Virginia Coastal Program: 2003 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY2003 Task 82
Grantee:
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation - Virginia Commonwealth University
Project Title:
Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program
Project Description as Proposed:
Funding through this grant will be used to continue assistance to the Coastal NPS Program Coordinator to implement the 15-year Strategy and first 5-year Implementation plan and other coastal zone related 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 continue to work directly with DCR staff and have access to the facilities and expertise of CES as well. The Analyst will focus on the following activities during this period: 1)Hydrologic Modification: The analyst will build on the effort from previous years by continuing to work with the interagency Stream Management and Technical Design Workgroup. The analyst will continue to assist in the collection of data for use in developing stream reference reach sites of nontidal streams in Tidewater, Virginia. 2) Biological assessment - DCR is currently compiling a statewide biological database for use in its watershed assessment process. This position will assist with a more geographically focused effort within the coastal zone. 3) Outreach - this position will disseminate information on these projects to other agencies and interested parties as appropriate.
Federal Funding:
$46,002
Project Contact:
Rick Hill, 804.786.7119, Richard.Hill@dcr.virginia.gov
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
This project supported a Coastal Nonpoint Source Management Program Analyst position. In addition to hydrologic modification activities, the analyst position supported tributary strategy development, development of outreach and educational information and material to other agencies, local governments, and other interested parties, and assisted with data development and analysis related to development of the Interactive Stream Assessment Resource (InSTAR) for nontidal streams within the coastal zone.
Specific hydrologic modification activities completed as part of this project include the following:
• Virginia Stream Team and Stream Alliance facilitation and support;
• Participation and representation of DCR, VCU, and the commonwealth on numerous stream restoration site visits and workshops;
• Development of educational and outreach material such as stream stabilization presentations and posters;
• Conversion of the Virginia Stream Restoration and Stabilization Best Management Practices Guide to a format suitable for web viewing and posting on DCR's internet site;
• Provided project management and oversight for development of a regional curve development project for the coastal zone; and,
• Provided field training in stream geomorphic assessment (including cross sectional measurements, bankfull identification, and flood prone width determination) for staff of Virginia Commonwealth University's Center for Environmental Studies.
The analyst participated in numerous meetings regarding the Stream Health Assessment Tool (InSTAR), including meetings with local governments, meetings with internal DCR staff, state agency staff, non-governmental organizations, EPA, the Virginia Nonpoint Source Advisory Committee (NPSAC), Virginia Stream Team, and participated in discussions with DCR and VCU staff regarding the expansion of the tool. In support of an EPA Region III Nonpoint Source Program Meeting in Gettysburg, PA a presentation was developed and delivered on Virginia’s 319 NPS Assessment protocols, including the InSTAR Stream Health Assessment tool. Informational handouts were also developed and distributed during meetings with localities describing the InSTAR tool.
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
