The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has been working with residents to take proactive measures to protect these sensitive waters on the Eastern Shore through Virginia’s water quality regulations.

When clams and oysters thrive in clean water, they benefit people and sea life immensely. Clams and oysters are filter feeders and help remove algae, nutrients, bacteria and other contaminants from the water.  Reducing these pollutants helps create more habitat for blue crabs and other sea life. 

Pollutant removal also benefits the people who go to the Eastern Shore to fish, swim and enjoy its natural beauty.  In addition to environmental gains, clams and oysters are an economic resource for the Eastern Shore, whose aquaculture operations (cultivation of shellfish) generated approximately $40 million in revenue in 2008.

In 2008, DEQ worked with residents on the Eastern Shore to develop a new regulation to protect seaside waters.  The regulation would require a wastewater management alternatives analysis for new or increased wastewater discharges to surface water that would result in a condemnation of the water for shellfish harvesting.  A condemnation signifies shellfish from the seaside waters are unfit for market.

The analysis would determine whether the method for discharging wastewater prevents pollutants from entering the seaside waters.  It also would determine whether the method is cost-effective for businesses and localities.  The State Water Control Board adopted the regulation on April 27, 2009.  It is expected to take effect in late 2009.

This effort builds upon the collaboration that the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program at DEQ has established with Eastern Shore communities. Using federal grant money, this program has worked for years to protect and raise awareness about natural resources on the shore’s seaside through voluntary efforts.

Residents can help make a difference in keeping seaside waters clean by taking these simple steps:

• Plant trees, shrubs and ground cover between your home and seaside waters (if no septic system is present).  Vegetation that is natural to the area will help filter out pollutants before they can enter seaside rivers and creeks.
• Replace lawns with vegetation that is natural to the area.  Using native vegetation minimizes or eliminates water contamination by fertilizer and other yard chemicals.
• Have your septic system inspected at least every three years by a professional.  Have your tank pumped as recommended by the inspector (generally every three to five years). Proper maintenance prevents contamination of water.
• If you are replacing a septic system, locate the new system as far from seaside waters as possible to minimize any possible contamination of water.

Taking steps like these will improve the effectiveness of the aquaculture protection regulation and move Virginia closer to improving water quality across the state.