Current Status & Next Steps

The construction project is progressing well. Substantial completion is now set for August 2026 due to recent adverse weather and full project completion is expected in November 2026. As the project nears completion, a notice will be shared with local residents that includes safety tips for enjoying the lake. The project is funded by Capital Improvement Project (CIP) 100567.

Purpose of the Project

The Lake retrofit is designed to meet the City of Virginia Beach Public Works Design Standards Manual (PWDSM, June 2020) and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality design standards and specifications to the extent feasible. Based on the current retrofit design plans, the total net annual phosphorous removal is about 236 pounds per year.

How the Project Achieves Purpose

The retrofit will include the installation of sheet pile cell divisions within the lake, aeration, channel stabilization, and wetland creation. The constructed wetlands will provide wildlife habitat and improve water quality through the incorporation of the following features that will help remove sediment and excess nutrients from stormwater runoff:

  • Sheet pile cell divisions – Directs flow of water through the wetland areas which will in turn effect the amount of nutrients present.
  • Aeration – Circulates the water to increase dissolved oxygen, which supports fish and aquatic life, prevents fish kills, helps reduce muck and algae by promoting beneficial bacteria, and prevents the harmful separation of warm and cold-water layers (stratification). This circulation also allows for the oxidation and settling of phosphorus, making it unavailable for algae growth.
  • Channel stabilization - Channel stabilization helps a lake by preventing erosion and reducing the influx of sediment and nutrients. These benefits improve water quality, protect habitats for fish and wildlife, and increase the lake's long-term health and usability.
  • Two wetlands cells - Wetland cells help a lake by acting as natural water filters, reducing pollution and sediments through physical, chemical, and biological processes. This purifies incoming water from sources like stormwater, preventing harmful substances from reaching the lake.
  • Figure 1 East Wetland cell

    Figure 1: Wetland fill material (grey sand with shell) has been installed within the east wetland cell area. Once final compaction and grading is achieved the flow from the nearby outfall will flow through the wetland areas to help with the designed nutrient removal.
  • F Igure 2 west wetland cell

    Figure 2: Similar to the East Wetland Cell fill material (grey sand with shell) has been installed. Once final compaction and grading is achieved the flow from the nearby outfall will flow through the wetland areas to help with the designed nutrient removal.
  • Figure 3 Sheet Pile installation

    Figure 3: Sheet Pile installation is finished. The purpose of the sheet pile wall is to direct the flow from the outfall through the wetland cells so that nutrient removal can occur before entering Kemps Lake and ultimately the Elizabeth River to the Chesapeake Bay.
  • Firgure 4 Imbricated Rock Wall

    Figure 4: Restoration of the West Outfall area is in progress. This portion of the project includes the installation of an imbricated rock wall that will create necessary stabilization of the shore bank and riffles included in the wall design will aid in nutrient removal. Additionally, the bottom of the channel is being re-graded and lined with rip rap to aid in controlling the outfall flow.

    • Quick Facts

    Project Cost

    Design

    $565,000

    Construction

    $14,210,000

    Total Project Cost

    $14,775,000

    Project Schedule

    Design

    July 2016 to June 2023

    Construction

    March 2025 to November 2026

    Project Pollutant Removal Benefits

    Total phosphorus removal:

    236 pounds per year

    Total nitrogen removal:

    911 pounds per year

    Total suspended solids removal:

    37,130 pounds per year

    • Stormwater & Flood Protection
      • Flood Protection Program Flood Protection Program FAQ Flood Prevention Bond Referendum Oversight Board Central Resort District Eastern Shore Drive - Phase 1 Cape Henry Canal Phase II Gravity Sewer Relocation North Shore Drive Street Drainage Improvements, 1F Poinciana Pump Station Eastern Shore Drive Bundle Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake Pump Station & Outfall Church Point/Thoroughgood BMP and Drainage Improvements Lake Pleasure House Outfall Lake Bradford Ditch Dredging Linkhorn Bay Drainage Basin First Colonial Road and Oceana Boulevard Drainage Improvements Seatack Neighborhood Drainage Improvements Southern Rivers Watershed Pungo Ferry Road New Bridge Road West Neck Creek Bridge Stormwater Green Infrastructure Marsh Restoration in Back Bay Elizabeth River Wetland and Floodplain Restoration Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza & The Lakes Club House Road Storm Drainage Windsor Woods Tide Gate South Plaza Trail and Presidential Boulevard Drainage Improvements Old Forge Road and Red Lion Road Drainage Improvements Bow Creek Stormwater Park Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza, and The Lakes Mega Bundle Master Planning Sea Level Wise Stormwater Extension Flood Monitoring Flooding Mitigation Toolbox Stormwater Quality Stormwater Management Facilities Stormwater Regulations Stormwater Utility Fee Discount Stormwater Quality Projects & Evaluations 17th Street Regional Stormwater Facility Ashville Bridge Creek Watershed Bayville Lake Water Quality Improvement Bellamy Woods Water Quality Improvement Brigadoon Park Water Quality Improvement Chatham Hall Lake Water Quality Improvement Historic Kempsville Water Quality Improvements Kemps Lake Water Quality Improvement Lake Bradford & Great Neck Lake Monitoring Lake James Watershed Lake and Pond Water Quality Monitoring Studies Lynnhaven Park Constructed Wetlands Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project Oceana Gardens Constructed Wetlands Princess Anne Athletic Complex Providence Park Wet Pond Salem Village Park Water Quality Improvement Saw Pen Point Shoreline Restoration Sunstream Park Pond Mosquito Control Mosquito-Borne Diseases Stormwater Safety Get Involved Adopt-a-Drain Storm Drain Marking Program Good to Do National Flood Insurance Program Stormwater Management Implementation Advisory Group

    Project Map

    Kemps Lake Water Quality Improvement Map