Elizabeth River project shows progress

The Elizabeth River Project presented the 2008 State of the River Report at a Watershed Action Plan Summit held in Wakefield on Nov. 5 and 6. The report notes that sediment contamination, dissolved oxygen levels, nutrients and bacteria contamination are still problems, but progress is being made in several areas. Levels of the highly toxic compound tributyltin have decreased and many acres of wetlands, wildlife habitat and oyster reefs have been created in the past decade. Four projects to clean up sediments contaminated with PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are being planned and nearing their start dates. Several Tidewater Regional Office staff members joined about 75 other stakeholders representing government, industry and the public to brainstorm on how to revise restoration efforts for the river. The summit concluded with the Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant Jr. providing the group with support and encouragement to move forward with restoration efforts. A revised watershed action plan is scheduled for June 2008.

Roger K. Everton, Tidewater Regional Office

Statewide recycling rate increases in 2006

DEQ’s annual report on recycling by Virginia localities shows that the statewide recycling rate for 2006 increased to 38.4 percent from 32.2 percent in 2005. The report includes information from localities on the percentage and type of waste recycled in 2006. About 86 percent of localities and regional waste management areas achieved the state recycling rates, compared with 61 percent in 2005.

“The increase in recycling and the number of localities meeting the recycling rates reflects the continued support by Virginians for recycling in their communities,” DEQ Director David K. Paylor said. “As a result of these efforts, less trash will go into our landfills, and we will conserve energy and important natural resources.”

Additional recycling and the use of recycling credits for the first time contributed to the increase. State law requires that most localities or regional waste management areas in Virginia recycle at least 25 percent of waste generated. However, each locality or region with a low population density or high unemployment rate is required to meet a minimum recycling rate of 15 percent. The 2006 recycling report is available on the DEQ website.

Julia Wellman, Central Office

10 DEQ employees benefit from VCU partnership

DEQ has formed a learning partnership with the Center of Environmental Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond to promote higher education for DEQ employees. Most classes will be offered via distance learning using DEQ’s videoconferencing equipment, though some classes will be traditional face-to-face lectures.  

Currently, 10 DEQ employees are enrolled in the program: Bettina Rayfield and Previn Smith of the DEQ central office, Jaime Bauer and Clint Shettle of the Piedmont Regional Office, Robin Schuhmann of the Tidewater Regional Office, Leah Revelle and Kirk Batsel of the South Central Regional Office, Eric Millard of the Valley Regional Office, and Mary Dail and Drew Miller of the West Central Regional Office. The first course these individuals are taking is a survey class in environmental studies. The agency foresees continuing this strategic investment as another way for DEQ to meet the environmental challenges of the future.

Kevin Vaughan, Central Office

Virginia wins environmental award

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized Virginia’s innovative efforts to advance water quality protection goals in November with the 2007 PISCES, or Performance and Innovation in the States Revolving Fund Creating Environmental Success, Award. DEQ and the Virginia Resources Authority were acknowledged for their work to ensure that the Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund will be able to provide significant financial assistance for activities that will help the Commonwealth meet its Chesapeake Bay restoration goals. DEQ and the Farm Credit Associations also were recognized for their efforts to increase financial assistance for the implementation of agricultural best management practices. EPA recognized one state from each of the agency’s 10 regions.

Julia Wellman, Central Office

Virginia Naturally coordinator wins conservation partner award

(Left to right) Ricky Rash, president of VASWCD, presents the 2007 Outstanding Partner Award to Nancy Drumheller of Virginia Naturally and Clara Mills of the Virginia Council for Litter Prevention and Recycling. Photo courtesy of VASWCD

Nancy Drumheller, Virginia Naturally coordinator at DEQ, and Clara Mills, Virginia Council for Litter Prevention and Recycling past president, were honored at the annual meeting of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts with the 2007 Outstanding Partner Award. Virginia Naturally facilitated the collaboration between these two organizations, culminating in the 2007 Natural Resource Conservation Week Litter Wise Campaign.

Natural Resources Conservation Week held in October reached nearly 43,000 people with hundreds of litter cleanups, educational programs and activities. Natural Resources Conservation Week is a partnership activity with the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and this year's theme was litter and recycling. 

Ann Regn, Central office

DEQ "green" teams race for charity

Three of DEQ’s regional offices participated in the Virginia Ten Miler race in Lynchburg on Sept. 29. Mark Bushing from the South Central Regional Office coordinated the agency’s participation for the second year and represented his region as the sole runner. Kevin Harlow, Beth Lohman, Robert Steele and Robert’s 13-year old son, Ansel, made up the West Central Regional Office team called “Rachel Carson and the Three Mile Islanders.” From Northern Virginia, DEQ’s “Lean Green NRO Team” was composed of James LaFratta, David Reynolds and David’s 20-year old daughter, Jessica.

“Lean Green” won second place among all teams running! Congratulations are also in order for Jessica, who took first place among the 36 runners in her category. Among the more than 700 runners, Kevin, James and Ansel finished within seconds of one another, as did Robert and Mark. Proceeds from the run benefited the Coalition for HIV Awareness and Prevention of Central Virginia. 

Gail Steele, West Central Regional Office

Tidewater litter pickers receive odd recognition

The Tidewater Regional Office has received special recognition by the Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission. During a recent Adopt-a-Street cleaning of trash, litter and debris from Greenwich Road in Virginia Beach, DEQ staff members found maps from the Bible of Babylonia. Based on that finding, the Tidewater office won the “Odd Item of the Month Award” from the commission. 

The Tidewater office has removed nearly 4,000 pounds of trash since August 2003 from Greenwich Road, which links two convenience stores. The office chose to adopt the road as a beneficial, long-term environmental impact under the DEQ Environmental Management System. The Adopt-a-Street program helps beautify the city, and prevent litter and associated pollution from impacting our area waterways. Currently, the Tidewater champion super litter pickers team members are from the Virginia Water Protection permitting and ground water remediation sections, specifically coordinator Sheri Kattan with more than 18 cleanup missions, co-coordinator Gene Siudyla with more than 17 missions, Dave Borton with more than 14 missions, LeAnn Moran with more than 13 missions and Amy Webster with more than 10 missions. Thanks to all for your efforts.

Carl Thomas, Tidewater Regional Office

DEQ holds hearing on odor from Tyson Foods

The Piedmont Regional Office conducted a public hearing on Oct. 3 in response to citizen complaints about objectionable odors from the Tyson Foods chicken processing facility in Glen Allen. Twenty-two people attended the hearing with six people making statements for the record concerning their experiences with odor problems from the facility. Several representatives from Tyson Foods attended the hearing to explain the reasons for the odors and describe the steps they are taking to improve the situation. There was a question and answer session following the recorded portion of the hearing. DEQ staff members are reviewing the testimony and written statements received.

Robert Weld, formerly with the Piedmont Regional Office