Department of Environmental Quality
State Water Control Board
Meeting:
TMDL Public Meeting - Water Quality Plan Chestnut Creek Watershed (Carroll & Grayson Counties and City of Galax)
| Meeting Details | |
|---|---|
| Date / Time | 11/18/2014 6:30 pm |
| Location | Galax Recreation Center
3rd Floor - Room ‘A’ 601 South Main Street |
| Board Website | http://www.deq.virginia.gov |
| Agenda document | agency has not posted |
| Minutes document |
Meeting minutes
11/19/2014
(40k)
FINAL
|
| Disability Friendly? Yes Deaf interpreter available upon request? No | |
| Purpose of the meeting A public meeting to discuss a water quality improvement plan for impaired streams on the state “dirty waters” list will be held. Streams in this watershed are on Virginia’s list of impaired or “dirty waters” because they violate the state’s water quality standards for bacteria and aquatic life. High levels of bacteria in these streams could lead to increased risk of illness for people who come in contact with water in the streams. Bacteria sources identified include failing septic systems, discharges of untreated human waste, pets, and agricultural practices in the area. Sediment has been identified as a pollutant source impacted aquatic life in-stream. Representatives from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and New River River Soil and Water Conservation District will be on hand to outline efforts to develop a bacteria and sediment reduction plan for the impaired streams. Comments and questions are sought from local residents and stakeholders. The water quality or implementation plan follows Total Maximum Daily Load studies completed in 2006 by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. The TMDL studies identified the sources of bacteria and sediment in these impaired watersheds. The implementation plan will outline corrective actions needed to reduce the sources of bacteria and sediment, their associated costs and benefits, along with measurable goals and an implementation timeline. Corrective actions may include replacing failing septic systems, removing discharges of untreated human waste to streams, reducing pollutant loads from agricultural, urban, and residential areas, and a pet waste disposal and education program. Corrective actions for agricultural sources can include streamside livestock exclusion fencing, pasture management, establishing streamside buffers on cropland, reforestation of erodible pasture and cropland, cover crops, etc. Participating in developing the implementation plan is an opportunity for local residents and stakeholders to improve and preserve water resources, increase farm production, and increase property values in the community. Strong local public participation ensures a final implementation plan driven by local input. Community involvement in the creation of the plan and support of its implementation are critical factors in determining its success in improving local water quality. | |
| Meeting Scope |
Public hearing to receive comment on a proposed stage
X
General business of the board
Discuss particular regulations / chapters
|
| Contact Information | |
|---|---|
| Name / Title: | Chris Burcher |
| Address: |
DEQ-Southwest Regional Office 355 Deadmore Street Abingdon, 24210 |
| Email Address: | chris.burcher@deq.virginia.gov |
| Telephone: | (276)676-4803 FAX: (276)676-4899 TDD: ()- |