RD110 - Virginia Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee 2007 Annual Report


Executive Summary:
The Virginia Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee (VRRBAC) was established in the executive branch of state government as an advisory committee to the Virginia delegation to the Roanoke River Basin Bi-State Commission.  VRRBAC assists the delegation in fulfilling its duties and carrying out the objectives of the Commission, pursuant to § 62.1-69.39.

VRRBAC continues to advance its goals, despite the challenges noted below.  Members participated in efforts involving pertinent Roanoke River Basin (Basin) issues including TMDL studies, the Smith Mt. Lake FERC re-licensing process, and the Philpott 216 Study.  VRRBAC held three meetings, discussing and learning about topics pertaining to the Basin and molding positions on Basin issues.  The counterpart North Carolina Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee (NCRRBAC) has apparently still not met.

It is important for NCRRBAC to participate in the dialogue so that progress can be made on Basin issues.  Continued delay in convening the Roanoke River Basin Bi-State Commission limits the activities of VRRBAC in working on bi-state issues. U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) contracted with the Town of Henderson and others to provide a water allocation from Kerr Reservoir last year.  The deal was reportedly consummated in a committee and there was not a public input process.  There apparently was no comprehensive review of the impacts of such a contract.  Recent news stories regarding a water main break in Henderson, NC highlight the fact that water is being transferred out of the basin to localities as far south as Franklin County, NC.  Raleigh is preparing for the worst case drought scenario and has less than 100 days supply left.  It is reported Raleigh is looking at undisclosed water sources. 

In response to the inactivity in North Carolina, VRRBAC has shifted its focus to issues that will benefit the Basin in Virginia.  A letter was sent to localities encouraging them to inventory their existing Brownfield sites.  VRRBAC worked with the Planning District Commissions (PDCs) to target attendees to a Brownfields Forum.  Also, VRRBAC met with key regional environmental educators to learn about these efforts.  VRRBAC sees education as a key to protecting and enhancing the Basin’s natural and other resources and wants to help facilitate these efforts.  Regional initiatives such as these have been made possible by the funding appropriated by the General Assembly.

The General Assembly appropriated $2000 each year for FY 2007 and FY 2008 to VRRBAC for meeting expenses.  This source of operating funds has been invaluable to the group and should be continued.  However, additional funds are necessary for VRRBAC to carry out its full mission and to produce more tangible products, such as position papers on the Basin issues and other educational forums on relevant topics.  Such activities help provide integrated management of the entire watershed, improve and maintain environmental quality, and protect public health in the Basin.

This report provides information on VRRBAC’s 2007 activities.  It further identifies issues important to the success of VRRBAC and to the Roanoke River Basin.