Piedmont Regional Office, Glen Allen
Community involvement summary
The Piedmont Regional Office has pledged to involve the public early in significant environmental actions, establish strong relationships with environmental and community organizations, develop active participation opportunities and communicate clearly with the public. Several events have been sponsored by the office in response to community priorities. In an effort to involve the community early in the process, the regional office has initiated community informational meetings with good results. The regional office intends to continue holding community meetings to educate and involve the public in its decision making processes.
Shoosmith landfill citizen advisory group formed
Rapid development in Chesterfield County has put several residential subdivisions in close proximity to this major landfill. Citizens have become concerned about odors from that facility that affect their quality of life and property value. During a recent permit modification process, the regional staff participated in a community meeting in which 125 local residents expressed their concerns and listened to information about the landfill from the DEQ staff and the landfill operators. Following that meeting a new odor control provision was incorporated into the landfill permit. A citizen advisory committee also was formed that meets regularly to discuss issues of concern with the landfill operator and government officials.
Tarrington subdivision hearing
Residents living downstream of the new Tarrington subdivision in Chesterfield County requested a public hearing to express their concerns about a proposed Virginia Water Protection permit application being processed by DEQ. Realizing that the storm water-related issues of concern went beyond the scope of the permit regulations, the regional staff arranged a pre-hearing question-and-answer session with representatives of county government and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. This informal session before the hearing allowed concerned residents to obtain answers to their questions and learn more about the regulatory programs before giving their testimony at the hearing.
Water quality community involvement activities
During the last eighteen months, the regional staff has conducted 42 public meetings with citizens and stakeholders to involve them in the development of “total maximum daily loads” (pollution limits) for watersheds with impaired water quality. The purpose of TMDLs is to identify water pollution sources within those watersheds and to make plans to reduce the amount of pollution entering waters so state minimum water quality standards can be met. Regional staff also made several presentations at the request of interested groups, including a Falling Creek reservoir group, the Citizens for Water Quality Summit Meeting, and the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers Association.
Wastewater facility operators workshop
A workshop was held to train wastewater facility operators concerning discharge monitoring reports. This workshop was well-attended, and wastewater facility staff had an opportunity to improve their public reporting process
School programs
Regional staff assisted with an environment and health field day at Dumbarton Elementary School.