On Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011, the Board of Supervisors finished reviewing the matrix of 40+ issues that were raised during public input and stakeholder discussions of the proposed stream protection called the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance (CBPO).

The Board has been responsive to public sentiment in crafting stream protections that are Loudoun-specific and decided to:

• Reduce the buffer width (RPA) to 75 ft on either side of the perennial streams indicated in green on the County’s draft map.
• Adopt the grandfathering practice set by Fairfax County and also not require compliance that would require major changes in previously approved development plans.
• Maintain equal protection for areas targeted for dense development  like Rt 28 and other development corridors.

In previous meetings the Board addressed several issues raised by the public to:

• Eliminate the misunderstood county-wide Resource Management Area.
• Approve amendments to the Erosion Control Ordinance to require sediment controls with 2500 sf of construction disturbance and 10,000 sf of construction-related disturbance for farm buildings.
• Approve amendments to the Codified Ordinance to require 5 year pump-out of conventional systems, while keeping the existing requirement for documentation of yearly inspection/maintenance as needed for non-conventional systems.
• Provide a 150 sq. ft. cumulative exemption for small structures like sheds or gazebos in the stream buffer area, and a 500 sq. ft. exemption for playsets.
• Eliminate the misunderstood and confusing yellow map tool intended to help locate unidentified perennial streams.
• Exempt residents from erosion control measures for septic tank lines and drainage field repair.
• Remove buffers adjacent to all existing ponds.
• Allow 2,500 sq. ft. or 5,000 sq. ft. of land disturbance/impervious area (based on the amount of a parcel covered by RPA), in the landward portion of the RPA by Administrative Waiver with adequate mitigation. Without mitigation, an RPA Exception would be required.
• Allow existing structures (including businesses) located in the RPA, 2,500 sq. ft. of disturbance in the 50 feet closest to the stream with an Administrative Waiver including a minor water quality impact assessment (no consultant or engineer required).