The New River Valley (NRV) Commerce Park, located in Dublin, VA, is a major industrial development initiative managed by Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Facility Authority (VFRIFA). Created in 1999, VFRIFA’s mission is to enhance the economic base for its 11 member governments (including counties like Pulaski and cities/towns like Radford and Roanoke) by developing and operating large-scale industrial facilities.
Take a look at the New River Valley Commerce Park
Existing Industries:
The Problem: Balancing Industrial Scale with Virginia’s Stormwater Management Design Standards
As a large, new industrial construction site, the development of the New River Valley Commerce Park required a robust and compliant solution for managing stormwater runoff. Ensuring the long-term water quality of the retention pond was critical for environmental compliance and maintaining the site’s value.
The project's challenge
The Solution: A Virginia DEQ Level 2-Compliant Stormwater Solution
A Level 2 compliant system, as defined by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VA DEQ), represents an advanced stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP). These systems are designed to achieve superior pollutant removal and greater runoff reduction compared to the baseline Level 1 standard. They are also typically required to meet stricter water quality standards, such as enhanced infiltration and specific constructed wetland configurations.
To address these stormwater management and water quality needs, the project included the construction of a new stormwater pond. The team at Foresight Design Services did the siting and design and leveraged PondHawk Solar Powered Aeration to deliver the required aeration without the cost of running power to the pond
A crucial element of the solution was the installation of an active aeration system to enhance water quality and prevent stagnation. In March 2024, 1 PondHawk Dual Diffuser System with 100 feet of weighted airline was installed. This system provides the necessary aeration to help manage nutrient levels and improve the overall ecological health of the pond.
Key Specifications and Design:
- Pond Size: The total pond size, including the forebay and wetland, is approximately 0.80 acres (34,848 ft²).
- Engineering and Construction: Foresight Design Services (formerly Gay and Neel, Inc.) provided the civil engineering, and Baker’s Construction Services served as the installation contractor.
- Water Levels (Pond Depth: Bottom 2050):
- Normal pool depth: 4 feet (Elevation 2054)
- Treatment Volume (Tv) 5.65 feet – (40,930 cf at Elevation 2055.65)
- 1-year Water Surface Elevation (WSE): 5.82 feet (Elevation 2055.82)
- 10-year WSE: 7.93 feet (Elevation 2057.93)
- 100-year WSE: 9.15 feet (Elevation 2059.15)
- Emergency spillway: 8.3 feet (Elevation 2058.3)
The Results: Securing Water Quality for the Future of the NRV Commerce Park
The successful design and installation of the stormwater pond, coupled with the PondHawk aeration system, is expected to yield several long-term positive outcomes:
Regulatory Compliance
The VA DEQ Level 2 design ensures that the New River Valley Commerce Park is in full compliance with Virginia’s environmental regulations for industrial stormwater management.
Environmental Sustainability
The aeration system and the pond's design promote water quality, control algae growth, and prevent stratification, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable ecosystem within the park and better downstream water quality beyond the park.
Economic Readiness
With this essential infrastructure in place, the NRV Commerce Park remains an attractive and fully prepared location for large-scale industrial development, further fulfilling the VFRIFA’s objective of integrating industrial development and enhancing the economic base of its member localities.