Thank you to those who joined us on a construction site walk on September 10th to learn more about the upcoming retrofit of an existing stormwater management facility in the Oxford Crossing community. Below are the questions asked at the meeting, along with responses from our team.
Please contact us with any additional questions at info@GreenOxfordCrossing.com or via phone/text at 240-839-4770. You can also click here to sign up for project updates and future meeting alerts and here for additional project resources and information.
Questions asked by residents at the meeting:
When will construction begin?
Construction is expected to start in November 2024 and take between three and four months to complete, weather permitting. Planting will likely occur in Spring 2025 due to seasonality of planting species. Residents will be notified of the construction start date by email, postal mailing, and blogpost on this website. Construction work is limited to between 7 AM and 5 PM on weekdays.
Will this project help with mosquitos?
Mosquitoes thrive in standing water, and this project aims to reduce such water accumulation after weather events. By ensuring that water fully drains within 24 hours of rainfall, the project will help minimize environments conducive to mosquito breeding.
Will the project be the same size?
Yes, this retrofit will have the same size footprint as the current facility.
What will happen with the fence during construction?
A portion of the split rail fence on the pond embankment will need to be removed to allow for construction vehicle access. This part will be replaced upon project completion. Fencing outside the construction boundary will not be replaced as it will not be impacted by the project.
Will deer continue to graze in the area?
Deer may continue grazing in the area as no deer mitigation measures will be implemented. However, the species being planted for the facility are typically less desirable to deer for browsing
What plants and trees will be going in? Where will no plantings occur?
GreenVest prioritizes limited tree removal in project design. Certain removed trees will be replaced with a 2” diameter tree of the same or similar species, while others at critical infrastructure locations will not be replaced due to pond embankment maintenance regulations. In the submerged gravel stormwater management facility (SGSWM) area, native herbaceous grasses and shrubs will be planted, while native flowering plants and grasses will be seeded in the maintenance landing area. GreenVest understands and very much appreciates concerns related to the loss of trees that previously bordered the northern embankment of the dry pond after the installation of the black security fence and FIOS line. Grading will not extend to the majority of the remaining trees on this side
What is the community’s maintenance responsibility?
While Montgomery County is responsible for long-term structural maintenance, GreenVest provides a one-year guarantee on the completed SGSWMs, during which regular inspections will assess functionality, remove sediment and invasive plants, and replant or reseed vegetation as necessary.
The HOA is responsible for the perpetual maintenance of non-structural components, including trash and debris removal, mowing in turfgrass areas and seeded native grass areas (about twice a year), and preventing tree growth on the embankment. After the first year, Montgomery County will inspect the facility at least once every three years to address any necessary structural maintenance, such as filter media and vegetation management, and subsurface sand/gravel maintenance.
Residents can contact Montgomery County DEP’s Stormwater Management BMP Maintenance and Inspection Program for any questions or concerns related to the SGSMS system. A ‘Service Request’ can be submitted online [here], or residents can call 311 / (240) 777-0311 between 7 AM and 7 PM on weekdays.