August 5, 2009

The Regulatory Coordinator

VA Dept. of Conservation & Recreation

203 Governor Street, Suite 302

Richmond, VA 23219

 RE:      Regulatory Changes to Storm Water Discharges

Dear Board,

            In response to the proposed changes to the general permit for discharge of storm water, PLEASE RECONSIDER!!!!

            Our family owns land in 8 counties between Richmond and Chesapeake, some of which was acquired in the last decade.  We paid possibly more than these properties were valued, but knew the locations would be very good investments.  We also have paid an enormous amount in real estate taxes over the years based on the values of this land, which brings me to the point.

            In the event any or all of these new regulations, especially the reduction of the current .45 criteria, are adopted the value of our land will be drastically reduced.  Therefore, I would expect the real estate taxes to be drastically reduced and a refund of past taxes paid on these tracts of land over the years.  I have contacted a number of neighbors in each of the counties and they were not aware of the catastrophic impact to their property.  One farmer that dealt with the Corp of Engineers in a similar fashion referred to this as a “taking.”   After researching this some agreed.

            Environmental extremists never look at the economic impact of such punitive regulations.  

 There are a substantial percentage of state and federal environmental agencies with a bias toward more regulation which guaranties their employment.  There have been significant progresses made in protecting the Bay over the last 10 years.  Give those regulations a chance.

            There are 850,000 + parcel property owners in these counties.  You should notify each and every one of the land owners and explain what this regulation will do to their property.  If you feel this is not important enough, please let me know.  We are sending our own “call to arms” notification letter.

                                                                                                 Sincerely,

                                                                                              Scott Camp

                                                                                             Land Owner &Long time citizen of                                                                                                The Commonwealth