There are many actions that citizens, businesses and government can take to reduce pollution and protect or restore habitat. The practices included below represent the most important actions that need to be taken in order to restore the health of the James River.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT POLLUTION
Reduction – 100% (5% 2-Year Change)

Wastewater treatment has received the greatest level of investment by Virginia and individual pollution limits are set in permits for each wastewater discharger. As a result, in 2010 sewage plants and industrial facilities exceeded the reduction goal for phosphorus and achieved 96% of the reduction goal for nitrogen. These reductions were achieved through regulatory requirements and continued investments by the state, local government and private industry in updating pollution treatment systems.

AGRICULTURE – 23%
(-4% 2-Year Change)

Agricultural practices are some of the most cost effective pollution reductions available. The state has set goals for key practices as part of its plan to achieve the pollution limits that have been set for the James. Recent cuts in state funding for agricultural practices have resulted in decreased implementation of some important agricultural practices, but also, information on agricultural practice implementation is incomplete. A more comprehensive tracking system is under development and should provide better information in the future.

Continuous No-till – 18%

Since 2009, an average of over 10,740 acres of cropland has enrolled in the state’s program for continuous no-till farming. These practices help maintain healthy soil and water by preventing erosion and reducing fertilizer loss.

Winter Cover Crops – 40%

In 2009 and 2010, an average of 21,719 acres of farmland has been enrolled in the winter cover crop program. This program helps prevent erosion and fertilizer runoff from fields by keeping them covered in the winter and absorbing unused fertilizer from the previous crop.

Farm Nutrient Management – 22%

Over the past 2 years, nutrient management plans were implemented on over 86,117 acres of farmland. These plans minimize fertilizer applications which contain nitrogen and phosphorus, and in turn reduce pollution.

Stream Protection – 13%

Farmers have installed 144,285 acres of pasture fencing to exclude livestock from the river and streams. Fencing out livestock helps prevent stream bank erosion and reduces sediment and pathogen pollution.

DEVELOPMENT – 28%
(-5% 2-Year Change)

The land changes that occur as a result of development can lead to substantial amounts of pollution. Virginia is in the process of revising its stormwater policies in order to improve pollution controls on new and existing development to minimize the impacts on water quality and meet pollution reduction goals.

Low Impact Development Policies – 30%

By adopting low impact development policies, localities can lessen the impacts of development by reducing the amount of impervious cover, preserving vegetation and minimizing land disturbance. On average, localities in the James River basin have adopted only 30% of the policies recommended by the state.Urban Stormwater Management Practices – 53%

Over 125,000 acres of urban stormwater management practices have been documented throughout the James River watershed, amounting to 53% of the goal. However, these practices are difficult to track and document, and it is likely that many undocumented practices exist.

Urban Nutrient Management – 2%

Nutrient management plans reduce pollution by ensuring proper fertilizer application rates and timing. Currently, 2% of the targeted 166,186 acres of urban lands have documented nutrient management plans in place, but Virginia’s new fertilizer legislation will accelerate implementation in the future.

NATURAL AREA CONSERVATION – 53%
(1% 2-Year Change)

Natural areas play an important role in filtering pollution and preventing erosion. They also provide critical habitat for wildlife and add scenic and recreational opportunities that are prized throughout the watershed.

Riparian Buffer Restoration – 21%

Riparian buffers are forested or vegetated areas along the banks of rivers and streams. They play an important role in filtering polluted runoff and improving stream quality. They also provide important wildlife habitat. Approximately 69,000 acres of riparian buffer restoration are called for in the James River’s clean up plan. As of 2010, 14,560
acres or 21% of this goal has been achieved.

Land Conservation – 85%

Over 20% of the James River watershed has been protected from development through public land ownership or private conservation easements, meeting the goal set by Virginia as part of the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement. However, both Gov. Kaine and Gov. McDonnell and a recent Presidential Executive Order set additional goals for land conservation. Based on these goals, land conservation achieved to date within the James River amount to 85% of the 1.65 million acre goal.

Conservation of natural areas and restoration of riparian buffers throughout the watershed continues to rise, however, so does the amount of land we need to restore and protect. Natural areas and buffers are constantly threatened by expanding development. Finding a balance between development and natural areas represents an important step in the continued progress toward improved water quality.

SUMMARY

The stalled pollution reductions for the James River underscore the need for stronger action. Like a boat rowing against the tide, our efforts and investments over the past decade have only kept pace with the growing population and development. Additional progress in reaching a fully healthy river will require a full commitment to Virginia’s new cleanup plan for the James River.

NOTE: Data for practices controlling polluted runoff from the land is incomplete. This particularly affects the progress reported for agricultural practices, urban stormwater management and nutrient management practices, and riparian buffer restoration.