Virginia Coastal Program: 2005 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY2005 Task 45
Grantee:
Northern Neck Planning Distric Commission
Project Title:
Regional Environmental Inspectors
Project Description as Proposed:
This Regional Environmental
Inspectors (REIs) project is a continuation of the previous Regional
Environmental Inspections, Compliance and Technical Assistance project
funded in Grant Year 2004. This project will maintain both productive
and consistent responses to continued high rates of new construction,
shoreline development, and erosion control projects. Wetlands reviews,
compliance inspections, and Chesapeake Bay Act assessments will
be performed within the Northern Neck Region.
This proposal consists of two REIs providing assistance to three
Northern Neck counties and 5 towns. In a 31-day month, one REI will
work in Westmoreland County on 15 days and Lancaster County 7 days,
and one REI will work in Lancaster County 13 days and in Richmond
County 10 days. Each REI will focus on the implementation of environmental
regulations for permitted activities within jurisdictional wetlands
areas, provide guidance for RPA proposals, prioritize erosion and
sediment control projects, monitor environmental activities for
compliance, partner with other organizations for public education
projects, and distribute related informational literature.
It is anticipated that approximately 1700 site visits will be performed
from October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006. Supporting both
REI positions takes into account time and travel constraints to
allow for the most cost effective means of assuring consistent compliance
with environmental regulations and close working relations with
local staff, contractors, agents, and the public. Site specific
documentation will be used to coordinate with other regulatory and
advisory personnel to perform comprehensive reviews of site plans
and permit applications.
The REIs will participate in environmental workshops and/or community
activities within each watershed to continue emphasizing the necessity
of implementing Erosion and Sediment Control measures, assuring
Wetlands protection and preserving the natural aspects of the Resource
Protection Area. They will provide Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act
guidance, and perform inspections and reviews to maintain compliance
with environmental regulations, on a regional basis, at the local
level.
Both REIs will continue to assist Lancaster, Westmoreland, and Richmond
Counties (within the Rappahannock River and Potomac River watersheds)
to track and monitor wetlands projects and update county wetlands
databases, to include tracking incoming Joint Permit Applications,
permits issued, construction costs, and compliance or enforcement
activities.
Both REI positions will focus on review and compliance for “permitted
activities”, e.g. shoreline erosion projects, RPA proposals,
and land disturbing projects. Maintaining the two REI positions
allows for close working relations with local staff, contractors,
agents, and the public. The previous year’s distribution plan
will continue to be implemented and material locations will be replenished
with additional pamphlets and decals.
Federal Funding:
$27,298
Project Contact:
Micqui Whiddon - 804.333.1900: mwhiddon@nnpdc17.state.va.us
Project Status:
Grant Open
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
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
