Candidates answer: Has the city done enough to protect its waterways?

The Question: The James River and six of its tributaries, including Blackwater Creek, Ivy Creek and Tomahawk Creek, have been identified as impaired waterways by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Blackwater Creek Watershed specifically has been stressed by development due to increased erosion and stormwater runoff, according to a 2006 study undertaken by Lynchburg College and partnering agencies.

Local ordinances designed to limit the impact of development have been put in place by the city. Programs such as the combined-sewer overflow work have also been pursued to improve the health of the area’s waterways.

Explain whether you do or do not feel the city has taken sufficient steps to protect local streams and rivers. If you do, explain why you feel current measures are adequate and further action is unnecessary. If you do not, explain why you feel city policies are insufficient and specify what additional action should be taken.

Mike Gillette, Ward I
“The City has recently taken great strides in environmental protection, including the commitment to build two new LEED certified buildings, but there is more that we must do. We need to maintain high standards of erosion and sediment control during construction. We need to move ahead with the ordinance that I initiated regarding high-impact big-box developments by setting higher standards for on-site storm water management. We also need to evaluate undeveloped areas in the City to make sure that we properly manage our green space and resource conservation land. Concern for the environment should be routine.”

Jim Martin, Ward I
“Lynchburg has taken steps to properly protect our streams and rivers. Additional measures could hurt our economic progress with little or no benefit to the environment. Considering cost to our citizens associated with the combined sewer overflow project, more of which should be paid by the state since it benefits the entire state not just Lynchburg, also the costs of other regulations to developers and ultimately purchasers of property, it seems clear Lynchburg is in line with best water protection practices. We can’t continue piling on costs making little or no contribution to the quality of water or the environment.”

Tom Shahady, Ward I
“As primary author of the 2006 study I provided evidence our city has never taken protection of Blackwater Creek Watershed seriously. State law has 19 minimum erosion and sedimentation standards enforced by the city that developers haphazardly follow with minimal consequence. DEQ and COE developed good stream mitigation programs most developers avoid that would funnel money for stream restoration to our beleaguered watershed. City code requires maintenance reports for stormwater management ponds that are not enforced. Development after development after development passes through city council without proper scrutiny for environmental impact. I won’t let this continue if elected to council.”
Ceasor Johnson, Ward II
“Lynchburg is one of the top 25 places to live. One of the reasons is because of our trails and parks system. We have miles of green space in the city of Lynchburg that protects many of our streams and tributaries. I was employed by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service prior to being elected to city council and know first hand that the city helped fund Erosion and Sediment control efforts from the Head Waters Conservation district who monitored erosion concerns on construction sites. Can we do more, certainly? I am confident that the efforts we currently employ are sufficient.”

David Johnston, Ward II
“This is one of those issues where we do not need new sweeping legislation. As stated, there are already local ordinances in addition to the untold number of EPA regulations to address these concerns. We just have to make sure there is proper enforcement. Once again, this is an area where we are better to examine each situation on an individual basis.”

Jeff Helgeson, Ward III
“The city has not taken sufficient steps to adequately protect our water. The storm water ordinance was passed in 2007 which should help improve the effects of future development. The issue appears to be with the selective enforcement of the current rules, and not with need for new laws. At our February 26th Council meeting, I called for a review of our enforcement procedures because of the developments of Cornerstone and the town-homes on Leesville Road. There were rules and requirements in place regarding things such as grading, dust, and run-off that were not being enforced.”

Nat Marshall, Ward III
“The City has taken positive steps towards protecting our streams and rivers but much more can be done. The CSO Project continues to make slow, steady progress. College Lake, nestled alongside Lynchburg College and the only lake in the city, is still filling with sediment. Lynchburg College has taken a proactive approach, teaming with the Army Corps of Engineers to find a solution. The City needs to remain vigilant with any new development to ensure that standards are being met or exceeded and that we minimize any potential negative impact from run off.”

Turner Perrow, Ward IV
“The policies are in place, and now it is a matter of enforcement and action. Local efforts have considerably improved water quality; however, much work remains along the James River and in our older neighborhoods. As an engineer, I designed and constructed CSO projects and can see the improvements to our waterways. In addition, I helped write the City’s Erosion & Sediment Control ordinance. These are smart growth policies minimizing the adverse impacts on our environment and improving our quality of life. Join us at a Town Meeting, April 27th, at Mountain Frost Creamery, Wyndhurst from 12:30 to 2:30pm! 
http://www.TurnerPerrow.com”

Marie Waller, Ward IV
“Lynchburg has spent millions on the Combined Sewer Overflow project, limited by the amount of taxes it can charge city residents, the money it can get from the state, and the amount of sewer construction the city can stand. On this problem I believe the city is doing all it can. Regarding stormwater runoff, it may well be that stricter measures and stronger enforcement are needed in the city, but we also must look to Bedford and Campbell Counties for similar action, since both Ivy Creek and Tomahawk Creek originate in those counties and are major tributaries to Blackwater Creek.”