(July 27, 2011) - The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning work on Thursday, July 28 on a key environmental stewardship project as part of the Intercounty Connector (ICC) Project.  SHA is upgrading several storm water management systems in the Upper Paint Branch Special Protection Area (SPA) that will enhance water quality flowing into the Anacostia River.

The project is comprised of four separate sites along various roadways in the Colesville Farm Estates and Peachwood developments.  Work consists of improving existing roadside ditches (swales) with new storm water management techniques to increase the removal of pollutants, improving groundwater recharge and enhancing water quality from surface runoff.  This includes slowing the velocity of storm water runoff at different sites within the Upper Paint Branch SPA watershed and reducing stream bank erosion.  Existing roadside ditches will be updated with water filtration and stormwater storage systems under new grass-lined swales.

Additionally, a new storm water management pond will be installed in Peachwood Park to reduce storm water flows and the corresponding erosion of the Good Hope tributary to the Paint Branch.

SHA awarded the $977,000 contract to Locust Lane Farms, Inc., of Upper Marlboro.  The project is scheduled to be completed by spring 2012, weather permitting.

For more information about the project, persons may call the ICC Community Outreach staff at 1-866-462-0020 or visit the ICC project website at www.iccproject.com.

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