AGENDA DATE: 5/15/2024
TITLE:
Title
Public Hearing for the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority South Fork Rivanna Water Main Crossing Easement
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Conduct a public hearing to consider the conveyance of the RWSA South Fork Rivanna Water Main Crossing Easement
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Rosenberg, DeLoria, Crickenberger
PRESENTER (S): Bob Crickenberger, Scott Schiller
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA) has previously identified through master planning that a 24-inch water main will be needed from the South Rivanna Water Treatment Plant (SRWTP) to Hollymead Town Center to meet future water demands. Two segments of this water main were constructed as part of the VDOT Rt. 29 Solutions projects, including a 24-inch water main along Rt. 29 and a 24-inch water main along the new Berkmar Drive Extension, behind the Kohl’s department store. An additional 24-inch water main was just installed from Kohl’s to the northern terminus of Berkmar Drive Extension to the new Airport Road Pump Station, which will be completed this summer.
To complete the connection between the SRWTP and the new 24-inch water main under Rt. 29, there is a need to construct a new river crossing at the South Fork Rivanna River. The selected alternative will include an underground trenchless river crossing in-between the South Fork Rivanna Dam and the Berkmar Bridge to minimize environmental impacts. Acquisition of easements is required for the river crossing on the County’s Brook Hill River Park (Tax map parcel 45-66B) and along Rio Mills Road. Staff has identified granting this easement has no impact on current or future recreational development.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure and Placemaking - Invest in infrastructure and amenities that create connection, opportunity, and well-being
DISCUSSION: RWSA is requesting Albemarle County to grant a temporary construction easement and a permanent waterline easement to install an underground trenchless 24” waterline crossing under the South Fork Rivanna River from South Rivanna Water Treatment Plant to Hollymead Town Center to meet future water demands. The line would cross Brook Hill River Park (Attachment A), which Crockett Corporation gifted to the County in 2018 for outdoor recreation. Staff confirmed that the Crockett Corporation did not have any concerns with the proposed deed of easement. The draft deed of easement (Attachment B) includes language to address wetlands located through this area
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that, following the public hearing, the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment C) to approve granting the proposed easement and to authorize the County Executive to execute any documents, once approved by the County Attorney, to convey this proposed easement.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - South Rivanna River Water Main Crossing Exhibit
B - RWSA Proposed Deed of Easement
C - Resolution