Local Government Liaison Network

DEQ staff are assigned to the 84 Tidewater localities – designated according to planning district commission boundaries – that comprise the liaison network tasked with facilitating Bay Act program development and review. The network allows staff to respond to specific program needs, and enables localities to receive consistent aid and strengthen working relationships.  

The most recent CBPA locality program information, including contacts:

Local contacts/program coordinators here

Technical assistance and training for local governments

DEQ provides technical assistance in several ways to localities, including:

• Developing guidance to assist local governments in program implementation and administration.
• Training on Bay Act performance criteria and requirements.
• Training and assistance in making site-specific Resource Protection Area (RPA) determinations, including guidance and resources.
• Training and assistance in nontidal wetlands delineation and perennial flow determinations (PFD).
• Training for local staff and review boards in the exception criteria and exceptions process, including administrative waivers and formal exceptions.
• Assistance in reviewing site plans for compliance with the requirements of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act regulations.
• Assistance in site specific issues or questions, including potential non-compliance or citizen complaints. 

Advisory plan review

Liaisons provide advisory reviews of local site plans, subdivision plats and water quality impact assessments as requested by local governments. Agency review is advisory in nature, intended to help to local government in implementing the Act and Regulations. The review may be limited to specific portions of a project, or expand the review to a comprehensive review dependent on the locality's needs.  

Comprehensive plan and ordinance assistance

In addition to the training, DEQ recommends that localities provide an opportunity to review proposed revisions to their comprehensive plans and ordinances prior to adoption in order to ensure they remain compliant with the Regulations.