Local Government Liaison Network
DEQ staff are assigned to localities within Tidewater to facilitate local program development and review. The liaison network is aligned along planning district lines and allows staff to respond to specific program needs of the 84 local governments in Tidewater. The liaison network also enables localities to receive consistent assistance from one individual and thus establish a strong working relationship.
Technical assistance and training for local governments
Several technical assistance services are available:
- Training and assistance in making site-specific RPA determinations.
- Training and assistance in nontidal wetlands dellineation and perennial flow determinations (PFD).
- Training for staff and local review boards in the exception criteria and exceptions process.
- Assistance in reviewing site plans compliance with the requirements of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act regulations and the local implementing ordinance.
Training workshops
The agency has conducted a range of local government training programs in the following areas: initial program development, stormwater management calculation procedure, wetlands delineation, perennial stream identification, land use and water quality, land conservation, computer software for program administration, site plan review and comprehensive planning. Training can be arranged on an individual or group basis.
Advisory plan review
The agency provides advisory review of local site plans, subdivision plats and water quality impact assessments as requested by Tidewater local governments. Some localities opt to send us most, if not all, of their CBPA plans. Agency review is advisory in nature, intended to help to local government in implementing the Act and Regulations, and we can limit the review to specific portions of a project, or expand the review to a comprehensive review dependent on the locality's needs. To inquire about or arrange for any of these services, please contact your county's stormwater liaison.
Comprehensive plan assistance
In addition to the training, DEQ will provide assistance to local governments in preparing revisions to their comprehensive plans. Technical studies will establish a foundation for the development of appropriate local water quality improvement policies and strategies.