CONSENT AGENDA REQUEST

Sponsor:

 Board of Supervisors Meeting Date:

 

Harry F. Atherton, Chairman,

Marshall District Supervisor

 

July 19, 2004

Staff Lead:

Department:

 

Deirdre B. Clark, Senior Planner

 

Community Development

Topic:

 

A Resolution to Support Preparation of the Proposed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plans for Carter's Run, Great Run, Deep Run, and Thumb Run.

 

Topic Description:

 

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (VA DCR) has completed TMDL Studies for Carter's Run, Great Run, Deep Run and Thumb Run. The VA DCR has requested that Fauquier County support the proposed development of implementation plans for these streams to restore them to acceptable water quality standards.

 

Requested Action of the Board of Supervisors:

 

Consider adoption of the attached resolution.

 

Financial Impact Analysis:

 

None.

 

Summary Staff Report:

Through the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission, the VA DCR scheduled a meeting on June 8, 2004.  The following agencies were represented:

 

  • Jeff Walker                                                  Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional

                                                                           Commission

  • Charles Lunsford and Matt Criblez            VA DCR
  • Kate Bennett                                               Virginia Department of Environmental

                                                                          Quality (VA DEQ)

  • Jennifer Krick                                             John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation

                                                                          District (JMSWCD)

  • Keith Dickinson                                          Virginia Agricultural Extension Service

 

Representatives from Stafford County and Engineering Concepts were also present. 

 

VA DCR's proposed TMDL Implementation Plan was discussed.  The project objective is VA DCR's development of a phased implementation plan that identifies the resources needed to fully achieve the TMDL. The following points were noted:

 

  • TMDL studies have been completed and approved by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Deep Run and Thumb Run.
  • TMDL studies on Carter's Run and Great Run are nearing completion.
  • The Code of Virginia requires an Implementation Plan to identify corrective actions and resources needed to fully meet the TMDL water quality goal for all approved water quality studies.
  • The development of Implementation Plans for these impaired streams and/or stream segments is the next logical step in meeting identified water quality goals.
  • The VA DCR will serve as the lead agency in developing the Implementation Plan.  Responsibilities will include organizing committees, conducting all public meetings, compiling information, identifying implementation actions and drafting the final report.  They will assess needs, define constraints and identify an implementation phasing strategy.  Water quality benefits will be evaluated through modeling and monitoring.
  • Public participation is a key component in the development of an Implementation Plan.
  • The VA DCR, with funding from EPA, will provide 75% cost share for agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) and 50% to 75% cost share for residential BMPs. Other funding sources will be identified.
  • JMSWCD will provide the technical services needed to install agricultural and residential BMPs to meet the goals identified in the Implementation Plan. 

 

With the VA DCR as the lead agency, VA DEQ, JMSWCD, Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission and Virginia Cooperative Extension Service will cooperate in developing the Implementation Plan.  Input from the public will be included.  Benefits to Fauquier County will include:

 

  • Restoration of water quality to acceptable standards for swimming, fishing and overall community health;
  • Significant financial assistance to install agricultural and residential BMPs to meet TMDL goals; and
  • Education of the population through participation in the Implementation Plan process.

  

RESOLUTION

 

A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE PREPARATION OF THE TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD IMPLEMENTATION PLANS FOR CARTER'S RUN, GREAT RUN,

                                              DEEP RUN AND THUMB RUN

 

WHEREAS,  variable portions of Carter's Run, Great Run, Deep Run and Thumb Run have been identified as impaired by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality; and

 

WHEREAS, these referenced streams have had Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies completed and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency; and

 

WHEREAS, the Code of Virginia requires an Implementation Plan to identify the corrective actions and resources needed to fully meet the TMDL water quality goal for all approved TMDL studies; and

 

WHEREAS, it is recognized that the formulation of an Implementation Plan for each approved TMDL is the next logical step in meeting acceptable water quality standards,  restoring the use of each stream, improving overall community health and quality of life and avoiding federal regulatory action in the future; and

 

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation intends to provide cost-share funds to install agricultural and residential Best Management Practices (BMP) upon the completion of the plans; now, therefore, be it

 

RESOLVED by the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors this 19th day of July 2004, That it supports the proposal of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation proposal to develop Total Maximum Daily Load Implementation Plans for Carter's Run, Great Run, Deep Run and Thumb Run to improve the water quality in these impaired streams.