Dear Sirs,

     While it may be argued that some farmers/growers in the past were unconcerned about soil loss and polluting the waters around their fields, this is rarely the case today.

     Tomatoes are big business on the Eastern Shore. The growers have expressed to the Soil and Water District that they want to work with the District and implement BMP's so that they can achieve their objective (make $) while helping the District meet their objective (balance various interests in keeping the watershed healthy). The ESSWCD and growers recently worked together on a MOA so that they will be monitored in a spirit of cooperation in 2010 and beyond.

The weather has been disastrous the past 3-4 months for accomplishing all the BMP's that the growers would ideally implement. I know this situation firsthand, as I live outside Onley in the country. The local growers have basically bulwarked 'catching lines' for the dust that will move as it dries out. The growers could not put in cover this fall. Should they? Of course. Could they? Heck no.

Should DEQ/SWCB continue to monitor the growers? Of course. However, DO NOT CONFUSE A TEMPORARY SITUATION AND ASSUME THAT THESE GUYS ARE 'BAD GUYS'. We need tomatoes on the Shore. Once multiplier effects are considered, next to the Wallops area, tomatoes/ag are the biggest engine driving this county.

And yes, I am an environmentalist, and moderate/liberal in my political views.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

Sincerely yours,

Dave Vaughn

Onley, VA