LCSA Future Project Provides Window to Loudoun Past

Phase II Archaeological Investigation for Treatment Plant Site Near Complete

Archeological investigations of the property designated for the Loudoun County Sanitation Authority's (LCSA) new Broad Run Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) are nearly complete and have yielded artifacts from a 19th century farmstead and a prehistoric camp site from the Early to Mid Archaic Period (8000-2000 BC). The sites under investigation are near the intersection of Loudoun County Parkway and Smith Switch Road. Archeologists working at these sites have characterized this prehistoric time span as one of the least understood periods in America, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources has determined that the 19th century site is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Artifacts, such as projectile points and tools have been uncovered from the prehistoric site, and archeologists working for LCSA will continue their investigations in May to recover more similar items, which will also be carbon dated to help refine the date of the site occupation. LCSA plans to display artifacts uncovered during this process in an education center inside its new Administrative Building, which will be built near the site in 2-3 years.

The archeological investigation of the Broad Run WRF site is a requirement under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act triggered by a federal wetlands permit associated with the project. The Broad Run Water Reclamation Facility, a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility, will be under construction in 2005 and on line in late 2008. The new plant will employ the limits of technology to treat wastewater to the cleanest level possible before returning it to nature. Other good neighbor practices planned for the plant include a sophisticated odor control system to make odors undetectable to site neighbors and visitors; an architectural scheme that is modern in function and classical in appearance; and a landscaping design that works with nature, rather than against it. In addition to the indoor education center at the new administration building, the site will also feature an outdoor interpretive area, where the public will be invited to explore water's role in nature and enjoy many natural water features.

LCSA provides water and wastewater service to the unincorporated areas on eastern Loudoun County. It is a public body politic and corporate, formed by resolution of the County Board of Supervisors in 1959 under the Water and Waste Authorities Act. LCSA is financially independent from the County of Loudoun. Operations and capital improvements are funded by user fees.

Contact:

Samantha Villegas, Mgr. of Communications
Cell 571-276-0426
Office 703-771-1095, extension 7942
samantha.villegas@lcsa.org


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