Governor Kaine Announces New Regulation to Protect Seaside Waters for Aquaculture Operations
– Regulation will reduce shellfish condemnations on the Eastern Shore –
WILLIS WHARF – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced a new regulation to reduce shellfish condemnations on the Eastern Shore by protecting clam and oyster production in seaside waters. The regulation ensures that the best wastewater disposal methods are evaluated, resulting in the least environmental impact. Growth and changing land uses on the Eastern Shore have increased the frequency and amount of wastewater discharged from businesses and localities that can pollute seaside waters.
"Clams and oysters are vital to Virginia's economy and thriving environment," Governor Kaine said. "This new regulation protects the seaside waters that clams and oysters need to thrive. In addition, it will safeguard important shellfish habitat areas and the sustainability of Virginia's aquaculture industry by providing additional protection for these waters on the Eastern Shore."
The new regulation, developed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and approved by the State Water Control Board, requires an analysis of alternatives for new or increased wastewater discharges that would result in a condemnation of the water for shellfish harvesting. A condemnation signifies that shellfish from the seaside waters are unfit for market because of the potential for bacterial contamination.
The analysis will determine whether the method for discharging wastewater prevents pollutants from entering the seaside waters, as well as whether the method is cost-effective for businesses and localities. This process will reduce shellfish condemnations on the Eastern Shore.
In 2008, aquaculture operations generated approximately $40 million in revenue in the Commonwealth. The new regulation will enhance high quality waters that are especially well-suited for shellfish or aquaculture operations.
Clams and oysters help remove algae, nutrients, bacteria and other contaminants from the water. These waters are home to blue crabs and underwater grasses and support waterfowl and shorebirds. In addition, ecotourism depends on these healthy coastal resources that help sustain a seaside kayaking water trail and bird watching.
The regulation supports the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program at DEQ, which strives to protect coastal resources and ensure the growth of sustainable industries such as shellfish farming and ecotourism that depend on high water quality.
Today's announcement comes as Governor Kaine continues to advance his "Renew Virginia" initiative-an effort to promote renewable energy, create green jobs, and encourage preservation of the environment. During his administration, Governor Kaine has incentivized the production of cleaner energy, surveyed the emissions of facilities previously grandfathered out of the Clean Air act, dedicated over a billion dollars to Chesapeake Bay cleanup, protected nearly 350,000 acres of open space, and led the effort to promote regional cooperation to combat climate change.
For more information on Renew Virginia, visit www.governor.virginia.gov.
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