New stormwater rules are needed

While the public comment period on the proposed changes to the commonwealth’s stormwater regulations is open, I am compelled to respond to The Daily Progress’s July 11 story on the matter (“Local politicians, developers balk at proposed runoff rules”).

Despite claims that these proposed modifications will stifle development and constrict the state’s capacity to continue to grow, these changes, in fact, represent a reasonable and balanced approach to how we handle the polluted runoff that is degrading our neighborhood creeks, the Rivanna River and ultimately the James River and Chesapeake Bay.

Over the past two decades, Virginia has made demonstrable progress in reducing pollution from wastewater discharges and farmland. The strong efforts of industry, far-mers, wastewater treatment plants and legislators have helped to make this possible. However, the greatest threat to our rivers’ future health —– and the fastest growing source of water pollution in Virginia today — is the chemical-laden runoff that flows from impervious surfaces like streets and parking lots.

With that the case, it is imperative that developers step up to do their part to meet Virginia’s clean-water commitments. The current stormwater standards are 20 years old and the science and practice of stormwater management has advanced tremendously over that period. The commonwealth has proposed a fair and sensible strategy for helping the state reach our clean-water goals, a strategy that is based on the latest and best science, yet one that makes reasonable provisions to reduce the economic burden on developers.

In particular, the proposed stormwater regulations include a program legislated by the General Assembly this year that allows off-site nutrient credits to meet stormwater requirements when on-site compliance is difficult. This program addresses many of the concerns raised by developers and local government representatives in the article.

We all benefit from clean water and we all have a responsibility to achieve it. By adopting the proposed changes to the state’s stormwater regulations, we will be taking a critical step toward the complementary goals of environmental and economic health. 

David Sligh
Albemarle County

David Sligh is the riverkeeper of the Upper James, James River Association.