I'm writing today in support of proposed changes to the Virginia stormwater management permit regulations.  I believe that uninhibited commercial and residential development is one of the greatest threats to the health of our waterways.  For to long developers have been able to avoid strict limits on pollution from development sites based on their temporary impacts to the site without adequate consideration of long term hydrologic alterations and future sediment inputs from the changes in the landscape.  I believe the addition of new best management practices, incentives for use of Low Impact Development techniques that encourage water recycling, and the flexibility to obtain pollution reductions off site, in these amendments will help ensure that compliance is not cost prohibitive or a barrier to future development. 

Thus, I support the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreations' proposed amendments to Virginia's stormwater management permit regulations as a balanced and equitable approach for new development to help ensure that clean water and economic development can coexist in Virginia.

Also, I believe the Commonweath could do more to limit pollution from new development sites (less than 10,000 sq. ft.) and existing problematic locations (grandfathered sites, fill dirt areas, abandoned lots and publicly owned facilities such as ball fields) that fall outside of current stormwater regulations. 

Sincerely,
Justin Laughlin

Marion, VA