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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 01, 2001
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Virginia's coastal nonpoint source pollution control plan receives federal approval
(RICHMOND) - Virginia becomes only the sixth of 33 states, commonwealths or territories eligible to have its Coastal Nonpoint Program approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Failure to achieve program approval could have potentially cost the state up to $6 million per year in federal funding.
"Controlling nonpoint source pollution is a complex issue because of its many, diffuse sources," said Secretary Woodley. "The approval of Virginia's coastal nonpoint source program is the result of a comprehensive effort across many fronts, with many partners involved." The Virginia DCR is responsible for developing and amending the nonpoint source control program.
The approval became official with today's signing of Virginia's plan in Washington, D.C. Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources John Paul Woodley, Jr. was joined at the signing by Department of Conservation and Recreation Director David G. Brickley and Department of Environmental Quality Deputy Director David Johnson. Representing NOAA was National Ocean Service Deputy Assistant Administrator Jamison Hawkins and Don Welsh, Region III Administrator, represented the U.S. EPA.
Virginia's coastal nonpoint source pollution, or runoff pollution, control program covers 46 localities with tidal waters. This is roughly the entire area east of Interstate 95. In 1998, Virginia received conditional approval of its program, contingent on successfully addressing concerns in nine management areas - agriculture, forestry, urban, wetlands and riparian, marinas and recreational boating, hydromodifications, technical assistance, monitoring, and roads highways and bridges.
Actions taken to satisfy the federal government's conditions include:
Virginia's development of nutrient reduction tributary strategies for all river basins flowing into the Chesapeake Bay was cited as helping satisfy conditions under several of the management areas. The strategies are the result of Virginia's continuing voluntary participation in the multi-state Chesapeake Bay Program.
A complete listing of the NOAA/EPA Decisions on Conditions of Approval can be found on the DCR website at http://www.state.va.us/dcr/sw/docs/czokltr.pdf.
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