To the Citizens of Purcellville – Rt. 7/690 Interchange

By Kwasi Fraser
Former Mayor, Town of Purcellville

It’s crucial to address the concerns raised regarding the allocation of taxpayers’ funds towards the proposed floodplain mitigation project tied to the construction of the Rt. 7/690 Interchange.

The decision-making process regarding this initiative demands precision and a broader perspective on both the immediate and long-term implications to the citizens of Purcellville at large.

The proposal highlights an investment of $6.2 million into culverts and a floodplain study, claiming to alleviate flooding risks to citizens now threatened by flooding along the South Fork Catoctin Creek in Purcellville.

This alone will not enable the construction of the interchange’s fourth ramp.

While these infrastructural improvements are being advanced with political and emotional expediency, the fundamental question arises: Is this initiative a comprehensive solution for the Town and County in terms of protecting all its citizens from the threat of violent flooding seen yearly unannounced and unpredicted?

Any reluctance to conduct a comprehensive floodplain study immediately knowing residents’ lives and property are at risk is negligent at best and at worst, criminal.

Prioritizing the overdue protection of lives and properties in Western Loudoun County from flooding, rather than proceeding with the construction of the interchange, raises valid concerns about why any delay in safeguarding citizens’ lives would be justified.

The leadership of both the County and Town insists otherwise, but the potential worsening of flood risks due to the interchange’s need for substantial fill material within the Town’s flood reserve areas is unacceptable.

Federal and State authorities like FEMA, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and concerned citizens must demand an immediate halt to construction until all necessary mitigations are clearly identified and enacted.

It’s evident that essential Federal and State permits, notably from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, are currently absent, despite their jurisdiction over the wetlands within the interchange project’s construction zones in Purcellville.

Delaying a crucial floodplain analysis beyond an urgent timeframe will undoubtedly result in unforeseen and severe consequences. This delay puts the lives, properties, safety and well-being of Purcellville citizens at risk of overtopping along critical routes such as Hirst Road, Hatcher Ave., N 21st Steet, and both EB and WB Rt/ 7 Bypass Main Lines, as explicitly depicted on the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Flood Risk Information System mapping service.

Furthermore, the proposed allocation of substantial funds does not assure the complete mitigation of flood risks to citizens residing along the floodplain or using major town roads during a 100-year flood event. This assertion aligns with the statements made by the Town’s engineer, as documented.

During the Nov. 28, 2023, Town Council Meeting, Council Member Erin Rayner, lacking an engineering background, vocally declared that installing box culverts under N 21st would resolve the town’s flooding issues without presenting any expert data to substantiate such audacious claims. Notably, these assertions directly contradict the findings outlined in the Town’s Director of Engineering’s report dated Feb. 16, 2023.

“The county would pay for box culverts to be built that would improve the water flow of the creek and prevent flooding or over topping of N 21st Street at the tune of six million dollars” and “the building of culverts would also take away the risk of flooding for certain residents of the Catoctin Meadows Neighborhood,” said Rayner at the Nov. 28, 2023 meeting.

Further flood mitigation and engineering methodology contradictions are found within the April 11, 2023, Board of Supervisor’s Finance/Government Operations and Economic Development Committee Information Item report on p. 3. This report suggests the County’s Floodplain consultant (Dewberry) believes the Town’s approach is not technically sound and will place the consultant in an undesired liability position if they agree to the Town’s methodology and culverts.

“In a December 28, 2022, meeting between County staff, the County’s consultant, Town staff, and the Town’s floodplain consultant, Town staff and their floodplain consultant outlined the alternative floodplain analysis method that differs from the methodology used throughout the County by B&D [Building & Development]. Additionally, Town staff requested the County to consider improvements to the floodplain grading and a downstream culvert to lower modeled floodplain water surface elevations. In a follow-up meeting on January 3, 2023, between County staff and the County’s consultant (engineer of record), the County’s consultant declined to utilize the floodplain analysis method suggested by the Town for technical and liability reasons.”

The uncertainties surrounding the effectiveness of culverts in managing flooding, coupled with the reliance on speculative outcomes from the floodplain study, add layers of doubt to Rayner’s proposed solution. This situation poses an increased threat of further flooding to downstream communities and businesses should these culverts be implemented.

It’s crucial to deeply consider the long-term sustainability and efficacy of the proposed measures. Are culverts alone sufficiently equipped to prevent flooding? Can a reactive floodplain study comprehensively identify and address the risks posed by the interchange?

These valid concerns emphasize the necessity for a meticulous and proactive approach to protect Purcellville citizens from potential loss of life and property during a 100-year flooding event in our town. Conducting an expedited and comprehensive floodplain analysis before initiating interchange construction ensures a more informed, sustainable, and resilient solution for everyone involved.

The judicious allocation of funds and a comprehensive understanding of risks are imperative not only to safeguard taxpayers’ investments but, more importantly, to prevent the loss of life and property within the broader Purcellville and western Loudoun County community.