1998 grant cycle
Irrigation Water Management Workshops - Phase I: A series of workshops held in Tidewater, Virginia. They were supported by development of a workshop manual. Virginia Tech held three workshops in different Tidewater Virginia locations during February 2000. There were about 80 participants; each was given an updated irrigation water management manual. Several participants took advantage of a free water sample analysis offered as an incentive to get irrigators to participate.
Identification and Analysis of Habitat Impairment Associated with Hydromodification and Nonpoint Source Pollution - Phase I - Dams: The goal of this study was to develop an accurate and comprehensive database for dams in the Tidewater Virginia and contribute to the evaluation of potential habitat degradation below these existing dams. DCR worked with others to document the location and status of 499 dams and measured habitat characteristics of a statistically valid number of tributaries in the region. Also, a series of statistical analyses were performed to assess the quantitative and qualitative habitat variables collected in reference to hydromodification characteristics. Click here to download the document Identification and Analysis of Habitat Impairment Associated with Hydromodification and Nonpoint Source Pollution: Phase I - Dams (PDF, 581k). A full description of EPA's Rapid Bio-Assessment Protocol can be found here. Canonical analysis graphs are not included. If you would like copies of those, please email mslauter@dcr.virginia.gov.
1999 grant cycle
Irrigation Chemigation Demonstration Project and Farm *A* Syst Manual - Phase II: A field demonstration was undertaken to show recommended irrigation management practices. The event was held during Virginia Ag-Expo Field Day on August 10, 2000, at Renwood Farm in Charles City County. Because most Phase I workshop respondents found the Virginia Farm*A*Syst approach to irrigation management positive, and reflecting the trend in other states, the existing Virginia Farm*A*Syst materials were redone to create a simplified, self-assessment version. In addition to including the newly developed (under Phase I) section on irrigation management, this revision was done for the entire scope of the manual to address many other related management and NPS pollution issues faced by crop producers and irrigators. Click here for a complete version of the Farm and Home Water Quality Assessment Guide.
Development of a BMP Handbook for Plasticulture in Virginia: This project's objective was to develop a best management practices (BMP) handbook for plasticulture in Virginia. A plasticulture production system includes plant rows, often bedded, and covered with impervious plastic mulch alternated with uncovered, inter-row spaces. Drip irrigation tubing is typically placed under the plastic mulch to provide water and nutrients to the crop. Overhead sprinkler irrigation is used in some cases, and sometimes no irrigation is used. Because crop production with plastic mulch and conventional methods differ, requirements and conditions for water quality protection differ. The term best management practice (BMP) describes a practice or system of practices that controls NPS pollution, thus protects water quality. A complete version of the guidebook can be found here.
Marina Siting Suitability Analysis: The purpose of this project was to collect data, develop protocols for a marina siting suitability index, and develop geographic information system (GIS) rules to implement the protocols. The protocols were used to develop a large form map portfolio that identifies areas of suitability for the construction or expansion of public and private marinas. The resulting 'model' was provided to local governments for planning purposes and to evaluate potential impacts from marinas. Copies on CD also are available from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).
Identification and Analysis of Habitat Impairment Associated with Hydromodification and Nonpoint Source Pollution Phase II - Channelization: This was a follow-up project to the 1998 Phase I hydromodification project. Objectives for Phase II were: 1) develop a process for the quantitative evaluation of potential habitat degradation associated with channelization and other hydromodifications, and 2) present recommendations on how to identify problems and potential opportunities for improvement of habitat. Forty-four sites were examined, and stream habitat characteristics of a statistically valid number of tributaries were measured in the coastal Virginia. The statistical approach of the study was designed to identify degradation of habitat due to hydromodification andcompare variables with like systems under reference conditions. Click here to download the document Identification and Analysis of Habitat Impairment Associated with Hydromodification and Nonpoint Source Pollution: Phase II - Channelization (PDF, 589k). A full description of EPA's Rapid Bio-Assessment Protocol can be found here. The canonical analysis graphs are not included.
Coastal NPS: Stormwater Management: There are three elements to this project - 1) Stormwater Management Model Ordinance, 2) Stormwater Management Database for Program Integration, and 3) Assessment of Economic Benefits of Watershed Protection Strategies. Elements #1 and #3 can be found here.
Stafford County Stormwater Ordinance and Design Manual Update: Stafford County amended their Stormwater Management Ordinance and Design Manual and upgraded its program to be consistent with 1998 amendments to the Virginia Stormwater Management Regulations. The county comprehensively reviewed its stormwater management program to evaluate standards, specifications and BMPs. The review included stormwater management planning and regional BMP implementation policies. Implementation of the project will support reductions of sediment, BOD, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, hydrocarbons, trace metals, bacteria and other pollutants associated with increased stormwater runoff from development. Stafford County ordinances can be found on its website.
Virginia Clean Marina and Marina Technical Advisory Programs (Year1): In 1999 Virginia started a Clean Marina Program. Setting up the Marina Technical Advisory Program was an integral part of this. This is an ongoing effort that has also been funded in the FY 2000, FY 2001, FY 2002 and FY 2003 grant cycles. Key milestones achieved during this period are the program kickoff that encouraged 19 state agencies and marinas to start the program as "charter" members, establishment of the Marina Technical and Environmental Advisory Committee and drafting a best management practices manual. Visit the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (program guidebook) and this Department of Environmental Quality web page for details.
2000 grant cycle
Pilot Study to develop technical standards and procedures for stream reference reach establishment in Virginia's Coastal Zone: This is a pilot project targeting several small coastal watersheds to determine how to best combine, modify or re-create the range of existing stream assessment tools for use in establishing reference conditions that reflect chemical, physical and biological information. Reference reaches provide essential information about the water quality, the physical habitat and the biological community present in a stream under stable or pre-disturbance conditions. The primary objective of this pilot study (Phase 1) was to develop a draft, virtual reference stream model for several representative, upper coastal plain and fall zone watersheds using multivariate statistical analyses to integrate data for more than 35 ecologically relevant metrics from approximately 40 stream reaches. Click here to download the document (PDF, 311K).
Virginia Clean Marina and Marina Technical Advisory Programs (Year 2): Key milestones achieved during this period include developing a program display panel and website, conducting four workshops with a total of 100 participants, sponsoring a booth at three regional boat shows, developing fact sheets, and completing the Virginia Clean Marina Program Guidebook. This year also saw the first annual awards ceremony. Six marinas were designated as Virginia Clean Marinas. Visit the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (program guidebook) and this Department of Environmental Quality web page for details.
Shoreland Planning Protocol: Phase 1: Development in waterfront communities challenges managers to balance expansion and economic growth with preservation of aquatic resources. There are few guidance tools to improve how decisions are made. This project begins to address this issue with the development of a protocol that takes into account specific waterfront landscape criteria that are collectively appraised to determine the potential risk of development to sensitive aquatic resources. Conditions on the landscape are evaluated based existing land use, impacts to sensitive habitat and potential impacts to water quality. A GIS-based model runs the protocol; the model ranks criteria based on a designated set of rules and conditions. A copy of the final report can be found here.
2001 grant cycle
Virginia Citizen Monitoring Program: The Virginia Citizen Monitor's Methods Manual was expanded and updated to serve as the baseline educational and technical resource for citizen monitoring groups. Sections of the manual were modified to reflect issues identified in the Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Nonpoint Pollution in Coastal Waters. For the eastern portion of Virginia, two monitoring protocols were developed and evaluated; a biological method appropriate for nontidal fresh waters and an evaluation of protocols designed to meet data needs in impaired watersheds. Information on the Virginia Citizen Monitoring Program can be found here.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Grower Survey and Demonstration Project to Determine IPM Adoption Strategies for Corn, Soybeans and Small Grain in the Coastal Plain of Virginia (ongoing): This project's intent is to work with cash grain farmers and farm consultants in Virginia's coastal plain to determine what is needed to increase adoption of IPM programs for cash grain crops on their farm. Because of the seasonal rotation of growing crops in the region, most of these crops are grown by the same farmers each season. Click here to download the document (PDF, 357K). Survey work is being followed up with a series of technical demonstration workshops throughout the coastal zone.
Virginia Clean Marina and Marina Technical Advisory Programs (Year 3): Key milestones were achieved during this period. Technical assistance was provided to 75 marinas, a booth was manned at three boat shows, three workshops attracting more than 100 participants were conducted and 11 new marinas pledged to participate in the program. A newsletter, Smart Harbors, was designed and sent to 300 marinas. A program bumper sticker and boater tip card were developed and are distributed regularly. The second annual awards ceremony was held, and six more marinas were designated Virginia Clean Marinas. Visit the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (program guidebook) and this Department of Environmental Quality web page for details.
MPPDC On-Site Technical Guidance Program (Year 1): The Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission's (MPPDC) Environmental Program has enabled assistance to the region's residents with limited financial and technical resources for onsite wastewater issues since May 1997. The program led to the establishment of an onsite wastewater revolving loan and grant program. This program enabled repair of 20 failing systems throughout the Rappahannock and York River watersheds this past year. The program is coordinated with local health departments. This project funds a project manager. Information on the MPPDC is available here.
Impact of Onsite Wastewater Systems on Water Quality in Coastal Regions: This project provides another tool for the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) for use in identifying onsite wastewater system (OWS) impacts and in implementing corrective measures that reduce nutrient and fecal coliform levels. Information will be provided to local health departments, DCR NPS program staff, and the DEQ water quality staff. Local health departments will be able to better target failing septic systems and initiate remedial actions. DCR will be able to better target NPS pollution program funds for implementing appropriate BMPs. DEQ can use the information to direct future monitoring. Information on the VDH Office of Environmental Health programs can be found here. Click here to download the final report (PDF, 311K).
Development of a GIS Database in Support of Virginia's Shellfish Sanitation Program, Virginia Department of Health: The project was a multi-step process to integrate GIS into the Division of Shellfish Sanitation (DSS) program. Staff of the Comprehensive Coastal Program (CCI) at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science 1) performed a thorough evaluation of DSS activities and GIS needs, 2) developed an architectural concept for a DSS GIS database, 3) developed the GIS framework and converted relevant records to the new system design, 4) trained DSS employees to maintain and operate the system, and 5) trained DSS employees in the use of the GPS units. Information for the Shellfish Sanitation program can be found here.
Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department (CBLAD) Local Government Projects (ongoing): This project provided short-term funding to CBLAD for continued financial aid to localities. The funds will be used to contract with six localities for Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA) implementation projects. These projects focused on: 1) revising ordinances (for CBPA requirements) and reviewing their local land use ordinances to determine how well they support applicable 6217(g) management measures; 2) conducting site visits and plan of development reviews for CBPA compliance, as well as compliance with the erosion and sediment control regulations; 3) outreach, and; 4) updating and maintaining GIS layers and databases. This project supports implementation of the following guidance management measures: 1) erosion and sediment control; 2) new development; 3) site development; 4) operating onsite disposal systems; 5) streambank and shoreline erosion, and; 6) protection of wetlands and riparian areas.
2002 grant cycle
Virginia Clean Marina and Marina Technical Advisory Programs (Year 4): This project continues technical assistance to marina operators and other interested parties, sponsorship of booths at regional boat shows, and dissemination of program information. An awards ceremony will be held in the fall. Visit the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (program guidebook) and this Department of Environmental Quality web page for details.
Virginia Citizen Monitoring Program (ongoing): Funds are being provided to continue promotion of this program. The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Izaak Walton League (Save our Streams) train citizen monitors to use monitoring equipment and learn data collection protocols. Training materials and workshops are used. This project continues supporting development of the Eastern Biomonitoring Method and enables the training of citizen monitors to identify macroinvertebrates as defined by the method. Simple stream assessment activities citizen monitors can conduct are also promoted. Information on the Virginia Citizen Monitoring Program can be found here.
Stream Reference Reach Establishment: As a continuation of a Phase I project funded in FY 1999, which focused on only four watersheds within Virginia's coastal and piedmont physiographic regions, this effort was expanded to capture more watersheds and stream segments in the coastal zone. This study continued the use of quantitative and qualitatitve assessment tools that facilitate stream classification, thereby establishing regional stream reference reaches (i.e. target conditions for restoration projects) and providing criteria for post-project evaluation in non-tidal, coastal watersheds. These assessment tools include characteristics for stable hydromorphology; adequate in-stream and riparian habitat; and a fully functioning biological community, including fish and benthic invertebrates. This project is linked with the Enhanced Aquatic Resources Assessment listed below. Click here to download the final report (PDF, 227K).
Hydromodification Trainings for Stream Stabilization and Restoration: This proposal provides funds for preparation of materials that provide guidance to practicing professionals for planning, design, cost, and construction of stream stabilization and restoration projects in Virginia. To build on existing projects, it was essential to provide information to professionals who prepare and manage hydromodification projects. There were three, one-day training sessions to gather input from practicing professionals. The project also covered development of a hydromodification best management practices manual. The manual entitled the Virginia Stream Restoration and Stabilization Best Management Practices Guide, includes information unavailable in another other single document and covers channel restoration, bank protection, bank stabilization, grade control and flow deflection/concentration guidelines (reflecting the 6217 (g) guidance). Click here to download the final report (PDF, 4.5 MB).
Enhanced Aquatic Resources Assessment: As a continuation of Phase I project conducted with EPA Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program funds, Virginia Commonwealth University Center for Environmental Studies created a pilot, multimetric assessment tool that prioritizes watersheds in Virginia based on key attributes (biodiversity, ecological importance, etc.) of stream dependent, living resources using archival data for a limited suite of stream taxa. The index classifies watersheds by ecological integrity and analyzes representative stream segments within each watershed. The first phase of this statewide effort relied on readlily available data from three state agencies. Using standardized and quantitative sampling, a living resources inventory was conducted for representative stream segments. These data were incorporated into the miniMIBI tool developed in Phase I. Phase II of the project focused on small streams within the coastal zone (first to third order) primarily in the coastal plain physiographic province. Stratified random sampling wasused for site selection. The data includes fish, benthic macroinvertebrates, mussels and aquatic macrophytes. Under this project, a dynamic stream health assessment tool was developed. Click here to use the tool, which is on a website managed by Virginia Commonwealth University.
MPPDC On-site Technical Guidance Program (Year 2): This program will improve the technical understanding and assistance required to administer the existing on-site revolving loan and grant program. It will continue to serve as a pilot project to transfer the methodology and processes to other coastal zone areas. Neighboring PDC's and local health departments will be invited to participate in associated workshops, and programmatic information will be given out at quarterly coastal PDC meetings. Lessons learned during this project will help state agencies develop approaches to address on-site disposal systems and improve water quality. Information on the MPPDC is available here.
Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department (CBLAD) Local Government Projects (ongoing): This project provided short-term funding to CBLAD for continued financial aid to localities. The funds will be used to contract with six localities for Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA) implementation projects. These projects focused on: 1) revising ordinances (for CBPA requirements) and reviewing their local land use ordinances to determine how well they support applicable 6217(g) management measures; 2) conducting site visits and plan of development reviews for CBPA compliance, as well as compliance with the erosion and sediment control regulations; 3) outreach, and; 4) updating and maintaining GIS layers and databases. This project supports implementation of the following guidance management measures: 1) erosion and sediment control; 2) new development; 3) site development; 4) operating onsite disposal systems; 5) streambank and shoreline erosion, and; 6) protection of wetlands and riparian areas.
2003 grant cycle
Virginia Clean Marina and Marina Technical Advisory Programs (Year 5): Funds from this project are used to continue to provide technical assistance to marina operators and other interested parties, to sponsor a booth at regional boat shows and to disseminate information packets. Visit the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (program guidebook) and this Department of Environmental Quality web page for details.
OSDS Leachate Detector Pilot Project: This project provides another tool for the Virginia Department of Health and their district offices and localities to help them better identify the location of onsite wastewater system (OWS) impacts. The tool can be used to implement corrective measures resulting in reduced nutrient and fecal coliform levels. This project follows up on the 2001 Impact of Onsite Wastewater Systems on Water Quality in Coastal Regions project and includes a partnership effort between Virginia Tech and Prince William County. Information will be provided to local health departments, DCR nonpoint program staff, and DEQ water quality staff. Local health departments will be able to better target failing septic systems and initiate remedial actions.
Local Government Projects: DCR released a request for proposals (RFP) for projects managed by localities, Planning District Commissions, and Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The RFP targeted implementation of a subset of the coastal nonpoint program management measures contained within urban and hydromodification sections of program guidance. The nine projects selected for funding are:
