RD282 - Annual Report on the Progress of Implementing the Silvicultural Water Quality Laws in Virginia


Executive Summary:
The Department of Forestry (DOF) developed Best Management Practices (BMP's) in response to requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act in 1979. These were later revised in the late 1980's, again in 1997, and most recently in July, 2002.

Inspection program began in 1987 by DOF on all timber harvesting operations greater than 10 acres for BMP implementation and to educate operators on the uses of BMP's to protect water quality.

A Water Quality Task Force was created in 1988 by the State Forester to monitor water quality progress and to provide program guidance on water issues relating to silvicultural activities. This Task Force continues to be active and is composed of forest industry, landowners, consultants, state and federal government, and various environmental groups.

DOF hired two (2) forest engineers in 1992 to provide technical assistance to forest operators in BMP implementation and harvest planning.

In 1992 the Water Quality Task Force recommended and supported the Virginia General Assembly to pass the Silvicultural Water Quality Act of 1993 (Article 12, § 10.1-1181.1-7) which authorized the DOF to act to prevent pollution of state waters from silvicultural activities.

• In 1994, DOF began monitoring of BMP implementation and effectiveness under the direction of the forest hydrologist.

• The Task Force supported the Amendment of the Silvicultural Water Quality Act in 1998 to require prior notification of all timber harvesting operations. DOF implemented a 1-800-telephone number to facilitate notification.

• The Silvicultural Water Quality Act was again amended in 2002 to allow for the issuance of a civil penalty against the operator for failure to notify the Department of Forestry of a commercial timber harvesting operation. This change allows the DOF to track history of notifications by individual operators. The DOF inspected 95% of the harvests through

October 2005 where notification was received within 15 days of notification exceeding the agency standard of 85%.