On November 5, 2002, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors unanimously voted to adopt revisions to strengthen the Chesapeake Bay preservation regulations. Spurred by the state level adoption of amendments to the Chesapeake Bay preservation regulations in March 2002, these result in some significant changes. The regulations continue to focus on stream corridor protection provided by preservation of 100-foot linear corridors adjacent to eligible waterways (Resource Protection Areas). These amendments reflect the importance of protecting water quality throughout the Bay watershed area.
The most comprehensive modification in the new regulations changes the process for identifying waterways qualifying for protection. Previously the only streams receiving this protection were those shown on U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle maps as having perennial flow (water flow throughout the year). The USGS never intended the maps, which do not accurately represent on-the-ground waterway conditions, to be used for this purpose. The new regulations require protection for ALL water bodies with perennial flow. No longer limited to waterways shown on USGS maps, reliable site-specific determinations using established criteria must now be completed. Preliminary mapping in the Northern Virginia region using the new criteria suggests that the total of these protected buffer areas will increase significantly.
Other changes include strengthening restrictions to the land disturbing activities allowed in the protected stream buffer areas. A newly formed Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Review Board will review requests for exceptions. A public hearing component is included as part of this review process. Additionally, increased requirements for the restoration of protected buffer areas impacted by development activities are strengthened.
While these increased protections are an important step forward, local capacity to enforce the regulations is critical to protecting Prince William waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. Currently fines and other penalties are often regarded as just another part of �the cost of doing business� in Prince William County. Regulations are difficult to implement effectively. Stronger penalties for noncompliance could ensure that the new regulations have their intended impact.
Protecting water quality within Prince William�s rapidly suburbanizing conditions presents unique challenges and opportunities. The new Chesapeake Bay regulations are an exciting and significant step in the right direction, but cannot do the job alone.
Citizen involvement and support for the Chesapeake Bay regulations are also important to waterway protection. Citizens as landowners can help protect streams in already developed areas. Active citizen participation in monitoring development sites, water quality conditions and public policy development lays the foundation needed to develop the political will required to protect our aquatic ecosystems and water quality. For more information on how you can help, check out the opportunities listed in this newsletter, on our website or call us at 703.499.4954.