I would like to voice my support for the proposed changes to Water Quality Standards contained in 9VAC25-260-275.  I appreciate the hard work of DEQ and the TAC in developing the proposed regulation, and I am glad to see recognition of the value of shellfish to the Eastern Shore community.  Clam aquaculture provides an essential portion of my income, and the protection of the waters where I grow my clams allows me to be a part of this community with reasonable assurance that I will be able to afford to stay here.

Beyond protecting the immensely important economic value of shellfish, the proposed regulations help protect other sources of local income.  Proper wastewater treatment benefits commercial fishermen, crabbers, the local tourism industry, and recreational fishermen.  By helping prevent the formation of hypoxic "dead zones" and maintaining water clarity necessary for seagrass habitat, the proposal supports all of the above sources to our economy.  I hope that the all of the economic benefits to our community will be considered when looking at the proposal, not solely the benefits to shellfish.

Thank you,

Bowdoin Lusk, Jr.