Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stormwater Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves $277,000 change order to repair fire damage at Brooks Park stream restoration project
Summary
After a fire damaged portions of the Brooks Park stream restoration, supervisors approved a contract amendment to repair damage, preserve pollutant-removal credits under the county's MS4 permit and keep the project eligible for a State Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF) grant. The vote was 6–1.
The Board of Supervisors on Feb. 18 authorized a contract amendment to repair fire damage at the Brooks Park Stream Restoration project so the county can retain pollutant-removal credits tied to its MS4 stormwater permit and continue to qualify for state grant reimbursement.
Why it matters: The Brooks Park restoration was designed to provide nutrient and sediment removal credit under Stafford’s MS4 permit (stormwater municipal permit). If the fire-damaged site is not repaired to the approved design, the county could lose those credits, face enforcement risk under the permit, and be forced to pursue alternative (and potentially expensive) compliance measures.
What the board approved: Staff briefed the board on the scope and cost of repairs caused by a recent fire. The change-order request originally cited $324,000 for repairs and related items; staff removed a timber-mat allowance that reduced the change order to $277,000. With that work, staff estimated the project’s likely final cost at approximately $793,000 and said the county would still be eligible for an increased State Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF) award that was revised upward from $435,000 to $585,000 after staff’s request because of the changed conditions.
Funding and risk: The project’s original contract and subsequent change orders brought the contract sum prior to this amendment to about $956,000 (original construction bid in 2022 was approximately $784,000). Staff emphasized that failing to complete repairs would jeopardize MS4 compliance and that enforcement actions could be costly; during the meeting staff cited the potential for large statutory penalties for MS4 violations in explaining the urgency. The county has also submitted an insurance claim; the deductible is $25,000 and staff expect an adjuster visit.
Board reaction and vote: Supervisors asked for clarity about what work is insurance‑related, what the SLAF grant will reimburse and whether any additional repairs could be needed if asphalt or other trail features were further damaged. After questions and discussion, the board approved the contract amendment (change order) 6–1.
Ending: Staff said the contractor is experienced in stream restoration and would address the burn scar, armor a vulnerable downstream bank, grout pedestrian steps and perform vegetation work to restore stability. The county will pursue the insurance claim and SLAF reimbursement and return to the board if additional action is required.
