Virginia Coastal Program: 2000 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY2000 Task 82
Grantee:
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Project Title:
Support to Virginia Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program - Environmental Program Analyst
Project Description as Proposed:
Environmental Program Analyst: Funding through this grant will be used to continue assistance to the Coastal Program Coordinator to implement the 15-year Strategy and first 5-year Implementation plan and other coastal tasks contained in the approved Virginia Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program document (December 1999). An Environmental Program Analyst will be retained through a contractual arrangement with the Center for Environmental Studies (CES) located at Virginia Commonwealth University. The individual will work directly with DCR staff and have access to the facilities and expertise of CES as well. Due to the late start of the first year of this project, (summer 2000) this grant only pertains to the 4th quarter of the FY2000 grant cycle. Hyrdologic Modification: The Analyst will build on the effort from year one and continue to work with the interagency Stream Management & Technical Design Work Group on the collation of hydrologic best management practices for the development of a Hydrologic Modification BMP Handbook. Irrigation Water Management: The Analyst will initiate work with Virginia Coooperative Extension to identify the feasibility of developing an irrigation advisory capacity and with academic institutions to determine the feasibility of offering irrigation water management short courses and/or workshops. Onsite Disposal Systems: The Analyst will initiate research in coordination with the Department of Health pertaining to mandated OSDS inspections prior to the sale of property. It is not anicitpated that a protocol will be developed in this short time-frame, however, this work will lay the groundwork should implementation be achievable.
Federal Funding:
$15,995.00
Project Contact:
Rick Hill, 804.786.7119, Richard.Hill@dcr.virginia.gov
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
The
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has increasingly
coordinated with the Virginia Commonwealth University Center for
Environmental Studies (CES) to address nonpoint pollution issues.
This particular project (3 months) focuses on continuing with a
CES contract position hired to work directly with DCR on the implementation
of the coastal nonpoint pollution control program, including the
development and review of appropriate projects. There are four activities
that were accomplished during this grant cycle. Each one is derived
from the action items presented in the Virginia Nonpoint Pollution
Management program document (1999).
1. Development of a Hydrologic Modification BMP Handbook: In 2001,
DCR requested other organizations to participate in an ad-hoc work
group known as the Stream Management & Technical Design Work
Group. The group decided that a handbook listing hydrologic modification
best management practices (BMPs) should be developed. Currently
this type of information is only available in multiple sources.
This short-term project worked with the group to review materials
and develop an outline, which will be used as a basis for developing
a draft manual through a subsequent project.
2. Irrigation Education: During the 1998 and 1999 grant cycles,
DCR worked with Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
(VPI&SU) to address irrigation issues. This phase was designed
to focus on additional or alternative educational opportunities.
After meeting with topical experts, reviewing Virginia's existing
information and conducting an Internet survey, a short report was
developed and submitted to VPI&SU. Included in this report titled
"Irrigation Scheduling and Irrigation" are suggestions
to Virginia Cooperative Extension for surveying extension agents
and irrigators as to their interest for using computer-based scheduling.
Also included are several recommendations for expanding irrigation
Internet sites related to Virginia to include information about
the importance of irrigation scheduling and links to some computer-based
irrigation scheduling sites.
3. OSDS Inspection on Sale of Property Protocol: DCR is working
the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) on a variety of sanitation
issues. A survey was sent to representatives from other coastal
states regarding their respective state's laws concerning OSDS inspection
at sale or transfer of property. Results of this survey were summarized
in the short report entitled "Evaluating Opportunities for
Increasing Interagency Coordination Regarding Septic Systems."
Included in the report are current regulations involving OSDS inspections
in Virginia including Internet links for the Virginia Department
of Health's Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations, the Chesapeake
Bay Preservation Act's requirements, as well as information regarding
septic systems in the Virginia State Code. Also included in the
report are federal regulations, including draft guidelines from
the US Environmental Protection agency for management of OSDS. The
report was submitted to VDH with recommendations to the concerning
future actions relating to OSDS.
4. Virginia Clean Marina Program: This project contributed to the
development of a boater tip card as part of the education and promotional
efforts related to the program. This item will be handed out at
boat shows and workshops. It is anticipated that marine retail stores,
marinas, bait & tackle shops, etc. will also use a counter top
display to hand out the item.
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
