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2012 SESSION

12105793D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 507
Offered March 5, 2012
Commending the Smith Mountain Lake Association Water Quality Monitoring Program.
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Patrons-- Poindexter, Byron and Merricks; Senators: Newman, Smith and Stanley
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WHEREAS, the Smith Mountain Lake Association Water Quality Monitoring Program celebrates 25 years of monitoring and protecting the water quality of one of the Commonwealth’s great natural resources, Smith Mountain Lake; and

WHEREAS, chaired by Stan Smith, the Smith Mountain Lake Association Water Quality Monitoring Program, in a cooperative effort with Ferrum College, was formed in recognition of the importance of the lake’s health to recreational enjoyment and property values of the community; and

WHEREAS, Ferrum College students, under the leadership of Ferrum assistant professor of environmental science, Delia Heck, and approximately 50 local volunteers measure contaminants at 77 locations on the lake’s main channel and in tributaries; and

WHEREAS, the primary measure of the lake’s health, the Trophic State Index, measures the quantities of phosphorus, which is a catalyst for algae bloom; water clarity, bacteria levels, dissolved oxygen, and algae levels are also monitored; and

WHEREAS, each year, the results of the measurements are compiled and published in a 100-page report, while a four-page summary, known as The Lake Monitor, serves as a handy reference; and

WHEREAS, the Water Quality Monitoring Program enjoys generous support from American Electric Power, the Western Virginia Water Authority, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania Counties through the Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission; and

WHEREAS, supporting programs, such as Smith Mountain Lake Association’s fertilizer program, royal flush pump-out program, and buffer landscape garden program aid in the efforts to protect Smith Mountain Lake’s water quality; and

WHEREAS, the results of measurements as part of the Smith Mountain Lake Association Water Quality Monitoring Program indicate that Smith Mountain Lake continues to age gracefully with healthy waters; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Smith Mountain Lake Association Water Quality Monitoring Program on the occasion of its 25th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Smith Mountain Lake Association as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and respect for the work of the Association’s Water Quality Monitoring Program.