts such as point-source controls, stormwater management requirements, erosion and sediment controls, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area regulations (i.e. RPAs), and the County’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit system, salt, sedimentation, and other pollutants continue to be present (and in some cases are rising) in the reservoir.
The establishment of ORPA could serve as a pilot study area for measures that may be essential to implement throughout the county or at least throughout the Bull Run basin to adequately protect both surface water and groundwater that enters the reservoir.
Pending studies such as the groundwater study and the Occoquan Watershed Model, as well as additional studies carried out by the Occoquan Monitoring Lab, will be critical in developing sound policies that ensure the sustainability of both groundwater and the Occoquan Reservoir as reliable and affordable drinking water sources now and in the future.
>>read more about ORPA
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New Staff Member!
Thanks to the support from people like you, we’re able to grow our team and expand our reach. Please help us welcome the newest team member – Terrell Worrell! He brings new energy and enthusiasm to the team and we are fortunate to have him join us in our effort to create sustainable communities throughout Prince William County. He’ll be present at the Bluebell Festival – be sure to stop by and say hello.
Note from Terrell
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Hello everyone! My name’s Terrell and I’m the new Operations Programs Assistant. I thought I’d take the time to tell you all a little about myself.
I grew up in the area and went to college at Virginia Tech where I studied Sustainable Housing and Forestry. I’ve always had a passion for conservation and love to learn about the natural world so this has been a really enjoyable first month for me. It’s been great to meet the wonderful volunteers and community members that make PWCA what it is. Thanks for having me!
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Data Center Reform
The General Assembly has adjourned, with all 17 bills addressing essential guardrails and transparency in the rapidly expanding data center sector tabled until next year pending a comprehensive study. The Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission has authorized a thorough examination of recent and anticipated trends within the data center industry, including impacts on natural and cultural resources, energy demands, renewable energy policies, and community concerns such as noise pollution and property values.
While statewide advocacy persists, local action is still key in determining where data centers will be built and under what conditions. Loudoun County’s rejection of a data center application sets a precedent for local leaders faced with pressure to build everywhere.
Here, in Prince William County, data center proliferation continues without robust guidelines. The Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District Comprehensive Review was initiated in 2021 and projected that with the help of a consultant would be concluded in 6-9 months. That study remains unfinished. Meanwhile, an estimated 36 million square feet (this is likely an underestimate) of data centers have been approved outside of the overlay (a 6-fold increase since 2022!) while by-right development continues.
The approvals by the board have effectively rendered the overlay moot.
In Independent Hill, the Parsons Business Park approval marks the beginning of a cluster of data center proposals in the area including Midcounty Technology Park and Potomac Technology Park, raising questions about infrastructure strain and community impact.
Concerned about the cumulative impacts on our environment and communities, PWCA shared comments with the Board of County Supervisors. >>read our full comments here
During the April 2nd meeting, Supervisor Weir introduced a resolution to get rid of the data center overlay which would require all data center development to obtain a special use permit. The Board has scheduled to have that discussion to initiate a zoning text amendment on May 14th, 2024.
Regardless of whether we move forward with or without an overlay, we need our planning process to be clear, transparent, and predictable, and for it to account for impacts on our communities, natural areas, and climate change goals. >>share your views
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New Website, Same Great Content
We are updating our website to provide quality resources as we always did with a fresh new look!
Was there information on our old website that you often used? Not to worry! Much of the older content is still available as we complete the transition this year.
In the meantime, check out the new layout and design. >>new website
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Bluebird monitoring
We recently kicked off this year’s Bluebird Monitoring session and our volunteer teams at Merrimac Farm WMA and Chinn Park have started their data collection! Both of these trails exist because of our effective advocacy efforts to protect what we have.
Our Bluebird Monitoring teams aren’t just hiking around looking at birds for fun (though it is very fun!). The data that they collect helps us know how healthy our eastern bluebird population is, after being seriously threatened in the 1970s. Next time you notice a bluebird hopping and flying around, remember the volunteers, scientists, and advocates fighting for our natural world!
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Upcoming Events
Bluebell Festival – 2024
Sun. April 7th | 10 – 3
Merrimac Farm WMA
The Bluebell Festival is almost here! Please join us on Sunday, April 7, to welcome spring, celebrate nature close to home, and view the fabulous Virginia Bluebells that carpet the Cedar Run shoreline for nearly a mile.
Meet local organizations and people who are working to improve our community. With some of the best Northern Virginia naturalists leading tours and activities, we’re looking forward to a special day at an outstanding natural area. Family-friendly (no pets allowed) and free of charge (bring cash for vendors). >>more info
There are a few volunteer opportunities still available if you’d like to help out. Just email us at [email protected] or call at 703-490-5200.
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Kim Hosen Memorial Hike
Sat. May 11th | 9:30 – 12:30
Bull Run Mountain Natural Area
Registration required | Donations appreciated
Kim Hosen, founder of the Prince William Conservation Alliance, took great pride in reminding us that Prince William County encompassed a unique landscape and critical environmental resources that serve as a foundation for quality of life for wildlife and residents alike.
In her memory, join us on May 11th for a hike in the woods at Bull Run Natural Preserve Area and explore the headwaters of the Occoquan Reservoir and the beauty of this land that she held so dear. >>more information
Light refreshments will be provided after the hike.
If you wish to participate but not go on the hike, please contact us at [email protected]
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