POLLUTERS' FINES RESTORE WETLANDS

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, March 4, 1993                   TAG: 9303040266
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                                LENGTH: Short
POLLUTERS' FINES RESTORE WETLANDS
Threatened wetlands are getting new life, thanks to funds provided by the city's worst environmental offenders.
Using money from fines for wetlands law violators, volunteers are planting grasses, shrubs and trees along unhealthy marshes in a project run by the new Virginia Beach Habitat Enhancement Committee.
"Wetlands are an important and unique part of our landscape that must be preserved," said Louis Cullipher, city director of agriculture and program administrator.
Many endangered species live, nest and feed in wetlands. The areas purify water, retain sediment and pollution and reduce erosion.
The state has authorized local wetlands boards to fine violators as much as $10,000, and localities can decide how to spend the revenue.
"Most are doing something relative to wetlands management since most violations result in the loss of wetlands," said Tony Watkinson, deputy chief of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission's Habitat Management Division.
In the program's first year, Virginia Beach collected almost $13,000. In Norfolk, fines totaled $1,000 and are being used for environmental education. Chesapeake collected $3,000 and plans to use its money, like Virginia Beach, for wetlands restoration.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB