Less than an hour's drive from the 1.6 million people of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area and less than a day's drive from 40% of the nation's population, the Shore's natural wealth is being put at risk by rapidly escalating real estate speculation and residential growth. Such rapid growth has potentially severe impacts on all local natural assets, especially the bayside creeks with their attractive shorelines. It is anticipated that Northampton County, with a population of only 13,500, will have experienced an unparalleled 100 million dollars in real estate transactions in 2002.

The harvesting of fish and shellfish contribute significantly to the Shore's economy, and its tidal waters offer many forms of high quality recreation. Clam aquaculture is dependent on pollution-free waters. This industry employs hundreds of residents and generates an annual gross income estimated at $37 million, which is a very important contribution to the economy of this rural area. To conduct needed year-round on-the-water observations and coordinate similar advocacy efforts by volunteers, a part-time Shorekeeper will serve until there is adequate funding to support a the activities of a full-time Shorekeeper.

To insure credible reports from volunteers, the Shorekeeper and Board of Directors will develop and subsequently update an educational program designed to inform a cadre of volunteer creek watchers of the major sources of pollution having a detrimental impact on the Shore's tidal waters, e.g., excessive E. coli indices, point and non-point source discharges, certain agricultural practices and sedimentation. The keeper will supervise the preparation and distribution to volunteers and supporters of summaries of the germane aspects of key legislation, e.g., the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, the Federal Clean Water Act, the Rivers & Harbors Act, the local Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinances and other legislation impacting on the tidal waters of Virginia including the processes associated with the local-state-federal Joint Permit Application, so that a broad segment of the citizenry will be able to relate questionable and potentially harmful activities to current laws and regulations in a credible manner. A synopsis of the responsibilities, authorities and staffing pattern of various federal, state and local regulatory and resource agencies having jurisdiction in tidal waters will also be prepared and distributed to volunteers so the appropriate agency personnel can be informed promptly of observed pollution and other activities detrimental to tidal waters.

Because the Eastern Shore is experiencing rapidly escalating residential development, there are numerous applications for zoning and construction variances. Many of the proposals filed with Planning Commissions, Wetlands Boards, Boards of Zoning Appeals and Public Service Authority have the potential for adverse impacts on tidal waters. During the application review and public hearing process there is a need for increased environmental advocacy. Beginning in 2004 the Shorekeeper, with the assistance of volunteers, will analyze zoning and other permit applications and, when appropriate, will prepare credible testimony to be offered at public hearings so as to provide a well documented basis for the reviewing officials to approve, deny or condition applications having detrimental implications to water quality, fish and shellfish. In addition, on-going development and construction sites will be monitored to insure that construction run-off is contained.

The January 2003 report of the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Shellfish Sanitation notes that in bayside tidal areas there are 4,816 acres in Accomack County and 1 ,571 acres in Northampton County condemned and closed for the harvesting of shellfish due to bacterial contamination by fecal coliform bacteria. The project will address the need to prevent any further increase in the number of acres condemned and closed for the harvest of shellfish and make an effort in concert with the Division of Shellfish Sanitation field staff to assess opportunities to reduce bacterial contamination in selected areas.

Eel grass beds in the bayside creeks represent nursery habitat for many species of fish that spawn in the Chesapeake Bay, and they provide vital shelter for immature blue crabs and many game fish including speckled trout prized by recreational anglers. The lack of rain in the summer of 2002 has provided the Bay and its tributary creeks a temporary measure of relief from harmful sediment-laden runoff. Water clarity has improved, much to the benefit of submerged aquatic vegetation. However, an action program needs to get underway to stem recurring harmful runoff when normal rainfall amounts of 43 inches annually resume.

A high degree of turbidity associated with excessive runoff prevents enough sunlight from penetrating to the eel grass beds to provide the energy needed for healthy growth. Knowledgeable scientists report that water clarity data taken in bayside creeks along the Eastern Shore show very low Secchi disk readings, usually not exceeding 60 cm. during the summer months and rarely exceeding one meter during the remainder of the year. While turbidity is largely due to plankton, shallow depths and wind action, there is also a significant suspended sediment contribution during weather events such as periods of heavy rainfall. Thus, there is a need to partner with the Eastem Shore Soil and Water Conservation District to minimize or eliminate continuing soil erosion and resulting sedimentation that adversely impacts water quality and growing conditions for eel grass and other submerged aquatic vegetation.

To fulfill the need to keep volunteers and the community informed about project activities, a newsletter will complement appropriate press releases and fact sheets. To further enhance public awareness, a educational slide show and/or video program depicting the need for advocacy and stewardship and providing examples of both pollution and good management practices will be prepared for use in schools an local organizations