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Ashburn Lake Forebay Retrofit Project

The Ashburn Lake Forebay Retrofit Project is a major environmental infrastructure initiative executed in partnership with Loudoun County and funded in part by a 50/50 matching grant from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF). Ashburn Lake and its infrastructure are over 35 years old; decades of stormwater runoff have carried fertilizers, sediment, and pollutants into the lake, contributing to severe sediment build-up and recurring algae blooms.
 
Project Timeline: Construction begins Monday, July 13, and work is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.
 
To restore water flow efficiency and enhance the health of local waterways leading into Beaverdam Run and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay, this multi-million dollar county-funded project will execute the following enhancements:
  • Dredging & Silt Removal: Earth-moving equipment will enter the lakebed to excavate tons of accumulated silt from the western portion of the lake.
  • Island Relocation: The small island currently located on the western side of the lake will be re-formed and moved to the northern shoreline to improve overall hydrodynamic water flow.
  • Aquatic Bench Installation: Following dredging, shorelines will be stabilized using a 10-foot-wide safety "aquatic bench" submerged between 0 to 18 inches and planted entirely with Virginia native aquatic herbaceous species.
  • Underwater Stone Berm (Weir Wall): A structural stone weir wall will be built to filter moving water. It will remain sufficiently submerged to allow unobstructed recreational clearance for canoes and kayaks.
  • Trail Reconstruction: All walking trails affected within the limits of disturbance will be fully reconstructed and restored upon project completion.
What Residents Should Expect During Construction:
 
Trail Closures: For public safety, the trail stretching from Rubles Mill Court to Roaming Shores Terrace will be entirely closed to all pedestrian traffic starting early August. Please respect all posted signs and construction fencing.
 

Lake Level Drawdown: The western portion of the lake will be lowered by 3 to 4 feet, creating a temporary "bathtub ring." Water will be routed continuously around the work area via a pump system to keep downstream paths functional.

Working Hours: Standard construction hours will be restricted to weekdays, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. No weekend work is anticipated.

Noise & Odor Notice: Nearby households should anticipate heavy machinery noise during standard working hours. Additionally, temporary natural organic odors may occur as a result of lake drainage and sediment exposure.
 
While these construction inconveniences will be noticeable, the long-term benefits are substantial. Upon completion in 2028, this project will deliver a cleaner, healthier ecosystem, improved water flow, fully reconstructed trails, and specialized fishing spots along the stabilized shorelines.

For a full breakdown of the project layout, timeline, and visuals, please review the dedicated page on Loudoun County’s website at loudoun.gov/6257/Ashburn-Lake. 
Questions or Feedback? 
*Please submit any questions or comments regarding this project using the Ashburn Lake Forebay Retrofit Project Comment Form, available on the Loudoun County website.