Virginia Coastal Program: 2006 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
85
Grantee:
Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation
Project Title:
Eastern Shore Shellfish Implementation Plan Finalization
Project Description as Proposed:
Funding through this grant will be used to support the second phase of the shellfish TMDL Implementation Plan (IP). The IP will follow up the development of the five shellfish TMDLs completed on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The effort will compliment those efforts identified in the CZM 309 Aquaculture Strategy. Following the steps outlined in the DEQ TMDL Implementation Plan Guidance Manual, DCR will hire contractors to conduct the completion of the IP. The IP is patterned after the 12 IPs that DCR has funded (10) or developed with DCR staff (2). These IPs have addressed bacteria impairments (fecal coliform and E. coli) and benthic impairments that are attributed to stressors to the benthic community including sediment and phosphorus. Two contractors will be hired under this grant; 1. a contractor to conduct the load reduction calculations, model comparison and benefits analysis and 2. the Accomack Northampton Planning District Commission to complete the development and collation of the IP.
Fecal coliform bacteria are the most common cause for the impairments in Virginia shellfish growing waters. This group of bacteria is considered an indicator of the presence of fecal contamination. The most common member of the fecal coliform groups is Escherichia coli. Fecal coliforms are associated with the fecal material derived from humans and warm-blooded animals. The presence of fecal coliform bacteria in aquatic environments is an indication that the water may have been contaminated by pathogens or disease-producing bacteria or viruses. Waterborne pathogenic diseases include typhoid fever, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis, and hepatitis A. Filter-feeding shellfish can concentrate these pathogens which can be transmitted and cause disease when eaten uncooked. Therefore, the presence of elevated numbers of fecal coliform bacteria is an indicator that a potential health risk exists for individuals consuming raw shellfish. Fecal contamination can occur from point source inputs of domestic sewage or from nonpoint sources of human, (e.g., malfunctioning septic systems) or animal wastes.
Federal Funding:
$34,738.00
Project Contact:
Todd Janeski - todd.janeski@dcr.virginia.gov, (804) 317-8984
Project Status:
10/1/2007 - 3/31/2008
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
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
