For me, the James River is the best thing about living in Richmond. My son has grown up playing on it, and I think it is a beautiful and valuable resource. We also enjoy our HEnrico County neighborhood's nearby stream (it runs parallel to GAskins Rd, past the Raintree Lake). Watching the stream through the seasons is an invaluable reminder of how linkied wed are to our environment. Yet both the James River and our stream are degraded due to the pollution from our rapid urban sprawl. Sadly, the Commonwealth's stormwater management regulations are not up to the task of stemming this growing pollution source.

In recognition of this problem, the Commonwealth of Virginia has taken appropriate action to propose new rules that require new development to meet phosphorus pollution limits and water quantity limits (the speed and volume of runoff) that are designed to protect local streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. 

These amendments are based on the latest science, have faced a thorough and open public-vetting process, and are attainable on development sites based on independent engineering analysis.  The addition of new practices in these amendments, including incentives for use of Low Impact Development techniques and the flexibility to obtain pollution reductions off site, will help ensure that compliance is not cost prohibitive or a barrier to urban redevelopment and revitalization. 

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.

Sincerely,
Corinne Schmidt