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Where’s the Big Government?

Posted on by Drew Moore
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Opponents of Loudoun’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance (CBPO) have made some pretty strong allegations in the past few months, especially when it comes to the subject of “Big Government.”  Just check out the “comments” section of any anti-CPBO article online and you’ll find references to “the weight of massive government” crashing down on landowners.[i]

But where’s the evidence to back up the allegation that the CBPO will lead to Big Government in Loudoun?  As far as we can tell, there isn’t any.  And yet, Continue reading →

Supervisor Burton on the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance

Posted on by Drew Moore
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Given the amount of confusion and misinformation surrounding Loudoun’s proposed Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance (CBPO), it is certainly refreshing to read well-cited, clear, concise information on the issue – like, for example, Supervisor Jim Burton’s recent letter to the public.  In his letter, Mr. Burton makes a straightforward case in favor of adopting the CBPO, all the while inviting feedback from readers and constituents.  While he does not go into the specifics of RPAs, RMAs, Locational Clearances, and non-conforming structures, he adds nuance to a discussion that, recently, has been anything but nuanced.  At the very least, he reminds us, it is “worth the effort not to pull the plug [on the CBPO] without some further exploration and deliberation.” Continue reading →

The Loudoun Environmental Council’s myths, debunked!

Posted on by Drew Moore
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SUMMARY: The “Important Facts” presented by the Loudoun Environmental Council are riddled with incorrect allegations and misquotes.  Errors in reason and judgment demonstrate that the alleged “experts” supporting LEC are not technically qualified to challenge the scientific findings presented in Virginia’s stream assessments.  The truth is, Loudoun’s County’s own studies have conclusively demonstrated that our streams are impaired.  Furthermore, dozens of peer-reviewed studies show that riparian buffers are a proven means of protecting our streams from sediment-laden runoff.

If you’re a Loudoun citizen and have been even half-awake for the last several months, you probably know a thing or two about the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance (CBPO).  There’s been a lot of heated discussion in our county about the Bay Act; after all, citizens want to know what they’re getting, and they should feel confident that the information they receive is accurate and well-cited – which is what makes the purposeful dissemination of misinformation about the Bay Act so disappointing. Continue reading →

Development’s Impacts on Streams: A Quick Visual Introduction

Posted on by Drew Moore
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The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recently published a study on the effects of urbanization and development on stream ecosystems.  Their report emphasizes the threat that impervious surfaces – asphalt, sidewalks, etc. – pose to stream organisms: because these surfaces prevent storm water from seeping into the ground, stream organisms are inevitably confronted by increased volumes of storm water runoff and increased exposure to fertilizers and pesticides.  By understanding how stream ecosystems are affected by development, our County can take timely and effective steps to prevent stream degradation and protect water quality. Continue reading →

Open Letter to Loudoun Conservation Groups

Posted on by Drew Moore
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To whom it may concern,

Catoctin Creek Waterford Near Phillips Farm, courtesy of James Hanna

My name is Drew Moore and I write to you on behalf of Loudoun’s Clean Streams Coalition.  We’re an association of Loudoun citizens and citizen groups who are committed to saving and preserving Loudoun’s streams.  We feel that the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA) – now under consideration in Loudoun – is a pragmatic legal safeguard against stream degradation, as it requires a 100′ riparian buffer surrounding all perennial streams in the county.  As you may know, riparian buffers have been shown time and time again to be a simple, effective means by which to protect waterways: the buffer acts as a sponge for silt, animal waste, and nutrients (principally nitrogen) and slows the flow of water from land to stream, helping to prevent water contamination, sedimentation, and bank erosion.

I am writing to ask if you would like to help our coalition of like-minded people as we educate Loudoun about the CBPA and encourage the Board to implement it.  In particular, we would like to 1) provide accurate, well-cited information concerning the CBPA and its potential effects in Loudoun, and 2) demonstrate county-wide support for the CBPA at the Sept. 20 public information session before the Loudoun Board of Supervisors.

Let’s work together to ensure safe, clean water in Loudoun – today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Drew Moore