Water Resources Management

There are several significant bodies of water, or water resources, located throughout Brambleton's common areas. Maintenance of these water resources is determined by the type of resource. Water resources are areas of sensitivity due to the fact that they can impact the local waterways and Chesapeake Bay. The Association takes a more natural approach towards the maintenance of all water resources within the community. Loudoun County, state and federal regulations impact the manner in which we maintain these resources.

Ponds

Brambleton contains many preexisting ponds; stormwater retention (wet) ponds, and stormwater detention (dry) ponds. The Association has developed various maintenance standards for its ponds based on the classification of the pond.

Residents and their guests are permitted to fish the wet ponds from the shore on a “catch and release” basis if they are properly licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Preexisting Ponds

Ponds that were located on the property prior to development of Brambleton. These ponds are primarily used for recreational and aesthetic purposes and remain in a more natural state and require minimal maintenance.

• Borders of the ponds will remain in a natural and native state
• Debris in pond will be removed on a monthly basis; or more frequent if needed.
• Algae will be treated on a monthly basis between the months of May through September.
• Recreational fishing is permitted on a “catch and release” basis from the shoreline.
• Swimming, boating, and ice skating on pond is prohibited.

Stormwater Retention Ponds

These are ponds that were created as a result of development to manage increase runoff as a result of additional impervious surfaces, such as roads, driveways and rooftops. These ponds hold water and the surrounding banks / shorelines will remain in a more maintained state. Loudoun County is responsible for maintenance of the management functions of the pond. BCA is responsible for maintenance of the recreational and aesthetic functions of the pond.

The Association will perform the following maintenance tasks:

• A 10’-20’ border around the pond will remain in a natural and native state. Woody material within this border will be reduced or removed biennially. Such borders will serve as a deterrent for geese and pollutants.
• Geese and beavers are not desired and K9 or trapping services may be used as necessary.
• Debris in pond will be removed on a monthly basis; or more frequent if needed.
• Algae will be treated on a monthly basis between the months of May through September.
• Recreational fishing is permitted on a “catch and release” basis from the shoreline.
• Swimming, boating, and ice skating on pond is prohibited.

Loudoun County will perform the following maintenance tasks:

• Maintain the integrity of the dam, overflow devices and other related stormwater management structures.
• Dredge the pond when determined necessary by the county.

Stormwater Detention Ponds

These are ponds that were created as a result of development to manage increase runoff as a result of additional impervious surfaces, such as roads, driveways and rooftops. These ponds retain water for a short period of time after a storm event but will often be seen in a dry condition. The base of these ponds will remain in a natural, meadow-like state. Loudoun County is responsible for maintenance of the management functions of the pond. BCA is responsible for maintenance of the recreational and aesthetic functions of the pond.

BCA will perform the following maintenance tasks:

• Remove debris and litter from the ponds as necessary.
• Mow the meadow once annually, typically in the late winter.

Loudoun County will perform the following maintenance tasks:

• Maintain the integrity of the dam, overflow devices and other related stormwater management structures.

Streams

There are several streams located within Brambleton. The streams serve as habitat for local wildlife as well as play an important role in draining storm water away from our home and property. The Association will perform minimal maintenance with the stream:

• Remove debris from the stream on an annual basis.

Wetlands & Wetland Buffers

There are numerous protected wetlands and wetland buffer areas throughout the community. These areas are protected by the state and federal government and must remain in a natural state. Residents should remain outside of these areas. These areas have been identified throughout the community with 4’ brown fiberglass stakes placed at the outer boundary of the wetlands buffer. The following maintenance tasks are performed by the association within wetlands and wetland buffers:

• Removal of litter will occur on an annual or as requested basis.
• Quarterly inspections of the wetland buffers for encroachment will be performed.
• Standing dead trees causing a hazard may be pruned or downed to eliminate the hazard. Approval by the county may be necessary. Downed trees are to remain within wetlands buffer to create understory. Trees may also be pruned in a manner that a standing “snap” may remain.

The intent of the Wetlands Buffer is to preserve and protect the identified wetlands and the natural state within the buffer in perpetuity. This is accomplished by placing the following protective covenants and restrictions on all land within the wetland buffer:

• Destruction or alteration of the preservation or buffer area requires authorization by the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and or the Brambleton Community Association.
• Construction, maintenance or placement of any structure within the buffer is prohibited.
• Ditching, land clearing, filling, excavating, grading, dumping of trash or yard debris or adding or removing top soil within the buffer is prohibited.
• Cultivating, harvesting, cutting, planting, pruning of trees and plants, using fertilizers or pesticides, watering, or other general maintenance of the buffer area is prohibited.

While routine inspections are performed on BCA facilities, the Association relies on all residents as well to report any concerns or deficiencies on the common area.