STORMWATER REGULATIONS

            The Headwaters Soil & Water Conservation District covers Augusta Co. We have been successful in helping farmers and other landowners manage nutrients and natural resources so they can remain productive as well as preserving their way of life.

            In the process, the environment and particularly water quality are improved. Although more can be done, we feel future gains will be harder to secure and the ratio of money spent per nutrient reduction will increase. In other words, the low hanging fruit has been harvested.

            Stormwater from developments in our county have negatively affected landowners downstream for years.

            After reading the solution in the Hornung/HomeBuilders Assoc. of Virginia's proposal, we felt a need to voice our concern.

            New development is the only sector showing an increase in pollution. They need to address this problem on their own job sites; not by creating a fund expecting the sectors of Agriculture and point source facilities to cover development’s short fall.

            We recognize the complexity of this issue and stand ready to continue our conservation efforts in assisting those eligible for our programs. Those in Agriculture will continue to carry out their role in striving for cleaner water. Every sector needs to do their share, including the Homebuilders Association.