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DEP Home : Water : Restoration Projects : Batchellors Run Stream Restoration
For questions about this project, contact DEP : 311 Email: askdep@montgomerycountymd.gov
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, in collaboration with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is planning to restore the Batchellors Run tributary just north of Chapel Hill Drive, for about 1,000 feet on either side of the Layhill Road crossing. This project is planned for construction December 2012 to summer 2013. The Batchellors Run tributary was identified as a priority for restoration in the Northwest Branch Watershed Feasibility Study (July 2000). This stream has been degraded by years of uncontrolled storm flows which has impacted habitat for fish and other aquatic life. The County plans to stabilize eroded streambanks, restore stable habitat, create wetlands, and reforest stream buffer areas. The project will provide environmental benefits, improve adjacent property values and aesthetics where reasonably possible, and provide community education opportunities.
The Batchellors Run stream restoration project will be constructed along with two other projects in the Northwest Branch watershed: Sherwood Forest stream restoration and Woodlawn stream restoration.
This project Fact Sheet (PDF, 4.4 MB) provides more information. The Army Corps of Engineers Fact Sheet provides more information about the partnership to restore the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River.
Stream restoration, along with RainScapes projects voluntarily installed on residential lots, will maximize the pollution reduction and water quality benefits that can be achieved in the neighborhood. As part of the RainScapes Rewards Program, Sherwood Forest residents have the option to install rain gardens, rain barrels, and other attractive stormwater control features on their property, and have costs partially rebated by the County. Applications are available online.
Click here to learn about other ways you and your community can help your local watershed. Your actions can make a big difference!
It takes some time to update all the documents and materials as we make design changes. Please check back regularly for updates over the next several weeks, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Click the button to start the slideshow. To view descriptions of the photos, start the slideshow and enter fullscreen mode by clicking the button. Then click the "Show Info" link at the upper right corner of the screen.
The project is in the final 100% planning/design stage as of November 2012. The project is planned for construction December 2012 to summer 2013. The stream running through the Northwest Park golf course (east of Layhill Road) will be restored first, followed by the stream west of Layhill Road.
Public meetings have been planned to ensure that the project is directly informed by and reflects your community's values and priorities. During these meetings the public will have an opportunity to engage with Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection staff members and learn more about how to contribute water quality improvements. The first public meeting will be held at James Hubert Blake High School at 6:30 p.m. on March 20th, 2012.
Location: James Hubert Blake High School Cafeteria, 300 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905 (map) Date: March 20, 2012 Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.Meeting Announcement Flyer (PDF, 1.7 MB)
Stream Walk A – West of Layhill Rd (10:00 – 11:00 a.m.): Meet in front of 1801 & 1805 Chapel Hill Rd at 10:00 a.m. We will walk between the houses to the stream, turn left and walk a short distance upstream to the upstream limit of the project. We will then walk along the stream towards Layhill Rd where the walk ends at 11:00 a.m.
Stream Walk B – Golf Course East of Layhill Rd (11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.): Meet at Northwest Park Golf Course lower parking lot at 11:15 a.m. We will walk along entrance road and cart path to the stream, and will proceed upstream towards Layhill Rd where the stream walk ends at noon.
December 1, 2012 - The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection held a community walk to show residents the upcomming stream restoration planned for the Batchellors Run tributary of the Northwest Branch. About 30 people attended to walk the stream and discuss proposed designs with planners and engineers from the County, project managers from the US Army Corps of Engineers, and design engineer consultant from Rummel Klepper & Kahl. See below for materials handed out and photos taken at the walk.