The City of Staunton has completed a major environmental restoration project on the Cole Avenue stream channel, an initiative that addresses erosion, improves water quality, and helps meet state and federal stormwater pollution reduction requirements.
The project repaired a severely eroded stream channel in western Staunton, located in a wooded area between Monument Drive, Hickory Street, and Cole Avenue. Years of fast-moving stormwater runoff from surrounding neighborhoods had caused the streambanks to degrade, contributed to sediment and nutrient pollution downstream, and exposed sanitary sewer lines.
“This project demonstrates Staunton’s commitment to protecting our natural resources and addressing challenges of urban stormwater,” said Environmental Programs Administrator Willow Hughes. “By stabilizing the channel and restoring a healthy riparian buffer, we’re not only improving water quality but also helping to safeguard our community’s infrastructure for years to come.”
Key Improvements & Environmental Benefits
- Channel Stability: Restored channel with native riparian buffer to reduce future erosion and prevent sediment from entering waterways
- Infrastructure Protection: Relocated exposed sanitary sewer lines
- Pollution Reduction: Removes 113 pounds of phosphorus, 653 pounds of nitrogen, and 451,000 pounds of total suspended solids from the water system annually
- Flood Management: Reestablished floodplain functionality to slow water flow and reduce downstream flooding impacts
Addressing Mandates
The Cole Avenue project is a major step toward meeting the city’s environmental obligations under the Chesapeake Bay Act. This restoration will account for approximately 15 percent of Staunton’s total nitrogen load reduction requirement and more than 20 percent of the total phosphorus load reduction requirement that must be achieved by 2028.
Project Scope
The Cole Avenue channel drains roughly 275 acres of land, 29 percent of which is impervious surface, such as roads and rooftops. For every inch of rain, more than 2 million gallons of stormwater runoff flow into the channel, making proper management critical for the surrounding community.
More information about the Cole Avenue Stream Channel Restoration Project