Willow Oaks Drainage Plan Unveiled

Map of Study Area - Click to enlarge

Managers from the Richmond Stormwater Management unit met February 22nd with residents of the Willow Oaks subdivision to unveil a proposed stormwater management plan designed to resolve long-standing drainage and seasonal flooding issues.

The plan has been about six months in the making, and stems from a request last year from the Willow Oaks Civic Association for a comprehensive review of stormwater problems in the neighborhood. Natural streams within the neighborhood drain an area from the Stratford Hills Shopping Center, through the community, ultimately leading to the James River.

Drainage in the area was originally constructed to Chesterfield County standards when the subdivision was first constructed, and does not meet contemporary stormwater management standards.

The plan encompasses both maintenance issues in about a half a dozen location, and will be comprised primarily of ditch and drain work, with some culvert repairs and upgrades.

Engineers also laid out five major project work areas throughout the neighborhood. Those projects will require more extensive construction work, and will require easements from all the property owners in the project areas.

Stormwater manager Michelle Virts emphasized for the group that the failure of a single landowner to sign an easement could block the entire project. She said individual and small group meetings would begin almost immediately, as the department begins the process of acquiring the easements and completing the engineering plans for the area. Engineers said the project is funded through the stormwater utility fee structure, and will not require any general fund money. Story and photo submitted by David Hathcock.