Agriculture is an essential industry on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and should be encouraged to continue to grow in such a way that it is sustainable and compatible with the high caliber water quality associated with the Eastern Shore, and essential to the burgeoning Aquaculture, Tourism, and Coastal Research industries in the region.  Proper design and maintenance of drainage ditching and storm water retention ponds is an essential component of sustainable agriculture practices.

The creation of properly designed and maintained storm water management and drainage systems is not a cost prohibitive undertaking for our farmers, and is particularly relevant on the large scale corporate farms that have developed within the plasticulture tomato industry.  Regulations are necessary in order to ensure that best management practices are being followed, and that the storm water conveyances are constructed in such a way that they do not discharge water into the coastal creeks, streams, bays, and lagoons of the Eastern Shore.

Without proper oversight, ditches and ponds have been and will continue to be developed in such a way that they serve the needs of the farm without recognizing the impact on the surrounding waterways, and the businesses that depend on them.  With proper design and maintenance encouraged and enforced through effective regulation, these ditches can benefit all parties by  protecting our invaluable coastal water quality, and providing additional irrigation waters for the farms, thus reducing the pressure on our single source aquifer.

While there has already been documented impact from poorly designed and maintained ditches, ponds, and retention systems, it is essential that the commonwealth recognize the potential impact of this threat before it is realized and enact regulations that get ahead of the problem rather than chase it.  I support the petition submitted by Mr. Terry, and encourage the State Water Control Board to pursue this matter.

Sincerely,

Dave Burden

Virginia Eastern Shorekeeper