Virginia Coastal Program: 1997 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY1997 Task 47
Grantee:
Lancaster County
Project Title:
Northern Neck Regional Wetlands Engineer
Project Description as Proposed:
The four counties of the Northern Neck propose the continuation of the Regional Wetlands Engineer position to assist the counties and towns with enforcement of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, erosion and sediment control and wetlands regulations, by performing the following duties as requested: site plan reviews, erosion and sediment control inspections, BMP inspections, wetlands permit compliance inspections, wetlands delineations for single family home development, BMP and stormwater calculations, and maintenance of the databases required to track inspection sites and compliance. These activities contribute to improved water quality and preservation of buffers and habitats, as well as being elements of local nutrient reduction strategies which are part of the overall Tributary Strategies for the Potomac and Rappahannock River basins.
Federal Funding:
$20,360
Project Contact:
Patrick Frere, 804.462.5129
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Quarterlies constitute final.
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
During
the grant year 1997, the position of Wetlands Engineer was vacant
for a four month period. Beginning May 18, 1998, the current Wetlands
Engineer improved enforcement and compliance of local, state, and
federal environmental regulations by conducting a total of 294 site
inspections in the Northern Neck Region. Documentation was completed
and filed in County offices, and is currently being updated into
tracking databases. A regional map tracking these site inspections
is provided in the quarterly report.
The Wetlands Engineers met with several contractors, applicants
and/or property owners to better implement a proactive approach
that coordinates with the Coastal Management Program. She also provided
packets of information (copied from the DCR Erosion and Sediment
Control manual dependent on specific need) to aid in this endeavor.
This type of approach will be continued, along with increased visibility
in public due to increased site visits, in order to inform and enforce
Program initiatives, and to increase community awareness.
Four localities benefit from one trained person and increased enforcement,
with the expense of one staff person. The wetlands engineer aids
in exchange of ideas and information between the localities and
in encouraging use of PDC resources. There is increased interaction
between State, Federal and local regulatory personnel.
Long-term commitment to established wetlands engineer programs is
necessary in order to encourage the public's compliance with local
ordinances and acceptance of county environmental code enforcement.
There is a need for more assistance in environmental code compliance
and environmental education activities than can be provided by the
supplemental activities of the Wetlands Engineer who works an average
of one day a week in each of the four counties. However, the Wetlands
Engineer batches inspections by area as much as possible to better
manage time and distance concerns.
Form C end
Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email: Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov
A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov
