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1997 SESSION

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 555 Requesting the Department of Conservation and Recreation, in coordination with other state agencies and local stakeholders, to study the effect of nonpoint source pollution on the Back Bay and determine the strategies and costs of implementing measures to improve the water quality of the Back Bay.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 20, 1997 Agreed to by the Senate, February 19, 1997

WHEREAS, Back Bay in the City of Virginia Beach has been an important habitat for fish and an essential flyway for migrating waterfowl; and

WHEREAS, in recent years inappropriate land use practices, septic tank seepage, and agricultural runoff have had significant impact on the Bay's freshwater; and

WHEREAS, these factors have contributed to the decline over the years of submerged aquatic vegetation, although there are indications that some grass areas are beginning to recover; and

WHEREAS, the environmental insults have contributed to the destruction of habitat, causing a decline in the fishery; and

WHEREAS, a once-thriving fishery attracted not only Virginia sportsmen but also fishermen from other states on the East Coast, generating revenue for local businesses in Virginia Beach; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Department of Conservation and Recreation, in coordination with other state agencies and local stakeholders, be requested to study the effect of nonpoint source pollution on the Back Bay and determine the strategies and costs of implementing measures to improve the water quality of the Back Bay.

Technical assistance shall be provided to the Department of Conservation and Recreation by the State Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and other appropriate natural resource agencies. The Department of Conservation and Recreation shall also seek the assistance and participation of representatives from the United States Department of Fish and Wildlife Services.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for this study, upon request.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1998 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.