Va. adopts water regulation to protect aquaculture

Posted to: News Eastern Shore
Login or register to post comments

By Cindy Clayton
The Virginian-Pilot
© October 7, 2009

WILLIS WHARF

Virginia is adopting a new wastewater-disposal regulation to protect clam and oyster production in the waters off the Eastern Shore.

Gov. Timothy Kaine said today the regulation approved by the State Water Control Board requires that businesses and localities analyze alternatives to new or increased wastewater discharges that would result in the condemnation of the water for shellfish harvesting.

Such an analysis will determine whether a wastewater-discharge method would prevent pollutants from entering seaside waters, as well as whether the method is cost-effective. This process is aimed at reducing condemnations, in which the waters' shellfish are declared unfit for market because of potential bacterial contamination.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment.