THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 24, 1996 TAG: 9608260326
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 44 lines
As an organization devoted to the watersheds of the North Landing River and Back Bay, the Back Bay Restoration Foundation clearly stands opposed to Dickie Foster's proposed retirement development on the North Landing River.
Eleven years ago, when the foundation was established, water quality was recognized as the key to preservation/ restoration of these two magnificient resource areas. The proposed development involving hundreds of acres along the river will only contribute to water-quality deterioration whatever the ``quality'' of the project.
These two watersheds include a high percentage of undisturbed wetlands, which is exactly why they are still so ecologically viable. Water filtration and therefore preservation of water quality is a primary function of wetlands. Wetlands are sensitive to the water that enters and leaves them and to any added chemicals in that water. In fact, a wetland's mere existence and therefore definition is dependent on the water flow.
This development would have a very significant impact on water flow to the surrounding wetlands. Percolation of water through the soil and therefore recharge of groundwater, a vital component of the area's water balance, would be disrupted as the area of impervious surface is increased.
Nonpoint-source pollution is recognized as the largest source of water-quality problems for the nation and these two water bodies. Roads constructed in the development and chemicals used on additional lawns would increase nonpoint-source pollution flowing into the wetlands.
No degree of best-management-practice utilization or other means of mitigating-development impact can negate the adverse effects on adjacent wetlands. Once those wetlands are altered, a domino effect may likely ensue, causing disruption to wetlands throughout the watershed.
The foundation's vision for the future of our city includes such development as Foster's, but in areas that are not so sensitive as our Back Bay and North Landing River. The quality of community we wish to live in must include a certain sensitivity to our natural environment! This development and the type of development you appear to support by your editorial's call for not holding the line (Aug. 21) certainly denotes a lack of such sensitivity.
STEVEN VINSON, executive director
Back Bay Restoration Foundation
Virginia Beach, Aug. 22, 1996 by CNB