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Bedford County approves A/E contract to address sediment and safety at Independence Park ponds
Summary
The Bedford County Board of Supervisors approved a $96,830 professional services contract to assess and design dredging, spillway and embankment work for two ponds at Independence Park; environmental permits with DEQ and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were noted as required.
The Bedford County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 22 approved a professional services agreement to assess and design improvements to two sediment‑filled ponds at Independence Park.
Stuart Saunders, who presented the proposal to the board, said the project will include CCTV inspection of existing risers and pipes, dredging to remove decades of accumulated sediment, tree clearing on embankments and design of an emergency spillway to bring the upper pond up to modern standards. "Dredging is needed to regain capacity lost to sediment accumulation," Saunders said. He told the board a 4‑bay sediment capture device is proposed to reduce future maintenance.
The contract for professional architectural and engineering services was described in the presentation as a task‑based proposal totaling $96,830, covering surveys, permitting, construction drawings and environmental compliance. Saunders said because the project involves waters and wetlands the county must coordinate with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and perform sediment testing to determine appropriate handling and disposal methods.
Board members asked about recreational uses of the ponds. A board member asked whether the ponds are used for swimming or boating; Saunders said such activities are not allowed, that fishing is catch‑and‑release, and that safety is the reason for that restriction.
Ms. Johnson moved to approve the resolution authorizing the county administrator to execute the agreement (recorded in the transcript as Resolution R111825-04). Ms. Sharp seconded the motion. The board recorded affirmative votes by each member and the motion carried.
The agreement funds design and permitting work; construction will require separate funding and subsequent board approval. The county will pursue required environmental permits before construction design is finalized and before any dredging or tree‑removal work begins.
