Virginia lags on water improvement

While students are preparing for midterms and a much-needed fall break, a small step in an important, national debate took place Wednesday night at the Jepson Alumni center.

Hundreds of people, mostly from the local community, but also from other parts of the state, and even a few students, gathered to hear Virginia and federal government representatives report on the condition of the Chesapeake Bay and the state's efforts to reduce pollution draining into the bay from its many rivers.

There are more than 10,000 miles of rivers and smaller tributaries in the "Chesapeake Bay watershed," which comprises the states of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York and the District of Columbia. These states are required to develop and execute plans to control the amount of pollutants in their water bodies.

At issue is Virginia's "Water Improvement Plan," which is just the latest in a series of efforts that goes back more than 50 years.

After the state submitted the plan, the Environmental Protection Agency sent it back, citing "serious deficiencies" with respect to reducing the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment in the state's waters.

The EPA is now attempting to establish a "total maximum daily load," a kind of "pollution diet" to further the goal of reduction.

But as with many issues, there is conflict between federal, state and local interests.

During the comment period, many longtime farmers and state residents stood up to voice their concerns, especially about who would bear the burden and monetary cost.

"The public is not prepared to implement these provisions," said one man.

Others, including a local resident who wanted no unnecessary paperwork or regulations, simply demanded action.

But some government officials think that's just what might be needed.

"We want a state plan that works," said Rich Batiuk of the EPA. The introduction to the state's current plan reminds its readers that it was prepared "amidst the worst economy in a generation."

The viewpoint that Virginia's actions should be limited because of that was not shared by all, however.

"You have had decades to act," said Richmond law professor Joel Eisen.

"No more excuses," said the head of the VA Green Industry Council.

The state's improved plan is due before the end of November, with a final decision on its effectiveness by the EPA intended in time for next year. The overall deadline for cleaning up the bay is sometime in 2025.

Both the state and federal plans, as well as a link to post a public comment, all of which will be reviewed by the government, can be located at www.epa.gov.

Contact reporter Milos Jovanovic at milos.jovanovic@richmond.edu