Williamsburg Environmental Group, Inc

WEG recently took part in honoring landowners Dennis and Tracey Liberson for their efforts on the Goose Creek (Bluewildlife) Stream Restoration Project. "I thought it was kind of cool that there was a stream on it, but I don't think I had any idea how nice it could be," Liberson said.

The event, held on June 8th, was attended by Governor Timothy M. Kaine, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and Fauquier County representatives. The Bolling Branch Dedication Event recognized the Project Team and highlighted the efforts of the Libersons who, along with assistance from WEG, restored approximately 7,632 linear feet (LF) of stream as well as provided 5 acres of wetland creation, wetland enhancement, and riparian buffer restoration. Bolling Branch, which has a 6 square-mile watershed, accounts for approximately 5,347 LF of the restoration and incorporated Priority I and II restoration activities.

“I am extremely thankful to the Libersons for their care of this property,” Governor Kaine said. “As my Administration continues our quest to conserve 400,000 acres of open space in Virginia, I commend the Libersons for setting an example and a high standard for all of us.”

One of the key mechanisms to the project’s success was the landowner’s willingness to donate an easement on the entire 119-acre property to TNC. Mr. Michael Lipford, Virginia Director and Vice President of TNC stated “The health of the Chesapeake Bay is tied to its tributaries. We all can take steps to help the Chesapeake Bay, and the Libersons are showing how regular folks can make a difference.” The Libersons have played a significant role in public outreach, championing academic studies, and vision throughout the project to achieve desired goals.

The $1.7 Million project was funded primarily by the Virginia Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (VARTF), which is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and TNC. This is the largest stream restoration project completed by VARTF to date with final construction completed in May 2009.

WEG played an integral role in the feasibility, planning, design, construction, and monitoring of the project, utilizing its staff of experienced stream restoration experts and water resources engineers to make this a successful project.

Mr. Liberson said he is looking forward to a time when all residents in the area can experience a healthy Chesapeake Bay first-hand. “We are proud of what has been accomplished here,” he said. “It is our hope this encourages others to take similar actions, and look forward to what collectively we can do to help the health of the Chesapeake Bay.”

WEG also performed landscape planning around the guest house, established native warm season grasses, and developed a wildlife management plan for the entire property, providing additional water quality, habitat, and amenity benefits to the restoration project.

WEG is proud to announce that Mr. Daniel Proctor has earned his Professional Engineer certification. Dan, a Water Resources Engineer II, works in our Williamsburg Office and got his start at WEG back in 1999 as an intern.

Mr. Chris Senfield, an Ecologist II in our Richmond Office, has been recognized as a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Survey Contact for Small Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides).

Mr. Daniel Malone, Landscape Architect II, has been distinguished as a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP). Dan started at WEG in 2003 and is in our Williamsburg Office.

Ms. Christy Hill, Water Resource Engineer II, has also been distinguished as a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP). Christy joined WEG in 2005 and works out of our Williamsburg Office.

After a solid year of planning and evaluating alternatives, WEG’s Board of Directors have decided to proceed on the WEG green roof project at the Williamsburg office in New Town. The first phase greening is focused on an “L” shaped terrace accessible from the third floor, which fronts New Town Avenue. According to recent studies completed in Washington DC, as much as 60-80% of runoff could be retained and prevented from entering our waterways if large scale green roof retrofits were implemented. In a development such as New Town, the cumulative effect of multiple green roofs could make a substantial difference, and WEG plans on setting the example.

As a component of WEG’s overall commitment to environmental excellence, the green roof is anticipated to yield multiple benefits consistent with cutting edge green roof technologies available in this rapidly growing market today. The vegetating of rooftop surfaces is a historic practice that has evolved into a quantifiable approach to reducing the urban island effect, decreasing building heating and cooling costs, and decreasing the amount of runoff generated from structures. The degree of effectiveness is often dependent on the type of the green roof; extensive (vegetated carpet) or intensive (roof garden with trees) and the various drainage layers that are incorporated in the design. The most basic green roofs contain at a minimum: a waterproof membrane, drainage/capillary layers, filter fabric/root barriers, growing media, and climate adapted plants (typically sedums).

After a detailed screening of available techniques and products, WEG staff has worked with the Board to select a concept that meets functional objectives set early in the planning process, as well as fitting within the budget. The selected alternative consists of a ‘semi-intensive’ green roof showcasing multiple methods for greening a rooftop. At this point, the conceptual design includes approximately 200 S.F. of a sod-like sedum carpet and 150 S.F. of pre-grown vegetated roof trays (approx 3-5 inch depth), along with “corner boxes” that will contain deeper growing media and plants that will be visible from the street. The vegetated area will be surrounded by a gravel/cobble path, making it accessible for maintenance, enjoyment, and future marketability.

In addition to the basic components of the roof, a few optional technologies, which include green walls, water quality monitoring, and rainwater harvesting for irrigation are being considered and may be integrated with future phases. We are also open to any ideas for outreach and educational opportunities and are exploring the potential for grants or partnerships with local universities. The design development is currently in progress and it is anticipated that installation may begin in 2010.

Williamsburg Environmental Group, Inc. Attends 2008 “Historic Green” Event in New Orleans for Post-Katrina Revitalization Efforts (2008)

Recently, a group of WEG employees joined with members of the James River Green Building Council to form a volunteer team to participate in the inaugural Historic Green: Spring Greening event in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event was organized through a collaborative effort between The Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED) and the Emerging Green Builders (EGB) who are working together to restore and revitalize the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans utilizing sustainable methods coupled with historic preservation measures. The 2008 event focused on the Holy Cross Neighborhood, aiming to “green” both damaged structures and open spaces by implementing many of the practices specified in LEED rating systems in

an effort to be consistent with the Neighborhood Associations goal of carbon neutrality by 2020. (Pictured Left: WEG Volunteers in front of “The Village”, a retrofitted storage yard envisioned to be a “green” community center, providing not only a central place for grass roots action, but eventually a gathering place for after school activities).

After months of preparation, planning, and coordination with volunteers throughout the nation, the teams traveled to Louisiana and were immediately put to work. WEG employees partnered with local organizations such as Re-Plant New Orleans, Common Ground, and The Village, working hand-in-hand with residents interested in sustainable design and low impact development. Their knowledge and expertise were valuable in planning, designing, and constructing a variety of sustainable practices that will provide examples for future restoration efforts. In addition to helping with improvements to damaged homes, WEG volunteers focused efforts on green spaces throughout the community, providing on-site consultation for drainage improvements, recommending planting plans, and installing rain gardens. Many of the projects completed during the inaugural event will be highlighted with educational signage, in an effort to promote similar restoration efforts throughout the community and provide guidance for residents as they continue to rebuild.

“In the more than two years since Hurricane Katrina devastated much of the Gulf Coast, many have wondered how they could help beyond assisting the initial relief efforts in the affected areas,” said Pam Dashiell, executive director of the CSED in New Orleans. “We’re leading a unique grassroots effort to go the next step to rebuild this historic landmark – this time green.” WEG volunteers have described the event as “eye opening” and a true “reality check” as they experienced first hand what was left in the wake of Katrina. Even in light of the destruction and hardship that has been endured, the community strength and spirit still remain strong. WEG staff members continue to provide support for restoration efforts, and will be coordinating with local activists to help in the growth of a sustainable community.

Williamsburg Environmental Group, Inc. Introduces Forestry / Arboriculture Services

Williamsburg Environmental Group, Inc. (WEG) is pleased to announce its recent expansion of the landscape and environmental planning teams into the fields of arboriculture and forestry. With two Certified Arborists (of the International Society of Arboriculture) on staff, the firm will now provide services related to timberstand delineations, tree health surveys, and mapping. These services will provide expertise and support to land planners and developers as well as private homeowners and golf courses. This expansion comes in response

to the regulations set forth by agencies as well as the desire and need from our clients for cost-effective land-planning solutions. For instance, a forest management plan can give a landowner an alternative to development but still make his land profitable. Timberstand delineations help to make developers aware of areas within the property that are good for building or those that should be avoided and preserved as green space. Street tree inventories and evaluations help to keep city streets safe and can be instrumental in planning future infrastructure.

Senior Project Manager Jim Orrell, a Certified Arborist and Landscape Architect, will be heading up the forestry services. Mr. Orrell is responsible for the design and development of environmental stewardship plans including forest management plans, timberstand delineations, street tree inventories, and health evaluations. The team also includes Mr. Brian Daliege, a Certified Arborist, who routinely conducts specimen tree surveys required by municipalities and advises on tree removals to address situations of tree health and aesthetics. Mr. Daliege has a background in forest management and forest habitat management including fire management, wildlife management, as well as large acreage timberstand management.

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