Klingle Road Use Plan Approval Resolution of 2002
PR 14-1089

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A PROPOSED RESOLUTION IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Chairman Linda W. Cropp, at the request of the Mayor, introduced the following resolution, which was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the "Klingle Road Use Plan Approval Resolution of 2002."

Sec. 2. Pursuant to the Title XXXIV of the Fiscal Year 2003 Budget Support Act entitled "Council Review of the Planned Use of Klingle Road, NW," the Mayor transmitted to the Council a resolution for Council approval of the Klingle Road Use Plan.

Sec. 3. The Council approves the Klingle Road Use Plan and finds that:

(1) This submission meets the deadline of December 31, 2002 and the plan requirements of Title XXXIV, section 3401 et seq.

(2) Klingle Road, NW, was closed to vehicular traffic in 1991 from Courtland Place on the west to Porter Street on the east.

(3) An exhaustive review has been conducted by DDOT of possible options in the Klingle Road Feasibility Study ("The Study"). The Study, which evaluated seven alternatives for the management of the approximately 0.7 mile of roadway, assessing impacts on the biology, water resources, traffic, socioeconomic and cultural resources, resulted in the Klingle Road Use Plan.

(4) The Klingle Road Use Plan includes the following elements as indicated in the attached documentation:

(a) The storm water runoff and drainage problems in Klingle Valley will be evaluated in a hydraulics and hydrology study that will be used to develop the Storm Water Management Action Plan. The Study, described in Attachment 1, includes determining the boundaries of the drainage basin, measuring the volumes of storm water runoff and developing methods to channel storm water to minimize environmental drainage.

(b) Based on the findings of the Storm Water Management Plan, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will develop a series of surface stabilization measures. In consultation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), National Park Service (NPS) and DC Department of Health (DOH), DDOT has developed a preliminary set of Immediate Stabilization Measures, as indicated in Attachment 2. This will be adjusted, if indicated by the quantitative analysis of the storm water drainage.

(c) An Environmental Assessment (EA), detailed in Attachment 3, will be carried out once the Council approves the Klingle Road Use Plan. The EA, based on the Klingle Road Feasibility Study, will be guided by policies of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and FHWA. Local and federal agencies will be consulted to identify all environmental issues and the public will be fully involved. Once the EA is approved, DDOT will proceed with design and construction of the approved facility.

(d) The East/West Transportation Study, detailed in Attachment 4, will investigate possible mitigating measures for east/west traffic congestion. The study will assess east-west travel needs generated by Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Georgia and New Hampshire Avenues and Military Road. It will analyze current and projected traffic, including increases in east-west trips due to retail, residential and commercial growth and because of changes in travel into and out of the District.

Sec. 5. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

Attachment 1: Storm Water Management Plan

The consultant will evaluate the impact of the storm water runoff within the Klingle Creek water-shed pursuant to approved Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the National Park Service (NPS) and DC Department of Health (DOH) guidance. The study will examine the measures required to control storm water and support the creation of an Immediate Stabilization Measures. The proposed study will also support development of a proposed project description and an analysis of the impacts of the proposed project in a future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document.

• Characterization and delineation of Klingle Creek watershed. The Klingle Creek watershed will be delineated into several drainage basins for simulation of runoff and identification of potential problem areas. The boundaries of these basins are based on the topographic features of the watershed.

• Characterization of land use conditions. The existing land use conditions in Klingle Creek watershed will be identified and characterized based on available Geographic Information System (GIS) land use/land cover data and recent aerial photography of the watershed. Maps of both data types will be developed and overlaid to check for quality and accuracy.

• Characterization of the Klingle Creek channel and the bank condition. A field assessment of Klingle Creek will be conducted to determine the channel type and estimate the length, slope, width, and depth. Field observations will be made on the conditions of the channel bed and the stream bank stability.

• Identification of existing sewer infrastructure within Klingle Creek watershed. The Klingle Creek watershed is located within an urban area that is served by sanitary and storm sewers. The general alignment of the existing sewer systems will be identified and mapped based on the available maps of the study area.

• Identification of storm drain outfalls and existing problems in the storm water conveyance system. Storm water outfalls discharging storm runoff to the Klingle Creek watershed will be identified and the areas of the watershed contributing this runoff will be identified from drainage maps and field observations.

• Development of a HEC-1 model of the watershed. Using the Hydrologic Engineering Center Model (HEC-1, see below) model to estimate the quantity of the runoff from the watershed and in Klingle Creek Valley, the storm runoff will be routed though the existing storm sewer system and the stream network.

• Development and evaluation of potential alternatives. Estimate velocities for the predicted flows and stream cross-sections at selected locations. Develop solutions to provide a basis for estimating differences in the potential for stream bank degradation.

TASKS

Detailed tasks to complete the hydraulic analysis and storm water study include:

1. Gather and review data and information for study area

Previous reports or studies conducted in the Klingle Creek or Rock Creek watershed will be reviewed and considered. Data and information published in reports such as the following are of great importance where relevant.

• Rock Creek Watershed Conservation Study
• District of Columbia Municipal regulations
• Infiltration/Inflow Analysis Rock Creek Sewer System Drainage Basin
• Infiltration/Inflow Analysis Drainage Area No. 3
• Effects of Urban Development on Floods in Northern Virginia
• Effects of Urbanization on Stream flow and Sediment Transport in the Rock Creek Park and Anacostia River Basins
• Channel Profile Existing Road Profile

2. Watershed delineation and land use characterization

The limits of the Klingle Creek watershed will be based on the 1991 National Capital Planning Commission 1991 topographic maps of the District of Columbia at 1:2400 scale. The land use conditions will be based on existing data and verified through visual field observation.

3. Characterization of the Klingle Creek channel and bank conditions

Assessment of the existing Klingle Creek channel and bank conditions will be based on visual stream assessment. The visual assessment will include the items listed below and the problem areas will be identified and mapped.

• Channel conditions (geomorphology)
• Bank stability and vegetative protection
• Riparian conditions
• Stream habitat diversity
• Riffle frequency and embeddedness in run areas (high gradient streams)
• Pool variability (low gradient streams)
• Substrate
• General water quality characteristics
• Evidence of dumping, debris and illicit discharges
• Obstructions to flow
• Position of pipes and drainage ditches
• Storm drain outfalls and ponds
• Location and conditions of road crossings
• Location of utility lines

4. Identification of the storm sewer system infrastructure in Klingle Creek watershed

Identification of the trunk line into which the sewer collectors discharge will be based on review of maps from Water and Sewer Authority (WASA). The sewer line will be digitized and included in the GIS model of the Klingle Creek watershed. The existing storm pipes will be evaluated using measures such as smoke testing, and/or televising the lines.

5. HEC Model developments

Input files for the Hydrologic Engineering Center Model (HEC-1) will be developed. The model will be used to process rainfall data and to generate hydrographs based on the rainfall data and the watershed characteristics. This model will provide the volume and velocity of flow at all the contributing subareas. The HEC-RAS (River Analysis System) model will then be utilized to develop water profiles within the creek and to perform scour analysis and sediment transport analysis. The HEC-1 and HEC-RAS models will be calibrated based on historical stream flow data from a representative stream flow gage.

The storm water runoff will be routed through the existing storm and the stream network. Runoff volumes and velocities will be evaluated for the 1-year, 10-year and 25-year design storms. Alternative solutions will be developed to minimize the flooding and erosion which is occurring in the Klingle Creek valley. These alternatives will also be designed to improve water quality by reducing the scouring that is occurring within Klingle Creek without negatively impacting the downstream waterbody, Rock Creek.

Alternatives to be developed will include:

• routing portions of the stormwater flow entering the valley around Klingle Creek to Rock Creek,
• slowing the velocity of flow at the stormwater outfalls,
• detention and/or retention of stormwater within the valley or surrounding area, and
• slowing the velocity of flow in Klingle Creek via an engineered structure.

All alternatives to be developed will include proper outlet protection at outfalls to prevent scour and erosion. All culverts and pipes will be analyzed based on the design storm required by Federal and local regulations.

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Attachment 2: Immediate Stabilization Measures

The following Immediate Stabilization Measures should be implemented to stabilize the conditions for the closed portion of Klingle Road, following validation through the Storm Water Management Plan.

As recommended by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the National Park Service (NPS) and DC Department of Health (DOH), the first step will be to undertake a comprehensive storm water management study to produce a Storm Water Management Plan that will be the basis for the for the Immediate Stabilization Measures.

1. Removal of damaged pavement, damaged retaining walls, damaged culverts, drain gutters, dead trees along the roadway, fallen trees across the roadway, damaged railing and miscellaneous items.

2. Cleaning and adjustment, repair and upgrade of the existing manholes, catch basin and other built-in structures as required.
3. Repair storm water and drainage system as required to prevent further erosion.
4. Repair existing Portland Cement Concrete gutters.
5. Stabilization of embankments along roadway.
6. Repair retaining walls as required to prevent further damages.
7. Improve soil erosion and sedimentation control.

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Attachment 3: Environmental Assessment Description

The consultant will update some of the information in the Klingle Road Feasibility Study, made necessary because of the passage of time or the availability of new data sources (for example, the 2000 Census). Updates to the traffic study, including the coverage of up to three new intersections, may be made. New field studies will be conducted only as necessary.

Work Scope

Task 1.0 Site Tour and Kick-Off Meeting with DDOT

1. Consultant will conduct a visual on-site inspection of the roadway, retaining walls, culverts and guardrails. The on-site visual inspection will be performed to assess changes to these select items since the publication of the Feasibility Study.
2. Coordination meeting will be convened by Consultant, with DDOT
3. Consultant will develop an outline for the EA.
4. Consultant and DDOT will identify specific agencies, federal and local, utilities (WASA, WMATA, PEPCO and Washington Gas), public service providers (MPD, Fire/EMS) to coordinate with in Task 2.0. Public service agencies will be contacted by telephone and follow-up letter for comment and confirmation of existing infrastructure in the study area.

Task 2.0 Agency Coordination

1. Consultant will attend and participate in information meetings with the government agencies identified in Task 1.0 to identify the potentially significant environmental issues, to identify the preferred alternative to be addressed in the EA and advise DDOT concerning the same.

1. Consultant will attend and participate in coordination meetings with DDOT to finalize the environmental issues and the alternative to carry forward into the EA and advise DDOT concerning the same.
2. While it is assumed for this scope that limited new data will be collected or generated, a review and determination will be made as to what types of additional data, if any, are needed to assess the impacts of each alternative.

Task 4.0 Preparation of Draft Environmental Assessment

1. The text of the Feasibility Study will be used and revised to meet FHWA guidance for an EA, including length guidelines.
2. Generally, subject areas to be addressed are: project description, need, alternatives considered, impacts, coordination and consultation with agencies and comments. Specific technical issues are expected to be Biological Resources, Hazardous Waste (including Lead Abatement currently being conducted by the DDOT in the vicinity of the study area), Water Resources, Demographics, utilities and public services (as specified in Task 1.0).
3. Traffic issues will only be addressed at the specific request of DDOT to include the study of up to three additional intersections located in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood.
4. If a description of mitigation activities is necessary for any environmental impacts caused by the preferred alternative, description(s) of planned mitigation activities will be developed
5. The Hazardous Materials section will be updated to reflect a current search of government databases.
6. Based on existing information, a 4(f) Statement for FHWA will be drafted, if necessary.
7. Consultant will provide an analysis to meet requirements of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
8. Minor changes, if necessary, to existing maps or graphics in the Feasibility Study will be completed. No new maps or graphics will be created.
9. Fifty (50) copies of the draft EA will be produced in color by the Consultant and made available to DDOT. The Draft will also be made available to DDOT in PDF format.
10. Copies of the Draft EA will also be made available to FHWA.

Task 5.0 Notice of Availability, Public Notification and Involvement

1. A Draft EA Notice of Availability will be drafted for publication in one (1) local newspaper of record, one (1) Spanish language newspaper and two (2) neighborhood newspapers, preferably one paper that generally serves neighborhoods located west of the study area and one paper that generally serves neighborhoods located east of the study area.
2. One (1) public hearing to allow public comment on the Draft EA will be organized and facilitated by Consultant. Consultant will provide visuals, sign-in sheets, comment forms and talking points. A court reporter will be utilized for this meeting to create a transcript of all comments.
3. Consultant will review, generally categorize, and draft brief responses to categories of written comments that are received from the public during the specified comment periods of the Draft EA and the Final EA.
4. Consultant will attend and prepare comments/testimony for DDOT for up to three DC City Council Hearings regarding Klingle Road. Consultant will also provide written response to questions posed by the DC City Council for these specified council hearings.
5. Consultant will attend a total of up to three ANC meetings or meetings of other community groups. This will also include preparation of information, data and presentations for meetings. Consultant will provide hard and electronic copies of all materials prepared for community meetings to DDOT. Consultant will respond to questions posed about technical issues at meetings.

Task 6.0 Storm Water Management Plan

The EA will incorporate findings of the Storm Water Management Plan from Attachment 2.

Task 7.0 Final Environmental Assessment

1. Consultant will complete the Final EA, incorporating and addressing applicable concerns and comments.
2. If required by DDOT, Consultant will produce up to fifty (50) color copies of the Final EA. The Final EA will also be made available in PDF format for the DDOT website.
3. If applicable, a Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be developed.
4. Consultant will coordinate a final meeting with DDOT to conclude the EA process.

Task 8.0 Agency Policy Review

1. Consultant will review policies issued by District agencies that are related to the impacts described in the EA.
2. Consultant will be available for court hearings that are specific to the Consultant produced EA.

Time for Completion

A project schedule will be developed upon notice to proceed. DDOT estimates the Assessment will take six months.

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Attachment 4: East-West Transportation Study

In August 1999, the District Division of Transportation (DDOT) retained Louis Berger, Inc., a consulting firm, to perform a feasibility study for seven different options for the use of the portion Klingle Road closed in 1991 due to the deterioration of the roadway. Options ranged from No Action to rebuilding Klingle Road to accommodate vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle uses.

The Feasibility Study identified traffic problems in the area surrounding Klingle Road, including unacceptable levels of service, roads operating at or near capacity and delays at signalized intersections and approaches during peak periods. Problem roadways in the vicinity include Connecticut Avenue, Garfield Street, Cleveland Avenue, Woodley Road and Porter Street. All of the "build" alternatives studied had both beneficial and negative impacts on traffic on these and other nearby streets; none posed actual solutions to the area's existing traffic problems and congestion. Whatever option was chosen, traffic problems remained, often shifting from one intersection to another.

The East-West Transportation Study, which will assume that the segment of Klingle Road between Cortland Place and Porter Street remains closed to vehicular traffic, will be the first step in relieving these difficulties.

The East-West Transportation Study for northwest will take on the following tasks:

1. Characterize traffic conditions in the study area;
2. Determine if the number of east-west trips in the northwest quadrant will increase substantially in coming years, and by how much, due to economic development, retail, and commercial growth, or due to an increase in traffic to and from the District using this route;
3. Investigate and develop methods for enhancing east/west mobility;
4. Investigate congestion relief on existing roads not meant to accommodate east/west mobility; and
5. Develop ways to provide high quality transportation service east and west of the District.
6. Develop recommendations:
   1. Short-term to be implemented in one year or less;
   2. Long-term that will take longer than a year to implement.
7. Submit cost estimates for each recommendation.

Project Location/Description

To address east-west travel needs and problems in Northwest Washington, the study area will go beyond the limits of Klingle Road. At a minimum, the area will include Dupont Circle, Massachusetts Avenue, Wisconsin Avenue, Military Road, Georgia Avenue, Florida Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue.