Three large lakes form a beautiful backdrop for the Powhatan Secondary Community. The largest, known as “Lake Powhatan”, or “Rennick’s Pond”, also contains an adjacent recreation area. The dam embankment for this lake is Powhatan Secondary Road and is owned by PCSA with only the road surface and guardrails maintained by VDOT. The lake is home to many species of fish, but fishing is limited to PCSA members and guests only. A Virginia freshwater fishing license is also required for those age 16 and older. Boating is limited to small boats such as row boats, kayaks, canoes, or paddle boats. The use of motors is prohibited.
Two smaller lakes also support small boating and fishing. These are now named Turtle Cove and Tommy Dix Pond. Clicking on the small image of these lakes brings up a full-size image:
In addition to the three main lakes there are also smaller stormwater retention basins constructed to control the runoff from our community. These facilities store this runoff and release it over time so the downstream area does not flood during heavy rains. As rainwater falls on the ground and runs across the surface as stormwater, it collects leaves, grass clippings, pet waste, litter, lawn fertilizers, pesticides and more. Whatever it meets washes into our streams by stormwater. Our retention facilities allow many of these pollutants, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, to collect and settle to the bottom of the basin and be taken up by the surrounding vegetation which uses it as food. This keeps these pollutants out of our streams and helps protect the Chesapeake Bay from further degradation.
All of these facilities as well as the many practices such as pet waste removal and education programs are known as Best Management Practices or BMPs. Because stormwater BMPs help lessen the impacts of development, they are required under the County, Chesapeake Bay ordinance, as well as State and Federal law. James City County provides inspections of these facilities approximately every three years and all must be maintained by the PCSA.
Pet waste is especially harmful to our waterways as it is much more bacteria laden that that from many woodland animals or even horses. Pet waste degrades water quality, by contributing excess nutrients, leading to cloudy green water from accelerated algae and weed growth, objectionable odors, and dead fish and other organisms. Specific local studies have shown that up to one fourth of the fecal coliform in the polluted Lynnhaven River is from pet waste. PCSA has placed “doggie pot” stations throughout the neighborhood and along trails where pet waste is usually seen. If you don’t have a bag to cleanup your pet’s waste, please use one from the doggie pot stations. Please be a responsible pet owner and pick up after your pet!
Many of the areas closest to our lakes and streams are designated as Resource Protection Areas or RPAs. County ordinances prohibit clearing of these areas and limit the type of disturbances and structures allowed in these areas. To see of your lot contains an RPA or if one is nearby, follow this link to see a map.