2.2-218 - Development of strategies to restore the water quality and living resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. - Virginia Statutes

§ 2.2-218. Development of strategies to restore the water quality and livingresources of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

The Secretary shall coordinate the development of tributary plans designed toimprove water quality and restore the living resources of the Chesapeake Bayand its tributaries. Each plan shall be tributary-specific in nature andprepared for the Potomac, Rappahannock, York, and James River Basins as wellas the western coastal basins (comprising the small rivers on the westernVirginia mainland that drain to the Chesapeake Bay, not including thePotomac, Rappahannock, York and James Rivers) and the eastern coastal basin(encompassing the creeks and rivers of the Eastern Shore of Virginia that arewest of U.S. Route 13 and drain to the Chesapeake Bay). Each plan shall (i)address the reduction of nutrients and suspended solids, including sediments,entering the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and (ii) summarize otherexisting programs, strategies, goals and commitments for reducing toxics; thepreservation and protection of living resources; and the enhancement of theamount of submerged aquatic vegetation, for each tributary basin and the Bay.The plans shall be developed in consultation with affected stakeholders,including, but not limited to, local government officials; wastewatertreatment operators; seafood industry representatives; commercial andrecreational fishing interests; developers; farmers; local, regional andstatewide conservation and environmental interests; and the Virginiadelegation to the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

(1996, c. 1031, § 2.1-51.12:1; 1999, c. 548; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 885.)