The south river preserve restoration construction project is being undertaken by the city of waynesboro to restore natural resources impacted by mercury contamination between 1929 and 1950 by dupont

Construction began in september of 2023 under a previous award and is expected to be completed within 2 years. The project site is approximately 14 acres straddling the south river in downtown waynesboro just downstream from the former dupont plant. The major goals of the project are habitat restoration water quality improvements, fish habitat improvements, and recreational fishing access improvements. Project components include the removal of 5 acres of asphalt parking lot formerly belonging to dupont, a 700 linear foot streambank restoration of rockfish run (a tributary of the south river), and the extensive planting of native trees and meadow plants attractive to songbirds and insect pollinators. An existing parking area will be retrofitted with planting beds that will slow runoff and increase the infiltration of stormwater prior to IT entering the south river. Additionally, a rock cross vane will be installed in the south river to focus streamflow in the center of the channel and create deep, cool pools that are vital to numerous fish species. An ADA fishing platform and walkway will be installed to improve access for all and improvements will be made to three existing angler access trails to provide solid footing and reduce erosion along the rivers banks. The river theater will be created by carving out a section of streambank to allow for greater ease of access to the south river. This project area is highly visible to the public as IT will be incorporated into the waynesboro park system and a portion of the south river greenway will pass along its edge. IT will act as an outstanding example of conservation and restoration and be a valued amenity for waynesboro, its residents, and visitors alike.