The James River and Virginia's streams are valuable resources, yet they are degraded due to the pollution resulting from our day-to-day activities on the land.  In particular, scientists tell us that progress reducing pollution from wastewater treatment plants and agriculture has been offset by increased pollution from our rapidly expanding urban landscapes.  Unfortunately, Virginia's existing stormwater management regulations are not up to the task of stemming this growing pollution source.

We must remember that stormwater is not just an environmental problem, it is also an economic problem, threatening Virginia's seafood and tourism industries and increasing public costs for flood control, stream restoration, and drinking water.  Many communities are facing millions of dollars to fix past problems caused by inadequately managed stormwater.  It is much less expensive to avoid problems in the first place, rather than fix them after the damage is done.

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.

As a volunteer and board member for Bryan Park, I have seen the damage that pollution from Henrico County causes just in the parks upper and lower ponds and creeks. I ask that you do all that you can to regulate and educate businesses and citizens in Henrico and RIchmond so that we can enjoy the park and not spend our time just cleaning it.

Sincerely,
Mary Beth Mains