Microcosm: Chesterfield CO (VA) C Of C Votes Unanimously Against Cutting Phosphorous Runoff

[hatrack]

The Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce's board of directors has voted unanimously against lowering the amount of phosphorous runoff to .16 pounds per acre per year from new development in the Upper Swift Creek Plan (USCP) area. The board of supervisors will hold a public hearing on lowering the limit next week. With 625 members, the chamber is the largest business organization in Chesterfield.

The current phosphorus standard is .22 pounds for residential properties and .45 pounds for commercial. The .16 standard is considered to be what would occur naturally without any development. "There is no valid scientific evidence that more strict phosphorous requirements will have an impact on water quality," said Neal Lappe, the chamber's chairman. "The stricter standard would have a devastating impact on business development."

ED. - emphasis added.

"After considering both sides, it was clear that the .16 standard has no scientific support and is both arbitrary and capricious," added former Chairman Sam Kaufman, one of the 11 chamber board members who voted to oppose the measure. "It's an impossible standard to meet and not geared toward any sound environmental policy." Both the Chesterfield Planning Commission and the county's Environmental Engineering Department also oppose the .16 standard.

The development community has also been meeting, including private property owners who fear their property rights are being denied. They and the business community believe the tougher standard is being promoted by Matoaca Supervisor Marleen Durfee to fulfill a campaign pledge. In an email, Durfee wrote she has not taken a position yet. "I don't think it's appropriate to shut down all development in the watershed," said Dan Gecker, vice chairman of the board of supervisors.

EDIT

http://www.chesterfieldobserver.com/news/2008/0723/home/002.html

As I've said, Americans will do whatever it takes to protect the enviroment, provided it doesn't cost them any money or inconvenience them in any way at all. And this is exactly how it plays out where you - and I - live.