SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2006 SESSION

  • | print version

HB 1185 Water Protection Permits; regulation of agricultural withdrawals.

Introduced by: R. Steven Landes | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Riparian rights for agriculture and livestock. Prohibits the requirement of a Virginia Water Protection Permit for any water withdrawal from a privately owned agriculture pond, emergency water storage facility, or other water retention facility that is located outside the path of regularly flowing surface waters. Riparian landowners are authorized to withdraw reasonable amounts of water for use on those lands for an agricultural operation, provided such withdrawals do not adversely impact other off-stream beneficial uses, fish and wildlife habitat, waste assimilation, or commercial navigation. Conditions and requirements of permits or certificates issued pursuant to this section for water withdrawal by such agricultural operations shall only include annual reporting and minimal requirements necessary to maintain in stream flow for the protection of the beneficial uses as stated in this subsection.

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

Riparian rights for agriculture and livestock.  Prohibits the requirement of a Virginia Water Protection Permit for privately owned and retained water located outside the path of regularly flowing surface water or for any water withdrawal for livestock watering or crop production within maximum withdrawal limits to be set by the Board.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Riparian rights for agriculture and livestock.  Prohibits localities and state agencies from adopting any regulation or ordinance requiring that a special exception or special use permit be obtained for any agricultural production in an agricultural district. All privately owned agriculture ponds, reservoirs, or other water retention facilities, constructed for agricultural water reserves, shall be exempt from any and all regulated water use or drought restrictions.