City Releases Details about Little Creek Dam Rehabilitation Project
Newport News seeks qualified contractors for major infrastructure upgrades to restore reservoir to full capacity
Another important step toward restoring the full functionality of the Little Creek Reservoir happened recently when the City of Newport News hosted a detailed pre-bid meeting for contractors interested in the Little Creek Dam Improvements Project. Held on July 15, 2025, at the Lee Hall Water Treatment Plant, the presentation offered a comprehensive overview of the project’s scope, site conditions, safety requirements, and submission guidelines.
The City is currently seeking bids for a contract to rehabilitate dam safety deficiencies at Little Creek Dam, an essential water supply facility that has operated since the early 1980s. Over the years, the dam has shown signs of deterioration, most notably the appearance of sand boils in 2020, prompting the City to initiate an emergency drawdown and increase inspections to avoid further damage. The upcoming rehabilitation will enable the reservoir—currently operating 8 to 10 feet below normal levels—to return to full service.
Scope of the Project
According to project documents, the improvements include:
Construction of a rockfill seepage berm and filter blanket
Modification of the drainage system
Full replacement of sluice and knife gates in the gatehouse
Rehabilitation of outlet structures, concrete components, and bulkheads
Construction of a new access road, swales, and instrumentation upgrades
Installation of a new PVC roof membrane, rigging trolleys, and trash racks
The project will also involve the decommissioning of internal filter drains and surface drains, as well as regrading of embankment benches to improve long-term dam safety and performance.
Bidding and Contractor Qualifications
Bids for the project are due by 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, and must be submitted via the City’s e-Procurement Portal (OpenGov). Contractors are encouraged to allow ample time for submission, as technical issues will not excuse late bids.
Interested bidders must demonstrate relevant experience in complex dam projects. Specifically, they must have completed at least five earthwork projects on embankment dams within the past ten years, including work involving dewatering systems and the placement of graded granular filters. At least one past project must show the capability to manage large volumes—over 30,000 cubic yards—of materials like soil and riprap.
Permitting and Environmental Compliance
The project is subject to a wide range of local, state, and federal permits. These include approvals from:
James City County (Construction General Permit, Chesapeake Bay Ordinance Waiver, and more)
Virginia DEQ (VWP Individual Permit)
Virginia DCR (Dam Alteration Permit)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Section 10 and Section 404 Individual Permit)
Additionally, contractors will be responsible for preparing a Temporary Construction Emergency Action Plan (TCEAP), Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and assuming the role of Responsible Land Disturber.
Site Safety and Access
During the July 15 site visit, City staff briefed potential bidders on key safety concerns, including uneven terrain, wildlife, and heat exposure. The dam site remains under Stage 1 emergency status, with bi-weekly inspections continuing until the rehabilitation is complete.
Access to the gatehouse was limited to the main floor during the visit due to confined space restrictions. Parking is restricted to designated areas at the left abutment, and no staging will be allowed next to the gatehouse or along the road.
Project Goals
Once complete, the improvements will:
Restore reservoir capacity and safe operation
Reduce seepage and erosion risks
Ensure long-term structural integrity
Modernize critical infrastructure within the gatehouse and outlet systems
The Little Creek Dam is a key asset in the regional water supply system, with a normal storage capacity of 8.015 billion gallons and a watershed area of 4.6 square miles. The rehabilitation project is considered essential to the continued reliability of water service in Newport News and the surrounding area.
A Newport News Daily contributor produced this post with AI tools and these primary sources:
Little Creek Dam Improvements Project - RFP & Updates
Little Creek Dam Improvements Project Pre-Bid Meeting Presentation - July 15, 2025
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