Action | Amend Parts I, II, and III of the Virginia Stormwater Management Program Permit Regulations to address water quality and quantity and local stormwater management program criteria. |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 8/21/2009 |
Effective 3-Year Planning Process
We applaud DCR for the three-year effort that has culminated in the proposed stormwater regulations. This inclusive process, with representation from conservation groups, the building industry, local elected officials, and government agencies, resulted in a vastly improved stormwater management program. We believe the proposed regulations have been properly vetted to ensure that they are achievable from both an engineering and an economic perspective.
Communities Value Clean Water
Clean water in our streams and rivers is important to communities in the
Urgency of Action on Stormwater
Pollution from stormwater run-off must be addressed in
Source: 2006 Chesapeake Bay Program Office (See EPA’s 2007 Report Development Growth Outpacing Progress in Watershed Efforts to Restore the
Land development in the
Well-designed Program Will Achieve Results
If adopted, we believe that the new stormwater management program will be fair, effective, and achievable. Because localities can opt to run their own programs along with current erosion and sediment control programs, streamlined planning will occur at the local level. The proposed fee structure will ensure that localities will not be burdened should they choose to implement a local program. Finally, the proposed regulations will ensure that stormwater control costs are predictable and consistent for developers.
Please Consider Impact on Growth Patterns
We ask DCR to ensure that the proposed regulation does not provide incentives for new development to occur in farmland and forestland. Redevelopment and in-fill development in town and cities, with land conservation in rural areas, will ultimately provide the best outcome for clean water as well as livable communities. Therefore, if minor changes to the proposed regulations are necessary to encourage responsible growth patterns, we request that those changes are made prior to adopting the final regulation.
Again, we applaud the three-year effort that has led to this proposed program. And we urge DCR and the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board to adopt the Virginia Stormwater Management Regulations.
Kate Giese Wofford, Shenandoah Valley Network