DIRECTOR'S CORNER
2007 Priorities
DEQ Director David K. Paylor
As Virginia’s largest environmental agency, the Department of Environmental Quality has a broad scope of responsibility. Here is a sample of the range of issues that affect the environment, which we will be focusing on this year.
Mercury in the environment – DEQ will begin the first-ever detailed assessment in 2007 on the effects of mercury in air emissions. It will include studies on the risk to human health from eating fish contaminated with mercury and how the metal is deposited from air emissions. From these studies, DEQ plans to evaluate the effectiveness of regulations that limit mercury emissions and how these emissions may affect Virginia’s environment, especially its rivers, lakes and estuaries.
Recycling – Virginia will take a comprehensive look at recycling programs around the state later this year to identify ways they could be improved. Since recycling began as a statewide effort about 15 years ago, DEQ has sought continuous improvements in recycling by working with local and regional waste authorities. One of the latest changes includes setting a more realistic goal for rural communities. This year localities with low population densities or high unemployment may qualify for a 15 percent recycling rate instead of a 25 percent rate. These rates are the minimum to be achieved, and DEQ encourages localities to establish and reach higher recycling goals. Businesses can play an important role in helping localities, especially rural communities, meet their recycling goals. Updated information is available on the DEQ website that details how to start a recycling program. Virginia’s Manual on the Business of Recycling also includes information on recycling laws, business responsibilities, finding vendors for recyclable materials and working with local governments.
Shenandoah fish kill investigation – Virginia is continuing to investigate the fish kills that have occurred in the Shenandoah River watershed each spring since 2004. Current research and monitoring efforts are focusing on three key areas: fish health, chemical studies and water quality monitoring. DEQ and the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, along with the Shenandoah River Fish Kill Task Force, expect these efforts to address the most likely causes of the fish kills.
Viewing our coastal resources – The Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program at DEQ has launched an online mapping system of coastal resources. Called the Coastal Geospatial and Educational Mapping System or Coastal GEMS, it includes information on water, shoreline, land and recreational features; wildlife resources and conservation planning tools. DEQ expects Coastal GEMS to foster a stronger understanding of how activities on the land and in the water affect each other and benefit planning agencies, academic institutions and the public. Coastal GEMS is an evolving tool, and the coastal program will continue to supplement its already extensive database with additional information.
As you know, this is just the tip of the iceberg of issues we will tackle this year. Each initiative will help increase our understanding and protection of the environment as we work to carry out our mission for the citizens of Virginia.