Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
Date: March 10, 2009
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March 26 meeting to discuss draft water quality plan for Appomattox and Charlotte county streams
(RICHMOND) – A public input meeting to discuss a draft water quality improvement plan for 31 miles of Appomattox and Charlotte county stream segments on the state “dirty waters” list will be held in Charlotte Courthouse, Thursday, March 26 at the county administration office building, 250 LeGrande Avenue, Suite A. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.
Portions of Cub Creek, Turnip Creek, Buffalo Creek and an unnamed Buffalo Creek tributary are on Virginia’s list of impaired or “dirty waters” because they violate the state’s water quality standard for bacteria. Levels of bacteria in these stream segments could lead to increased risk of illness for people who come in contact with the streams’ waters. Bacteria sources have been identified as septic systems, direct discharges from households, pet waste and agricultural practices in the area. All of the streams flow into the Roanoke River.
Representatives from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Old Dominion Resource Conservation and Development Council and Southside and Robert E. Lee Soil and Water Conservation Districts will be on hand to present the draft implementation plan developed with local government representatives and residents. Meeting attendees can ask questions, provide input and get involved in the public participation process. In addition, the meeting will begin a 30-day comment period. The comment period ends April 27, 2009.
The bacteria reduction, or implementation, plan follows a Total Maximum Daily Load study approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The TMDL study identified the sources of bacteria in the impaired watersheds.
The implementation plan includes corrective actions needed to reduce the sources of bacteria, their associated costs and benefits, along with measurable goals and an implementation timeline.
Actions in the draft plan include replacing failing septic systems, removing direct discharges from households to streams, septic system pump-outs and a pet waste disposal and education program. Corrective actions for agricultural bacteria sources include streamside livestock exclusion fencing, pasture management and establishing streamside buffers on cropland.
The implementation plan is an opportunity for local residents to preserve water resources, increase farm production and increase property values in the community.
For more information on the meeting or public comment process contact Ram Gupta, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, at (804) 371-0991 or Ram.Gupta@dcr.virginia.gov.
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