ISSUE:
Erosion and Sediment Control (E&S) programs, along with storm
water management, are very important elements in reducing sediment
loads in state waters. These E&S programs, when used with other
non-point source reduction programs, reduce both sediment and nutrient
pollution. Consistency in administration and enforcement of E&S
requirements statewide is essential.
WHY IMPORTANT:
By law, land-disturbing activities (such as construction and
development) must be covered by an erosion and sediment control plan.
Soil and Water Conservation Distict (SWCD) boards and board employees
are often involved in the plan review process. SWCDs must commit
necessary resources for training, retraining and staff time for
successful E&S programs. However, neither SWCDs nor their E&S
certified employees have enforcement authority. Non-point source
conservation efforts have been diminished by lack of consistent
E&S administration and enforcement across the Commonwealth. This
has offset some of the other conservation accomplishments achieved by
SWCDs.
RATIONALE:
E&S and storm water management
programs are 30 years old.
Although most localities adopt only state minimums,
compliance is estimated at only 25%
-
Increased sediment results in
environmental problems
Possible mode of transport for phosporous (needs more study)
Cloudy water reducing light penetration
Bottom dwelling aquatic life "drowns" in sediment
-
Increased sediment results in
economic problems
Increased filtration costs at treatment plants
Reduced reservce capacity because of filling
Increased dredging costs for river traffic
- Preventing sediment erosion is
much more affordable than removal by dredging or other methods
- Sediment control, with reduction
goals, is recognized in the 2000 Bay Agreement recently signed by
the governor
- The Bay Agreement requires
assessment of sediment programs. Virginia must report E&S
findings within the Rappahannock, York, James and Coastal River
basins for compliance
- Currently, DCR has 23 staff
members for oversight of all E&S and storm water management
programs. An independent study of workload analysis indicated that
more than twice this number is needed.
- Construction sites erode at a rate
200 times greater than farmland and 2000 times greater than
forestland
- E&S progams are time consuming
when administered properly and a waste of time when not.
ACTION: A study of compliance
levels among localities will provide important information that will
be useful in improving E&S programs in Virginia. This information
will also facilitate the reaching of reduction levels for programs
such as the Bay Agreement. Since this study would partly utilize
current sediment reduction reports, the funds required for this study
would not be large. The VASWCD requests that The Office of Legislative
Services provide adequate staff and funding for a legislative study of
Erosion and Sediment Control programs in Virginia with respect to
consistency of administration, plan review, inspection and enforcement
by localities. This study would compare existing local policies and
procedures with requirements as outlined in the Virginia Erosion and
Sediment Control Law and state policies.
VASWCD POINT OF CONTACT: Ricky
Rash, Piedmont SWCD (434-645-1349)
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