Wednesday, February 16, 2011 8:35 AM EST
A public meeting to discuss a water quality improvement plan for five Pittsylvania County streams on the state "dirty waters" list will be held on Thursday, March 3, at 7 p.m. at Chatham Middle School.
Portions of Upper Banister and Stinking rivers and Bearskin, Cherrystone, and Whitehorn creeks are on Virginia's list of impaired or "dirty waters" because they violate the state's water quality standard for bacteria. Bacteria levels in these streams could lead to increased risk of illness for people who come in contact with streams' waters.
Bacteria sources identified include failing septic systems, direct discharges of human waste, pets, and agricultural practices in the area.
Representatives from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and Pittsylvania Soil and Water Conservation District will be on hand to outline efforts to develop a bacteria reduction plan for the impaired streams.
Comments and questions are sought from local residents and stakeholders.
The water quality or implementation plan follows a Total Maximum Daily Load study completed in September 2007 by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
The TMDL study identified the sources of bacteria in these impaired watersheds.
Participating in developing the implementation plan is an opportunity for local residents and stakeholders to improve and preserve water resources, increase farm production and increase property values in the community.
Strong local public participation ensures a final implementation plan driven by local input. Community involvement in the creation of the plan and support of its implementation are critical factors in determining its success in improving local water quality.
For more information on the meeting or public comment process, contact, Charlie Lunsford, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, at (804) 786-3199 or charles.lunsford@dcr.virginia.gov
http://www.wpcva.com/articles/2011/02/16/chatham/news/news49.txt
