[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                                                                   Task 34 FY'90
                                                                   Final Work Product
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                             ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS


                                  AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT


                                 FOR THE RICHMOND REGION


































             Richmond Regional Planning District Commission
                    2104 West Laburnum Avenue, Suite 101
                         Richmond, Virginia 23227
                              (804) 358-3684































                           ENVIRONKENTAL ACCOMPLISMONTS


                                AND NEEDS ASSESSXENT


                               FOR THE RICHMOND REGION











             The preparation of this report was funded, in part, by the
          Virginia Council on the Environment's Coastal Resources Management
                   Program through grant # NA90AA-H-CZ796 of the
             National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the
                   Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 as amended.












                                    Prepared by
                Richmond Regional Planning District Commission Staff

                                    December 1991




              QA















                                       INTRODUCTION



                In early 1988, the Richmond Regional Planning District
           Commission staf f prepared a report entitled Coastal Resources
           Management Needs Assessment and Procfram f or the Richmond Area.
           That document provided an overview of the Virginia Coastal
           Resources Management Program and the Chesapeake Bay Agreement. In
           addition, it examined coastal resource issues and state and federal
           programs that were then available to address these issues.

                An important element of that assessment was the establishment
           of goals and objectives for the Richmond Regional Coastal Resources
           Management Program. That assessment was done for the region as a
           whole and for the individual coastal localities within the region.
           The localities included in the assessment were the counties of
           Charles City, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and New Kent, and the
           City of Richmond.

                Based upon the established goals and the region's needs, an
           implementation program for meeting these needs was developed. The
           RRPDC has used this implementation program as a framework for
           developing regional and technical assistance work activities for
           its annual Work Program, including the Coastal Resources Management
           Program.    The implementation program has also been used by
           localities in the region to develop local Coastal Resources
           Management Programs and implementation strategies.

                One purpose of this document is to report on the
           accomplishments of the region in addressing its environmental and
           coastal resource management needs.    While the focus of the 1988
           assessment was the RRPDC and the localities covered by Virginia's
           Coastal Zone Management Program, this report examines the entire
           region as a whole and ignores these artificial boundaries.
           Therefore the Counties of Goochland and Powhatan and the Town of
           Ashland are included in this assessment.

                Another purpose of this report is to assess existing needs
           related to the environment within the region and set forth an
           implementation program to address these needs. As this report will
           show, many of the specific regional and local actions identified in
           the 1988 report have been accomplished or are in progress now.
           This demonstrates the advantage of establishing regional and local
           objectives and an implementation program.














                          REGIONAL ENVIROW(ENTAL ACCOMPLISM4ENTS

                 The two goals of the Regional Coastal Resources Management
            rogram are:

                 An effective . and ongoing regional coastal resources
                 management program to support the goals of the Virginia
                 Coastal Resources Management Program and the Chesapeake
                 Bay Agreement.

                 An ongoing technical assistance program to local
                 governments which is responsive to meeting their
                 responsibilities to protect, conserve, and wisely manage
                 coastal resources.

                 Ten regional objectives were established in the 1988
           assessment to address these goals.           Listed below are these
           objectives, followed by actions that have been taken by the RRPDC,
           or are now in progress, to accomplish these goals.

                 1.   To develop and adopt specific environmental and growth
                      polices at the regional level with the involvement of
                      local member governments that provide for the protection,
                      management, and conservation of the region's land and
                      water resources.

                      A major element of the current work program is the
                      development of     specific environmental policies for
                      consideration and adoption by the RRPDC. (The work on
                      these policies is being done in conjunction with the
                      environmental mapping discussed in item 4 below.) These
                      policies cover a variety of environmental resources
                      including the protection of ground and surface water
                      resources, wetlands, flood plains, significant habitat
                      areas and significant'views and vistas. As additional
                      information becomes available, additional policies will
                      be developed.

                      Draft copies of the polices will be available in January,
                      1992.      These will be reviewed by the Regional
                      Environmental Technical Committee and the Regional Issues
                      Committee of the RRPDC. They will then be presented to
                      the Planning District Commission for consideration and
                      adoption. Once adopted, the policies will serve as the
                      Commission's guidelines for addressing environmental
                      issues.    These polices will be distributed to member
                      governments for consideration and action. This project
                      is being funded in part through a Virginia Coastal
                      Resources Management Program (VCRMP) grant.


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                      In addition to ef f orts now underway, the RRPDC has f or
                      several years been involved in water resources planning
                      for the region.     Through the Richmond Regional Water
                      Resources Task Force the RRPDC has adopted policy
                      statements and resolutions addressing water quality and
                      water resource management and planning. Issues that have
                      been addressed include wastewater allocations, state
                      surface and groundwater management regulations, state
                      instream flow standards and policies, combined sewer.
                      overflows, state and regional water supply planning,
                      water supply allocation, beneficial instream. uses,
                      wetlands regulation, point and nonpoint source pollution,
                      pollutant standards and guidelines, water conservation,
                      and stormwater discharges.        In 1991, the Planning
                      District Commission adopted one element of a regional
                      water supply plan. This element identified a preferred
                      water system to meet the needs of the region to the year
                      2030 and a schedule for implementing the preferred
                      system.

                      The RRPDC, working in cooperation with the Crater PDC,
                      also prepared the Central Virginia Solid Waste Management
                      Plan.   One of the explicit objectives of the plan is
                      environmental protection.      Key to this protection is
                      resource conservation, the reduction in the demand for
                      land fill space and the elimination or reduction of
                      ground water contamination related to waste disposal.

                2.    To improve the expertise, training, and sensitivity of
                      the RRPDC staff in addressing environmental issues.

                      The RRPDC is intent upon developing staff expertise in
                      several areas related to the environment. Staff attended
                      training sessions, seminars and conferences that
                      addressed wetland      laws   and   regulations,' wetland
                      delineation, point source and nonpoint source pollution,
                      groundwater pollution and management, instream flow,
                      stormwater discharge, environmentally sensitive land use
                      planning, solid waste management, erosion and sediment
                      control and stormwater discharge management.             This
                      training was sponsored by such organizations as the
                      Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Clean
                      Lakes Association, Virginia Division of Soil and Water
                      Conservation, State Water Control Boardf, Environmental
                      Law Institute, U.S. Environmental Prote      'ction Agency,
                      Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, Chesapeake Bay
                      Foundation, and Virginia Council on the Environment.
                      Some of this training was funded in part through a VCRMP
                      grant'.




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               3.   To educate and train the RRPDC and local staf f s
                    concerning environmental regulations and permitting
                    procedures.

                    RRPDC staff members have attended various training
                    sessions dealing with wetlands and stormwater management.
                    The RRPDC sponsored a workshop conducted by the Virginia
                    Bureau of Flood Protection on the statel's Community
                    Rating System for the evaluation of local flood
                    protection programs.

              .4.   To expand the environmental and development information,
                    mapping, and monitoring capabilities of the RRPDC with
                    particular emphasis on computer applications.

                    A major activity of the RRPDC for the past two years has
                    been the identification and mapping of significant
                    environmental features in the region.       A geographic
                    information system is being used          to enter the
                    environmental information into the Commission's computer
                    system. Every effort is being made to develop a system
                    that will allow information to be shared with local
                    governments and state agencies.

                    Information that has been mapped includes the region's
                    hydrologic features, reservoirs, ground water, areas of
                    shoreline accretion and erosion, flood plains, ozone
                    nonattainment areas, mineral resources and extraction
                    activities, significant views and vistas, unspoiled river
                    and stream corridors, the locations of rare and
                    endangered species, trails and,scenic byways, parks and
                    wildlife management areas and historic and archeological
                    sites. Additional information to be mapped as it becomes
                    available includes prime agricultural and forestal lands
                    and wetlands. The RRPDC is being assisted in the project
                    by its member governments and the Council on the
                    Environment. This activity was funded in part through a
                    VCRMP grant.

                    In addition to gathering information for use within the
                    region, the RRPDC has assisted various state agencies
                    with the gathering and verifying of environmental
                    information about the region.     The RRPDC assisted the
                    Department of Conservation and Recreation with the
                    collection of data on existing and proposed water access
                    points and facilities within the region.              This
                    information and accompanying maps will be used in a
                    multi-state effort to map and catalogue potential access
                    points in the Chesapeake Bay region.    This project was
                    funded in part through a VCRMP grant.



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                     The RRPDC also, assisted the Department of Conservation
                     and Recreation with its effort to inventory and map all
                     inland boat landing sites in the region.       The RRPDC
                     worked with its member governments to gather information
                     on location, facilities, depth of water at the landing
                     and otherpertinent information.

                5.   To educate decision makers and the public about critical
                     regional environmental issues related to coastal and Bay
                     resources.


                     The RRPDC regularly includes information about current
                     environmental issues in the agenda package of Commission
                     members.   In addition, presentations on environmental
                     issues are made to the commission as appropriate. The
                     Commission's quarterly newsletter regularly includes
                     information about environmental issues. The RRPDC staff
                     has prepared technical reports on wetlands and sand and
                     gravel which are discussed in item 7 below.

                6.   To provide technical assistance to local governments,,
                     upon request, to meet specific planning and environmental
                     management needs.

                     The RRPDC assisted Charles City County with the
                     preparation of a new Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the
                     ievelopment of ordinances to implement that plan. Work
                     is now underway to fine tune the development ordinances
                     based on the adopted land use plan.

                     The RRPDC assisted New Kent County with the preparation
                     of a new Comprehensive Land Use Plan.     Work will soon
                     begin on the preparation of development ordinances for
                     the County.

                     The RRPDC assisted the City of Richmond with the
                     development of a work program that is currently being
                     used to prepare the Environmental Plan. RRPDC staff is
                     also assisting with the development of the City's
                     Environmental Plan.      Staff has assisted with the
                     preparation of special reports that were developed to aid
                     the Advisory Committee and its subcommittees in this
                     effort.

                     The RRPDC assisted the counties of Charles City and New
                     Kent and the Town of Ashland in their efforts to adopt
                     local ordinances to implement the Chesapeake Bay
                     Preservation Act. The RRPDC assisted Charles City County
                     with the drafting of a Chesapeake Bay Preservation
                     Ordinance; assisted New Kent County with the development
                     of special language for inclusion in existing ordinances
                     to address the Preservation Act; and commented on the

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                     Chesapeake Bay Preservation ordinance prepared by the
                     Town of Ashland. The assistance given to Charles City
                     County and New Kent County allowed each locality to meet
                     deadlines established by the Chesapeake Bay Local
                     Assistance Board.    This assistance allowed all three
                     localities to obtain outside, independent review of their
                     ordinances without incurring the additional expense of an
                     outside consultant. All of the aforementioned activities
                     were assisted in part through VCRMP grant funds.

                     Outside of the Coastal region, the RRPDC assisted
                     Goochland County with the review of its Eastern Goochland
                     County Growth Management and    Conservation Plan.     The
                     RRPDC   also   reviewed   the   County   of    Powhatan's
                     Comprehensive Land Use Plan     at the request of the
                     County's Director of Planning.

                7.   To prepare model ordinances     and policy briefing or
                     technical background papers on environmental and coastal
                     issues for use by local government officials within the
                     region.

                     The RRPDC staff participated in several activities aimed
                     at the development of model ordinances to implement the
                     Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.      One such activity
                     involved working with the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance
                     Department to develop a model ordinance-for distribution
                     by the Department.    Staff attended one meeting of a
                     special committee organized to comment an this model and
                     submitted oral comments and suggestions on the model.

                     The Regional Environmental Technical Committee, assisted
                     by, the RRPDC staff, investigated the concept of
                     developing  one   model Chesapeake     Bay   Preservation
                     Ordinance for the region. A first step in this process
                     was for the RRPDC staff to prepare an annotated version
                     of the model ordinance created by the Local Assistance
                     Department. This was done to assist in differentiating
                     between sections of the model ordinance that were
                     required by the Act's regulations and those sections that
                     were suggestions from the Department.      After several
                     meetings, the Committee decided that the preparation of
                     one ordinance for adoption by all localities was not
                     possible due to differences in approach and conditions in
                     each of the localities.

                     The RRPDC staff has prepared   technical papers dealing
                     with environmental issues. One dealt with the issue of
                     sand and gravel mining.     This document explains the
                     issues involved in sand and gravel mining and the state
                     regulations which govern this form of mining. - The
                     document also presents planning and regulatory options

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                     for local governments that wish to  take a more vigorous
                     .role in regulating sand and gravel mining operation..

                     The RRPDC staff also prepared a report on wetlands - This
                     document discusses the importance of wetlands and the
                     federal and state laws and regulations which govern
                     development in wetlands.     The document also examines
                     techniques that local governments can use to protect
                     wetlands. Techniques discussed cover the local land use
                     plan,, development ordinances, land acquisition and
                     assessment policies.   Both reports were funded in part
                     with VCRMP funds.

                     Staff developed briefing papers on ï¿½ 401 and ï¿½ 404 of the
                     Clean Water Act for distribution to local governments.
                     These reports were presented to the Richmond Regional
                     Water Resources Task Force.

               8.    To provide technical assistance to local government
                     staffs in the review of development proposals and
                     preparation of specific plans and ordinances related to
                     coastal and environmental issues.

                     Local governments have called on the RRPDC for assistance
                     in reviewing development proposals on several occasions.
                     New Kent County requested that RRPDC staff review a
                     proposal for a large, mixed use development in the
                     southern portion of the County near Bottoms Bridge. This
                     review included special emphasis on the location of
                     wetlands. The Town of Ashland requested assistance with
                     the review of a proposal to expand an existing fast food
                     restaurant and the potential impacts of this expansion on
                     adjacent wetlands.

                     The Planning District staff also assisted with the
                     environmental review of state proposals. One document
                     that was reviewed was a proposal to build a large public
                     safety facility in eastern Henrico.        All of these
                     technical assistance and review activities were funded in
                     part through a VCRMP grant.

               9.    To assist local governments in the expansion of their
                     environmental and development information, mapping, and
                     monitoring capabilities.

                     The RRPDC assisted the Town of Ashland with a land use
                     inventory.  This information has now been computerized
                     and is available to the town in graphic form.

                     Working with Henrico County and State Water Control Board
                     staff, the RRPDC staff developed a DRASTIC map' for
                     Henrico County. A DRASTIC map is used to indicate the

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                     potential of pollutants to enter the groundwater aquifer.
                     The RRPDC staff provided instream water quality
                     monitoring on the James River for Henrico County over a
                     two year period.    The staff continues to provide this
                     service for the City of Richmond.

               10.   To assist local governments in the preparation of Coastal
                     Resource Management Grants upon request.

                     The RRPDC has assisted several local governments with the
                     preparation of Virginia Coastal Resources Management
                     Grants. Following is a list of these applications:

                     Charles City County

                     The. RRPDC assisted Charles City County with the
                     preparation of two VCRMP grants applications, both of
                     which were funded. These grant applications were for the
                     updating of the County's Comprehensive Land Use Plan and
                     for updating. the County's land development ordinances.
                     The RRPDC also assisted with the preparation of a Section
                     306A application to assist with funding of a public
                     fishing pier. This application was also funded.

                     In addition to VCRMP applications, the RRPDC assisted the
                     County with the preparation of two applications to the
                     Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department. One was for
                     funds to assist in mapping certain environmental features
                     as part of its Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act program.
                     This project was funded.    The RRPDC also assisted the
                     County with the preparation of a portion of a second
                     grant to the Local Assistance Department.             This
                     application, to provide funds to cover a portion of the
                     cost to review local development ol-dinances for
                     consistency with the Preservation Act, was not funded.

                     New Kent County

                     The RRPDC assisted New Kent County  with the preparation
                     of three VCRMP grants. These grant applications were for
                     assistance with updating the Comprehensive Land Use Plan
                     and the updating of the County's land development
                     ordinances.    (This later application was submitted
                     twice.)

                     In addition, the RRPDC assisted the County with the
                     preparation of two applications to the Chesapeake      Bay
                     Local Assistance Department.     one application was to
                     provide funds to cover a portion of the cost of
                     delineating and mapping certain environmental features in
                     the County as part of its Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act
                     program.    This proposal was funded.         The other

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                    application was to fund a portion of the cost of
                    reviewing the County's development ordinances for
                    consistency with the Preservation Act.

                    Town of Ashland

                   .The RRPDC assisted the Town of Ashland with the
                    preparation of a preapplication for Section 319 Nonpoint
                    Source Program Implementation funding. This funding was
                    sought to assist with the preparation of a stormwater
                    management ordinance and related        nonpoint    source
                    pollution management activities.     Unf ortunately, this
                    proposal was not funded.







































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                          LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

               The 1988 assessment included the results of a survey of local
          officials regarding environmental planning needs. The results of
          this survey were consolidated to create a list of general
          environmental planning needs of the localities in the region.
          Following is a summary of this 1988 assessment.

                1.  Planning Infogmation

                    Most governments in the region lacked information on
                    environmental features' such as tidal and nontidal
                    wetlands, forest and woodlands, wildlife areas, sand and
                    gravel and other extractive areas, and groundwater
                    Vulnerability and aquifers. Generally these governments
                    had to rely on uninterpreted data and recommendations
                    contained in publication such as the local soil
                    cl'assification reports, where this information was
                    available.    The lack of this information made the
                    assessment of environmental impacts of development
                    difficult if not impossible.

                2.  Land Use and Policy Planning

                    Most local comprehensive plans addressed few, if any,
                    environmental factors.      This was due     to lack of
                    information, not lack of concern. The exceptions tended
                    to be small area or section plans.

                .3. Pevelopment Regulations and Review

                    Other than flood plains, few localities directly
                    addressed environmental factors in their regulatory
                    ordinances in terms of specific standards and criteria.
                    In general, most localities attempted to address some of
                    these issues in site plan and subdivision review on a
                    case-by-case basis, generally without specific written or
                    adopted standards or policies.         This case-by-case
                    approach often failed to address the cumulative impacts
                    of development.    Furthermore, the absence of a proper
                    planning and policy framework could lead to legal
                    difficulties. Of special concern was the need to examine
                    local approaches to stormwater management and criteria
                    for regulating mineral extraction operations, especially
                    sand and gravel mining.

                4.  Manpower and Budget Considerations

                    Most localities did not have the staffing or budget to
                    adequately plan for and regulate development in

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                    accordance with sound environmental principles.      Large
                    jurisdictions were kept busy keeping up with the demands
                    created by growth.     Rural counties typically had one
                    person planning departments that were all but overwhelmed
                    with daily operations.

                    Limited budgets and available staff time made it
                    difficult for local planning staffs to obtain needed
                    technical expertise on environmental planning issues. In
                    @ddition, some local attitudes regarding environmental
                    issues and opposition to more stringent development
                    controls limited what could be accomplished in the area
                    of environmental planning. Extensive education programs
                    were needed.

               Local governments have been involved in   a variety of actions
          in recent years to address these issues. Following is a synopsis
          of actions that have been completed or are now under-way in the
          region. This list is quite impressive. It becomes more impressive
          when one remembers that several major state and federal
          environmental mandates were adopted and/or clarified during this
          period. These include the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and the
          Virginia solid waste management planning requirements. The items
          marked with an 11*11 were funded in part by the VCRMP.

               Town of Ashland


                    The Town of Ashland was not included in the 1988 needs
               assessment. The Town has, however, taken action to protect
               the environment. These actions are:

               1.   Mapped certain environmentally sensitive areas as
                    required by state regulations.*

               2.   Adopted zoning and subdivision ordinance changes to
                    implement the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and to
                    protect certain environmentally sensitive areas.

               3.   Adopted a voluntary town-wide recycling program through
                    the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority.

               4.   Established the Historic Ashland Committee to act as
                    liaison between town staff and property owners.        The
                    Committee provides technical information and acts as a
                    clearing house for information.        The Committee is
                    currently involved in acquiring historical artifacts for
                    display and is preparing a "video survey" of all
                    properties within the nationally registered historic
                    district.









                 5.   Created an Environmental Protection Chapter within the
                      Town I s Ordinance.    The Chapter presently consists of
                      Article III, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas.         it is
                      designed for expansion to include the following articles:
                      air quality, erosion and sediment control, stormwater
                      management, urban forest and other sections.

                 6.   Adopted a Water Needs Study defining community needs and
                      impact on surface water sources.

                 7.   Expanded-existing wastewater treatmentfacility from 1.2
                      MGD to 2.0 MGD.

                 8.   Significantly reduced inflow and infiltration between
                      storm sewer and sanitary sewer which resulted in by-pass
                      of the treatment facility during periods of heavy rain.

                 Charles City County

                      In 1988, the County specifically noted the need for the
                 development of an environmentally based comprehensive plan.
                 Since then the County has taken the following actions to
                 address its environmental concerns:

                 1.   Adopted an environmentally based Comprehensive Land Use
                      Plan on April 9, 1991.*

                 2.   Prepared new zo ning, subdivision and site plan ordinances
                      to implement the new land use plan.*

                 3.   Adopted an erosion and sediment control ordinance.

                 4.   Created a      new   staff position      for    environmental
                      management.

                 5.   Initiated a waste reduction program to include two
                      stationary drop-of f centers for recycling with a third to
                      be constructed this winter as well as office paper
                      programs at schools and office complexes.

                 6.   Mapped certain environmentally sensitive areas as
                      required by state law.*

                 7.   Adopted a Chesapeake Bay Preservation ordinance.

                 8.   Adopted amendments to the County flood plain overlay
                      ordinance based on updated National Flood Insurance
                      Program mapping.     one hundred (100) year flood plains
                      have been incorporated into the County's Chesapeake Bay
                      protection program. This information will eventually be
                      incorporated into the County's GIS database.


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               9.    Purchased land and initiated the process to establish a
                     public f ishing pier and related access on the James
                     River. A 24 acre park, including nature trails and other
                     recreational facilities will be included. The County is
                     being assisted in this project by various federal and
                     state agencies.*

               10.   Received copies of  the County's first soil survey. The
                     information provided by this survey is being integrated
                     into the development review process.

                     In addition, the County is involved in an aggressive
               program of upgrading its environmental data base.            This
               program has been driven by the requirements of the Chesapeake
               Bay Preservation Act, initiatives sponsored by the Department
               of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Coastal
               Resources Management Program.      The County currently has a
               contract with Virginia Tech to complete environmental
               resources inventories. These inventories include information
               on soils and topography, surface drainage and rivers, creeks
               and shorelines.


               County of Chesterfield

                     The County cited the need for the preparation of specific
               development standards and criteria for environmental-quality
               in the 1988 assessment.      Activities undertaken to address
               environmental protection since then include:

               1.    Mapped certain environmentally sensitive lands as
                     required by state law.*

               2.    Developed a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Program to
                     control erosion and sediment and manage stormwater
                     runoff.

               3.    Implemented a program to protect reservoir water quality
                     through stormwater runoff management.        This program
                     includes the     analysis of soil      types,     wetlands,
                     vegetation, wildlife, unique habitats and scenic
                     viewsheds in a comprehensive planning ef f ort f or the
                     first time in the County.

               4.    Instituted dechlorination of wastewater plant effluent.

               5.    Initiated a toxicity reduction evaluation program at the
                     Falling Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.

               6.    Developed a stringent industrial pre-treatment program
                     for wastewater.




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               7.   Initiated a program to protect private water wells from
                    septic tank contamination and insuring adequate water
                    supplies in wells.

               8.   Developed regulations for construction debris landfills.

               9.   Initiated a program of wastewater sludge application to
                    agricultural lands as a means to reduce landfill space
                    requirements and to reduce moisture and consequently
                    leachate from landfills.


               County of Goochland

                    Although Goochland County was not a part of the original
               assessment and is not classified as a coastal county, it has
               been involved in several activities aimed at protecting the
               natural,environment. Actions taken include:

               1.   Adopted the Eastern Goochland County Growth Management
                    and Conservation Plan. This plan includes environmental
                    protection areas as well as a village development concept
                    to reduce the impacts of new development on the natural
                    environment.

               2.   Adopted a land use plan for the remainder of the County.

               3.   Currently revising the County flood plain maps.

               County of Hanover

                    In 1988, the County stated the need for technical
               assistance in providing environmental reviews for development
               proposals and improved monitoring and enforcement capacity for
               agricultural sludge application. The following actions have
               been taken since 1988:

               1.   Adopted a Crump Creek Reservoir Overlay Ordinance. This
                    ordinance establishes regulations to prevent water
                    quality degradation within the watershed of the planned
                    Crump Creek Reservoir.

               2.   Action by the Board of Supervisors to recommend to the
                    General Assembly the designation of a portion of the
                    Chickahominy River as a Scenic River. (This action was
                    approved by the General Assembly.)

               3.   Mapped certain environmentally sensitive areas as
                    required by state regulations.*

               4.   Adopted a Chesapeake Bay Ordinance to govern land
                    development in certain designated Chesapeake ' Bay
                    Preservation Areas.


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               5.   Amended the Comprehensive Plan to add reference to
                    protection of the Chesapeake Bay and to recommend the
                    Environmental Quality Corridor (EQC) system as the open
                    space system for the County.

               6.   Amended the General Land Use Plan to change what had been
                    shown as "flood plain" to "Generalized Chesapeake Bay
                    Protection Areas and Stream Valley Corridors".

               7.   Initiated a recycling program under contract with the
                    Central Virginia Waste Management Authority. The County
                    operates 6 recycling sites.

               8.   Amended the zoning ordinance to provide additional
                    development standards for nonresidential development in
                    the Overlay Urban Development District. These additions
                    include requirements for landscaping and buffering.

               9.   Adopted a stormwater drainage manual. to establish
                    detailed    design   criteria   for    implementing    the
                    requirements of the Flood Plain and Drainage Control
                    ordinance.

               10.  Adopted an ordinance amendment to provide for the
                    regulation of the preservation and removal of specimen
                    heritage, memorial and street trees.

               11.  Initiated mapping of prime agricultural land.

               County of Henrico

                    The County identified its needs in the 1988 assessment as
               the provision of education programs for elected officials and
               technical staff on environmental concerns and development of
               information and development guidelines for preservation of
               prime and productive agricultural lands. The County has taken
               the following actions regarding the environment:

               1.   Prepared an environmental study for a wastewater
                    treatment plant, including an archeological study.

               2.   Prepared an in-stream flow study for the James River to
                    determine the impacts of withdrawing drinking water for
                    Henrico County residents.

               3.   Adopted various ordinances to implement the Chesapeake
                    Bay Preservation Act.

               4.   Adopted amendments to the flood plain ordinance         to
                    restrict unsafe developments within the 100 year flood
                    plain.


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                5.   Adopted a landscape and tree preservation ordinance to
                     encourage the preservation of trees and other existing
                     landscaping when land is developed.

                6.   Adopted an revised environmental element of the land use
                     plan to address the County.'s sensitivity to environmental
                     issues and comply with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation
                     Act.

                7.   Adopted an erosion and sediment control ordinance which
                     exceeds state standards.

                a.   Formed an historic preservation advisory committee       to
                     advise the Board of Supervisors and monitor historic
                     sites and buildings within the County.

                9.   Adopted a 2005 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan.
                     The plan encourages the protection and conservation of
                     natural resources and plans for the acquisition of park
                     sites.

               10.   Worked with the USDA-SCS on the development of an
                     agricultural wetlands inventory.

               11.   Requested and received from the General Assembly
                     designation of a portion of the Chickahominy River as a
                     Scenic River.

               12.   Developed an inventory of land uses for hydrologic unit
                     planning for soil and water quality issues.

               13.   Participated in a state groundwater protection program
                     which yielded a DRASTIC map for the County. This map
                     will be used in well studies and in land use planning for
                     groundwater protection measures.

               14.   Initiated an extensive wetland delineation education
                     program available through the Henric6polis Soil and Water
                     Conservation District.

               15.   Initiated an update of the Henrico County Inventory of
                     Early Architecture and Historic Sites.

                     Completed a stormwater study in preparation of developing
                     a County stormwater management program.        This study
                     includes an analysis of land uses and impervious surfaces
                     by watershed.

               17.   Opened a 30 million gallon per day wastewater treatment
                     plant.



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               18.  Began work on a        program to address EPA NPDES
                    requirements.

               19.  Organized an Environmental Management Section within the
                    Department of Public Works.     This section reviews and
                    enforces the County's erosion and sediment control,
                    stormwater and surface water quality programs.

               County of New Kent

                    The County has taken   the following actions to address
               environmental protection:

               1.   Created a wetlands board and initiated a County wetlands
                    permit program.

               2.   Adopted ordinance language which allows the County to
                    require an Environmental Impact Statement for new
                    subdivisions.

               3.   Adopted an erosion and sediment control ordinance.

               4.   Adopted a one hundred percent (100%) reserve requirement
                    for septic tank fields.

               5.   Developed site plan requirements for zoning ordinance
                    categories for all Business and Manufacturing Districts.

               6.   Developed an environmentally based comprehensive land use
                    plan.*

               7.   Contracted with the RRPDC to assist in the preparation of
                    new zoning and subdivision requirements and develop a
                    stormwater management ordinance.*

               8.   Mapped certain environmentally sensitive areas as
                    required by state regulations.*

               9.   Adopted modifications to existing ordinances to implement
                    the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.*

               County of Powhatan

                    As in the case of Goochland County, the County is not a
               coastal county and was not included in the 1988 assessment.
               The County has taken the following steps to. protect its
               environment:

               1.   Adopted  a new comprehensive land use plan.

               2.   Adopted  zoning and subdivision ordinances.


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               3.   Adopted an erosion and sediment control ordinance.

               4.   Adopted a resolution to allow for the creation of
                    agricultural and/or forestal districts.

               City of Richmond
                    Several needs were stated by the City' in the 1988
               assessment. These were completion of major updating of flood
               plain -maps, improved stormwater management capabilities,
               improved legal enforcement by court system of soil and erosion
               ordinance, development of city-wide environmental policies and
               streamlining   of permitting process to        improve    staff
               availability for other tasks.

                    The City has taken the following actions to address these
               and other environmental issues:

               1.   Mapped certain environmentally sensitive areas as
                    required by state law.*

               2.   Prepared and adopted an ordinance to implement the
                    Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.*

               3.   Adopted an erosion and sediment control ordinance.

               4.   Initiated a multi-year program to address the City's
                    combined sewer overflow situation.

               5.   Initiated enhanced street sweeping and leaf pick-up
                    programs to reduce debris flowing into the James River.

               6.   Initiated a planned unit development review process.

               7.   Adopted improved site plan review requirements.

               8.   Adopted landscaping requirements for parking lots.

               9.   Initiated a process to review applications for air, solid
                    waste and water permits for compliance with the
                    comprehensive plan and development ordinances.

               10.  Begun work on a multi-year program to develop an
                    Environmental Plan.*












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            ASSESSMENT OF REGIONAL AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING NEEDS

               The RRPDC and its member governments have accomplished much in
          the area of environmental planning since the 1988 assessment.
          Needs still remain, however. To determine what the current needs
          are, RRPDC staff members consulted with the members of the Regional
          Environmental Technical Committee.

               In developing this list of environmental planning needs, it
          became apparent that two types of needs exist. One,type of needs
          can be characterized as general in nature; that is, not related to
          a specific project or issue. These needs tend to be more on-going
          in nature.   The other type of needs are more specific; that is,
          they relate to specific projects or areas of concern within one or
          more localities in the region.

          GENERAL NEEDS


               The Richmond region is very diverse, ranging from very rural
          to highly urbanized localities. While there is diversity, there
          are certain issues which all localities in the region must address.
          These issues are as follows:

          Information Collection, Management and Analysis

               The Virginia Commission on Population Growth and Development
          has cited the need for a comprehensive data collection and
          management system to deal with the issues of population growth and
          development. In the years since 1988, localities in the Richmond
          region have invested a great deal of time and effort in developing
          environmental data bases. Work is still needed in this area.

               Some localities in the region have the ability to take raw
          environmental data. and develop sophisticated environmental data
          bases. Most, however, rely on others to develop this information.
          While a variety of environmental information exists, the useability
          of this information varies.    Some information is up-to-date and
          readily available from computerized data bases, either free or for
          a charge. Other information, such as more precise data on wetlands
          locations and types, is not yet available for the entire region.
          Even then, the costs of acquiring this information, or the
          machinery to store and analyze the information, may be prohibitive
          to some localities. Localities need both financial and technical
          assistance to obtain,environmental information.

               Once local data bases have been developed, it is necessary to
          keep this information up-to-date. This involves keeping in contact
          with state and federal agencies to determine what information is
          becoming available. This need will exist as long as localities and
          the RRPDC maintain environmental data bases.


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               A third issue related to the development of a data base is
          analysis. As stated before, the localities in the Richmond region
          differ greatly in their resources. While some localities in the
          region have large staffs, fully capable of analyzing environmental
          data, there are times when supplemental assistance is needed.
          other localities need regular assistance with interpreting
          @nvironmental information and developing strategies to act on that
          information.

          Data Base Management Hardware and.Softvare

               The collection of environmental data is of little use if it
          cannot be accessed and interpreted in a meaningful manner. Many
          state agencies are working to develop environmental data bases for
          use with computer based geographic information systems. Localities
          in the Richmond region are working to develop local computer based
          data management systems that can use this information and provide
          the level of detail necessary to manage and assess environmental
          information on the parcel level. The RRPDC is working to develop
          a regional environmental data base system to serve the broad
          planning needs of this agency and its member governments.

               While computer systems greatly enhance the ability of a
          locality to use information, there are costs associated with
          purchasing the right type of equipment to handle these massive data
          files. Localities in the region as well as the planning district
          commission need assistance with the purchase of hardware and
          software capable of handling these tasks and that are compatible
          with information systems being developed by the' State.           In
          addition, many localities need financial assistance with obtaining
          personnel to enter what can be massive amounts of information into
          these systems.

          Local Planning and Regulatory Needs

               All localities in the region have updated all or portions of
          their land use plans since 1988. Many of these plans specifically
          address environmental planning issues, some for the first time. In
          addition, these localities have updated development regulations to
          better protect the environment.     There still exists a need to
          continue to update local plans and ordinances to address
          environmental issues.   Some of this need is due to federal and
          state mandates regarding such issues as air pollution and
          @tormwater management requirements.       Other needs have been
          identified as a result of local planning efforts.

          Enforcement

               A local planning and regulatory system is only as good as the
          enforcement system. Without strong enforcement, the best programs
          will have little impact. Localities in this region need qualified,
          well trained enforcement. personnel to ensure that local policies

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          and ordinances are enforced. Local resources are limited however.
          Help is needed in funding and training these enforcement personnel.

          Regional Discussion of Environmental issues

               A principal benefit of the Regional Environmental Technical
          committee is that it allows local staffs to come together
          periodically to discuss environmental issues and share information
          about local environmental activities. Most importantly perhaps,
          these meetings allow discussions of ways in which these governments
          can work together to address common concerns and issues.         This
          regional discussion and cooperation effort is and will continue to
          be a need of this region.

          Financial/Technical Assistance

               As stated before, the provision of adequate financial
          assistance to deal with the myriad of environmental issues facing
          local governments is crucial to the continuation of strong
          environmental planning programs.     This assistance is needed to
          support existing and expanded staffing and to purchase equipment,
          such as computer hardware and software, which is necessary for
          dealing with the multi-faceted issue of environmental planning.

               In reality, financial assistance will never be available in
          the amounts necessary to meet the needs of all local governments.
          Therefore, technical assistance is also needed.      While specific
          needs vary, in general localities need assistance to perform
          environmental reviews of development proposals, to respond to
          requests for information from federal and state agencies and to
          handle periodic needs such as the updating of local plans and
          regulations. In addition, many localities need assistance with the
          preparation of proposals to obtain needed financial and technical
          assistance.

          Training/Education

               In addition to financial assistance, localities need
          specialized training to deal with environmental issues. Technical
          training is needed for local and regional planning staffs in such
          areas as evaluating BMPs, wetlands identification and other issues.

               Education is also needed for local elected and appointed
          officials.   Several localities in the region experienced major
          turnovers on local governing boards.       These boards and their
          planning commissions will need extensive training in the importance
          and benefits of environmental management.

          SPECIFIC NEEDS

               In addition to these general needs, more specific needs-were
          identified by the Regional Environmental Technical Committee. The

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          Committee's input, along with other information, was used by the
          RRPDC staff to develop the following list of regional environmental
          needs.

          Flood Plain Management Analysi a

               Each locality in- the region has adopted a flood plain
          management ordinance based on the federally prescribed model.
          There is, however, a concern about the consistency of application
          and interpretation of these ordinances across jurisdictional lines
          and potential downstream impacts of any inconsistencies.

               There is a need to examine flood plain management ordinances
          and procedures throughout the region.       This examination will
          determine what, if any, actions are needed to better protect flood
          plains and public safety.

          Analysis of on-site Sewage Treatment Options in Poor Soils

               Central sewage treatment is not available in each locality in
          the region. In some counties, central systems are available only
          in limited areas. As demand for housing in these areas increases,
          so does the demand for     *on-site sewage treatment facilities.
          Unfortunately, portions of the region have soil conditions that are
          not conducive to the installation of traditional septic tank
          systems. In addition, some septic tank systems that were installed
          in marginal areas have failed, leaving the home owner with few
          options for sewage disposal.

               There is a need to determine what alternatives to the use of
          septic tanks exist and how those systems function in the soils
          found in this region.    of special concern is the plight of low
          income families that must deal with these issues.


          Ground Water Protection

               There has been much discussion about ground water protection
          in the State. Many of the localities in this region rely heavily
          on ground water for homes, businesses and industry.

               There is a need to assess ground water resources and potential
          threats to ground water within the entire region.       From this,
          recommendation can be developed to address these threats to this
          valuable resource.

          Environmental Threat Analysis

               Ground water is not the only resource that could face
          potential threats from man-made or natural activities.       Surface
          water, environmentally sensitive lands and significant habitat
          areas all must be monitored to ensure their safety.


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               There. is a need to assess potential threats to the region Is
          air, water and land resources and to determine what local or
          regional actions are needed to address these threats. While each
          locality in the region is striving to address local environmental
          issues, a regional approach will allow a comprehensive examination
          of the issues.     This effort will be greatly assisted by the
          environmental mapping work done by the RRPDC, assisted by its
          member governments.

           pen Space Planning

               As development co   ntinues in the region, the need to take
          action to protect open spaces increases.         Many localities are
          working to develop local recreation and open space programs. In
          fact, a project. is currently underway to identify potential
          greenways   to    connect. significant      public   attractions     in
          Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico counties and the City of
          Richmond.

               A need still exists' to address open space planning from a
          regional perspective. This is especially important in rural areas
          where public open space tends to be limited. This activity would
          take into account the work that has been done by the Department of
          conservation and Recreation as part of efforts to protect the
          Chesapeake Bay region.

          Public Information Program

               One of the key items cited in the 1988 assessment was the lack
          of information on the region's environmental features. Since that
          time much effort has. been.spent in developing an environmental data
          base.

               A need exists now for a program that articulates information
          about the important environmental resources within the region,
          opportunities related to these resources and potential threats.
          This effort will be enhanced by the environmental mapping work done
          by the RRPDC.

          Surface Water Management Plan

               The region is fortunate to be        blessed with substantial
          quantities of surface water that are fairly drought resistant. As
          the region's population grows, however, the numerous demands placed
          on the region's rivers and streams will increase.

               There is a need for a surface water management plan that
          addresses water quality and quantity requirements, both onstream
          and off-stream, for the region.      This plan should also address
          potential threats to water quality, public access to surface water,
          appropriate densities for water dependent, uses such as marinas,
          water pollution, stormwater management and aquaculture.

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         Small Reservoir Investigation

              Many subdivisions in rural portions of the region incorporate
         small, non-regulated water impoundments into, the development.
         These impoundments are for recreational, water supply, fire
         suppression, aesthetic and other purposes.

              There is a growing concern about the safety of these
         impoundments. There is a need to inventory these facilities and
         see what, if any, action is necessary to protect users of these
         facilities as well as downstream property owners.

         Regional Soil Limitations Analysis

              A majority of the localities in the region have complete soil
         surveys. These reports provide a wealth of information that can
         and is being used for environmental and land use planning purposes.

              There is a need to examine soil conditions and limitations on
         a regional basis. This regional approach will allow the exchange
         of information between localities and could lead to multi-
         jurisdictional approaches to common development problems.

         Scenic/Historic River Designation

              As mentioned previously, the Richmond region contains a number
         of rivers and streams.     Many of these offer unique scenic and
         recreational opportunities. In fact a portion of the Chickahominy
         River-has been designated a   scenic river. A portion of the James
         River has been designated a   historic river.

              There is a need to       take a regional approach to river
         protection and designation.   This will reduce the burden on any one
         locality while allowing the   entire river system to be examined as
         a whole instead of in several pieces.      This will also allow a
         thorough examination of the many uses of the region's rivers.

         Stormwater Management

              Several pieces of legislation have been passed recently at the
         federal and state level dealing with stormwater management. Many
         localities in the region are either required to or want to address
         the issue.of stormwater management.

              There is a need to address stormwater management on a regional
         basis. While the individual concerns and needs of each locality
         may be different, a regional approach will allow the sharing of
         information and possibly facilities. This may lead to a regional
         solution that is more efficient and cost effective than individual
         solutions.




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                                IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM


               The following activities have been identified for inclusion in
         the RRPDC's regional environmental program.

               1.   Adopt regional environmental polices in cooperation with
                    local governments, which address environmental and
                    coastal issues.

               2.   Finalize a series of regional maps which depict
                    significant regional environmental resources.

               3.   Provide technical advice and information to local
                    governments and the pubic upon request on environmental
                    and coastal resources matters.

               4.   Prepare applications at the request of local governments
                    for obtaining grants under    '  the Coastal Resources
                    Management Program and other grant programs.

               5.   Contract with member governments to prepare plans and
                    studies as needed.

               6.   Assist the Council on the Environment and other state
                    agencies   in the    gathering and dissemination        of
                    environmental and coastal information.

               7.   Act as liaison between state and interstate agencies and
                    organizations and local officials and the public.

               S.   Prepare technical briefing papers covering current
                    environmental issues as needed.

               9.   Send staff members to conferences and seminar s to expand
                    their knowledge and expertise in critical environmental
                    and resource management areas

              10.   Develop in-house expertise on issues such as wetlands
                    protection, nonpoint source pollution management and
                    water resources management.

              il.   Prepare articles on coastal and environmental issues for
                    inclusion in the RRPDC's Regional Ouarterly.

              12.   Complete environmental reviews of projects as needed
                    under state and federal intergovernmental coordination
                    policies.

              13.   Review and update the environmental needs assessment-and
                    implementation program as needed.

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