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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP202200011 Other 2022-06-10NATURAL RESOURCES Page intentionally left blank. 4.2 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Relationship to the Vision Albemarle County's natural resources are essential parts of its rural heritage and scenic beauty. These finite features help to support the County's tourist economy and are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Preservation of these features is the highest priority for residents. Creating high quality development and building, and maintaining infra- structure in the Development Areas can help attract new residents to the Development Areas instead of to the Rural Area. Preserving the Rural Area Natural Resources Introduction As reaffirmed with each citizen survey taken over the past 20 years, natural resources are the most valued feature of the County. They contribute strongly to the high quality of life experienced by both County and City residents. For that reason, natural resource protection is the County's highest priority. Natural resources include surface water and groundwater, air, soil, and minerals. Together they create landforms such as mountains, hills, valleys, and floodplains. Within the landforms, the natural resources support woodlands and wetlands, and provide ecosystems for flora and fauna. Conservation and preservation of these resources is essential to the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Preventing harm to the natural environment takes precedence over many activities in the County and preservation of the County's natural features is preferred to modifying the landscape in the Development Areas and essential in the County's Rural Area. The natural environment is composed of various ecosystems and ecological functions that includes: • purification of air and water; • mitigation of floods and droughts; • detoxification, decomposition, and dilution of wastes; • generation and renewal of soil fertility; • pollination of crops; • control of pests; • maintenance of biodiversity; • moderation of climate, including temperature extremes and wind; • aesthetic beauty and intellectual stimulation; and • recreation. The natural environment also includes areas where natural hazards can harm people, plants, and animals. Places where these hazards can occur include floodplains (during a major flood event), and the base of slopes when a debris flow occurs. Reducing hazards through careful development and protection of natural land cover is also part of the County's policy. 4.3 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Both ecosystems and natural resources provide benefits for the community and are inextricably linked. While there are sometimes conflicts between goals regarding use and conservation of materials and goals regarding living systems, this Plan puts particular focus on solutions that benefit both aspects of the County's natural character. Natural resource protection is an important part of both the Rural Area, which makes up 95% of the County's land area, and the Development Areas, where growth and development are directed. Policies related to land uses in the Rural Area and Development Areas can be found in later chapters, while policies on specific resources are provided in this chapter. 4.4 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Objective 1: Ensure clean and abundant water resources for public health, business, healthy ecosystems, and personal enjoyment by preventing shortages and contamination. Albemarle County's hilly topography along with approximately 45 inches of rain per year, results in abundant water resources that are enjoyed by many. City and County residents, businesses, and industries are dependent on Albemarle's water resources for a public water supply. Landowners in the Rural Area are dependent on well water for homes, crops, livestock, and rural businesses. Swimmers, fishers, boaters, and tourists enjoy clean streams. Flora, fauna, and the natural environment benefit from plentiful clean water, which the County wants to pass on to future generations. Water and watershed protection are important because healthy watersheds provide numerous ecosystems services to the community. Well vegetated watersheds provide for recharge of groundwater that supplies both wells and reservoirs. They also help with moderation of flood flows, which reduces water treatment needs and provides for and protects plant and animal habitat in and around streams. The County has developed its Growth Management Policy around watershed protection as described in Chapter 3. With the exception of the Community of Crozet and a small area in the northern part of Places29, the County's Development Areas are located east of the public water supply watershed. Investment in public utilities in the Development Areas occurs to help prevent sprawl and contamination of groundwater supplies. Retaining groundwater resources is one of the reasons why new residential development in the Rural Area is not encouraged. History of Watershed Protection in Albemarle County The County's water resources programs include stormwater management (including water quality treatment, and channel and flood protection), erosion and sediment control, stream buffer protection, collection of groundwater information, capital projects, public education, illicit discharge detection and elimination, and infrastructure maintenance. These activities are a result of comprehensive planning and regulations to protect water resources since the 1970s. In 1980, 4.5 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP most land in water -supply watersheds was designated rural in order to prevent and reduce pollution and development potential in the Rural Area was restricted. In 1982, the Crozet and Ivy development areas, both located in water -supply watersheds, were further reduced. In 1998, the County adopted a Water Protection Ordinance (WPO) that strengthened stream buffers, updated stormwater treatment criteria, and better connected water quality protection to land use issues. The WPO was amended in 2014 to implement new State stormwater and pollution prevention programs. The County's zoning ordinance has provided flood protection measures since 1980, which were strengthened by the WPO. In 2014, the zoning ordinance was amended to implement new FEMA requirements for protecting floodplains, which are on most major streams in the County. Partners in Water Resource Protection Several partner agencies work to help protect and enhance water quality in Albemarle County. Two of those groups are StreamWatch and the Rivanna River Basin Commission. These agencies are valuable assets to the community and help residents and local governments find ways to improve stream health. StreamWatch is a voluntary organization that monitors and assesses Rivanna basin streams and rivers to help the community maintain and restore healthy waterways. Data collected by StreamWatch is regularly sent to the Department of Environmental Quality to help determine the health of streams and change in water quality in Albemarle County and the region. The 2011 StreamWatch report, Stream Health Follows Land Use, provided information on water quality and land use correlations in the Rivanna River Basin. A summary of the report is provided in the Reference Documents of this Plan. The Rivanna River Basin Commission (RRBC) was formed in 2007, as a result of enabling legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2004. The mission of the RRBC is to provide guidance for the stewardship and enhancement of the water and natural resources of the Rivanna River and its watershed. The four jurisdictions participating in the RRBC are Albemarle, Fluvanna and Greene Counties and the City of Charlottesville. The RRBC conducted a study entitled, 2012 Rivanna Watershed Snapshot, with an accompanying technical report on methodology which may be found in the Reference Documents. In addition, the RRBC developed a concept for developing a River Corridor Plan which is also included in the Reference Documents. This concept and framework will provide useful guidance as the City and County begin developing the plan for the Rivanna River Corridor in the Pantops and Woolen Mills areas. It is further detailed in the Parks and Recreation, Greenways, Blueways, and Green Systems Chapter of this Plan. State and federal agencies are also partners in water resource protection and conservation. These groups include the Thomas Jefferson Soil & Water Conservation District, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Conservation and Recreation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and others. A full list of agencies and their responsibilities and activities can be found in the Reference Documents. Finally, citizens have been and will continue to be active in stream monitoring, stream clean-ups, and promoting, supporting, and practicing environmental stewardship. Without the help of volunteers, the work to improve the quality of streams could not be done. Two very important citizen based organizations are the aforementioned StreamWatch and the Rivanna Conservation Society. The Rivanna Conservation Society is a volunteer organization whose goal is to safeguard the ecological, recreational, historical, cultural, and scenic resources of the Rivanna River and its tributaries. StreamWatch is the Rivanna Watershed's local stream monitoring organization. Surface Water Surface water includes streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. In Albemarle County, surface water flows into three major tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. Over ninety percent (90%) flows through the Rivanna and Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Hardware Rivers into the Middle James River basin while small portions of northeast Albemarle drain into the York and Rappahannock basins. Each major river basin contains several smaller river watersheds, and each river watershed contains smaller stream and creek watersheds. For example, the watersheds of the Moormans and Mechums Rivers lie within the South Fork Rivanna watershed. A map of County hydrology is shown in Figure 1. A map showing the major river basins, along with the local watersheds that form their building blocks, is shown as Figure 2. A list of local waterways and their corresponding watersheds can be found in the Reference Documents for this Plan. In this area, the health of streams and other water bodies is largely affected by the impacts of land development, as well as by the impacts created by agriculture and forestry. Land development can lead to water resource impacts through soil erosion during the construction phase and permanent increases in stormwater runoff and pollutant discharges. Pollutants in suburban and urban stormwater include grease, oil, sediment, fertilizers, pesticides, heavy metals, and bacteriological contaminants. Stormwater runoff from agricultural sites may contain sediment, heavy metals, bacteriological contaminants, fertilizers, and pesticides. In addition to the impact of introduced pollutants, stream channels are scoured by increased runoff rates and volumes, and reservoirs are filled in with the resulting sediment. Surface water quality is assessed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEG) using data collected by them and various other organizations, including StreamWatch. The DEG compares monitoring results to water quality standards required to support the designated uses assigned to each water body. Designated uses include 1) aquatic life, 2) fish consumption, 3) shell -fishing, 4) recreation, 5) public water supply, and 6) wildlife. If the observed water quality values are poorer than the standards associated with the designated use, the water body is considered unable to support its designated use and is deemed impaired. Information on stream impairments was made available recently in a document entitled Water Quality Assessment Integrated Report. The result of this work shows the extent of land development and agricultural runoff on County streams. The DEG collected data for approximately 412 miles of streams within Albemarle County. (Another 457 miles were not assessed.) Of the streams that were assessed, 137 stream miles (31 %) were determined to be healthy, and 274 miles (69%) were determined to be impaired. The results of the DEG Report are consistent with assessments throughout the Rivanna River basin conducted by StreamWatch. The 2011 Land Use Study from StreamWatch made use of correlations between stream health and watershed characteristics to predict that approximately 70% of streams within the Rivanna River basin would fail the Virginia standard if formally assessed. Groundwater Groundwater flows in pore spaces and subterranean metamorphic and igneous bedrock. It is the source of wells and springs used for drinking water. Wells and springs also provide water for livestock and, in some cases, irrigation of crops. Fractures in bedrock are the usual source of well water, since most wells are cased to the depth of bedrock to prevent surface contamination. Fractures decrease with depth, and most occur within one hundred feet of the top of the bedrock. Very small areas of the County have sedimentary bedrock, which provides a readier supply of groundwater, but which is also more susceptible to contamination than metamorphic and igneous rock fractures. Groundwater is recharged through ground absorption. It changes over time as a result of precipitation amounts, evapotranspiration, extraction from wells, and discharges into streams or springs. When winter d_7 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP precipitation is below normal or summer drought conditions occur, shortages may occur in the warmer months when increased inflow to streams causes the groundwater levels to fall. Protection of groundwater supply is best achieved through the protection of land covers, such as forest vegetation, that slows surface runoff and allows water to flow into the ground. There are many groundwater users in the County, including Rural Area residents, golf courses, quarries, and sites under environmental remediation though the DEQ. Approximately 44% of all homes in the County (118,500 units) rely on well water or springs for household use. Some of these residents are on the 17 public community water systems using wells and springs in Albemarle County. There are also 31 non - community systems that generally support non-residential uses such as campgrounds, schools, and fraternal organizations. Farms and agricultural operations also rely on groundwater. For these reasons, it is critical to protect groundwater quality and quantity for the health and welfare of the population. In 2004, the County added a section to its Water Protection Ordinance to require preliminary studies to assess groundwater availability and related factors for new or enlarged development projects that use wells. The last update of the Natural Resources Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan had extensive recommendations for groundwater protection. From those recommendations, the County developed a requirement for well reports in order to help build a database of groundwater information. The information continues to be required and wells are mapped and shown on the County's GIs web application. Water Resources that Flow Through the County Water resources flow from and through the County, and for that reason, Albemarle County practices stewardship for others. The County's surface and groundwater are connected hydrologically (through surface water and groundwater) to the City of Charlottesville, Greene County, Fluvanna County, Nelson County, Louisa County, Orange County, and the rest of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. As seen in Figure 1, the North Fork of the Rivanna River, the Rockfish River, and the James River all originate outside of the County but flow into and through Albemarle County. The Doyle's River, Moorman's River, South Fork of the Rivanna River, the Hardware River, and the Rivanna River all originate in the County and flow southeast. This fact puts a high level of responsibility on the County to keep those stream and rivers free from pollutants. Strategy la: Continue to apply the Watershed Protection Ordinance throughout the County to help protect and preserve water resources. The County's primary legal mechanism through which the County implements water resource protection programs is the Water Protection Ordinance (WPO). Adopted in 1998 and recently amended and recodified, the WPO is intended to: • Implement the State mandated stormwater management program; • Implement the State mandated erosion and sediment control program; Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Rockingham County Augusta County oR9� as r {. \'r y nck'ieM1 rrpt V Laea ^t. l 1 � i 6lzp�'1.r V Madisogn\�1] Greee County \ J Fluvanna County � �\ j i a 2 4 � 0 M1ez/G� 1 Peperetl by �Ibemerle <atw,y \. �.,. XII a Figure 1: Albemarle County Hydrology Primary Roads Major Water Bodies Development Areas Secondary Roads Major Streams f 100-Year Floodplain Minor Streams Orange County LAUI9 County 4.9 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Page intentionally left blank. 4.10 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Rockingham dison Cou County Greene wl x^w,� County Orange County, ago Augusta rw County F y pd a qua` E coe �apv, r 4�W�� Rtl" �vlo xe re ivy R- p cknsh cause apby p�'ea Louisa County ,c•+, I by s as � i wy ro prn �y0 FpA � oressw°c Flumms, County Nelson s or mwsa County 0 1 2 4 rv�—/ hparetl by Aem lbeh County 1nOy YMneMSemmpHYu ep by vVsvy 1/2015 �.rna.mw Barking aCounty, Figure 2: Major River Basins and Watersheds to Public Water Supply ti— Major Streams . Development Area not in Water Supply Watersheds f Major Water Bodies Watershed Sash Fork Riranno Reservoir Primary Roads - Crozet Development Area in Soolh Park North Fork Rivanrw Reservoir Secondary Roads Rivama River Watershed Ragged M.nram Reservoir - Portion of Places 29 Development Area in Fork Rivanna Intake Beaver Creek ReservoirNorth Sugar Hollow Reservdr Taiar Creek Reservoir 4.1 1 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Page intentionally left blank. 4.12 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP • inhibit the deterioration of State waters resulting from land disturbing activities; protect the safety and welfare of citizens, property owners, and businesses by minimizing the negative impacts of increased stormwater discharges from new land development and redevelopment; • protect against and minimize the pollution and eutrophication of public drinking water supplies resulting from land development; • control nonpoint source pollution, erosion and sedimentation, and stream channel erosion; • maintain the integrity of existing stream channels and networks for their biological functions, drainage, and natural recharge of groundwater; • protect the condition of State waters for all reasonable public uses and ecological functions; • provide for the long-term responsibility for and maintenance of stormwater management facilities and other best management practices; • regulate the discharge of pollutants into storm drainage systems and State waters by prohibiting illicit discharges and connections and the dumping of refuse and pollutants; • facilitate the integration of stormwater management and pollution control with other County ordinances, programs, policies, and the comprehensive plan; and • promote the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources. Future changes to the ordinance may be needed if, after development of a comprehensive water resources plan, additional measures prove necessary for water resource protection. Strategy 1 b: Prepare, submit, and implement a Watershed Implementation Plan to control stormwater pollution, as required by the State. As part of recent State and regional efforts to address stormwater pollution and impaired waters, the County has been delegated the responsibility to implement several new or enhanced programs. These include additional regulatory responsibilities under a delegated Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP), updates to programs implemented under a State permit issued to operators of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, or M54s, and programs to reduce the discharge of pollutants to impaired waters (discussed below). Each of these programs will require significant new resources and, as evidenced by the significant changes to the Water Protection Ordinance, effective in July 2014. The DEQ is required to prepare plans to restore all impaired State waters through a process commonly referred to as a TMDL. This acronym stands for "Total Maximum Daily Load", which is the maximum pollution amount a water body can assimilate over a given time period while still remaining healthy. However, the term TMDL is more often used to describe the entire analytical and planning process for assessing and restoring a water body. The process includes identifying impaired waters as described above, determining the pollution limits for these waters, and developing an implementation plan to reduce pollution loads to the determined limits. TMDL implementation plans — commonly called "watershed implementation plans" (WIPs) — typically include an allocation of pollution loads and reductions to each contributing watershed or source. In addition, Albemarle County must also contribute to regional WIPs, such as the Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan. After 25 years of failed attempts to restore the Bay, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was prompted to utilize the TMDL process to address impairments caused by excessive sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus. As part of this process, Virginia, along with five other states and the District of Columbia, was required to develop a Statewide WIP for the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Ultimately, the responsibility for restoring impaired waters is delegated down to local governments and 4.1 3 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP other permitted dischargers of pollutants. Albemarle has been mandated the responsibility to prepare and submit detailed action plans specifying how the County will achieve allocated pollutant reductions associated with TMDLs, including those for local streams and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Strategy lc: Develop and implement a comprehensive water resources plan that sets expectations for quantity of public water supply, surface water protection and improvement, and groundwater protection. The County has put together several different water protection programs over the last 16 years. These programs have been expanded in response to a growing population, which has additional impacts on this limited resource. With recent actions by the County to take over maintenance of more stormwater management facilities, build regional basins, and implement higher standards set by the State, the need for a County -wide comprehensive resource plan has become apparent. Development of such a plan would allow programs to be more coordinated and prevent overlap of responsibilities. A comprehensive water resources plan should address: • expectations for water quantity and drought response; • groundwater quality; • expectations for water quality for all streams in the County; • stream restoration needs and strategies; • coordination with other water resource agencies and collaboration on programs; • coordination of different County programs; and • implementation including public education on water issues. It is extremely important that this plan be done soon as State -mandated TMDL Action Plans will include many of these same elements. Expectations for Water Quantity and Drought Response A firm set of expectations is needed for how the County should deal with surface water supply and whether and how conservation activities can impact groundwater supply. The County, City, and UVA are tasked with ensuring a sufficient public water supply for current and future residents through the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA). The 2011 Water Resource Plan adopted by RWSA provides detailed information on sources of water, as well as information on water conservation and drought response programs. The County's water resource management plan should take into account the important role these agencies play in ensuring a sufficient supply of potable water to the community. More information on drinking water supply can be found in the Community Facilities Chapter of this Plan. Groundwater Quantity and Quality Over one-third of County residents rely on wells for domestic water, making the protection of this water source very important. However, protecting groundwater quantity is a more difficult task than ensuring a clean and plentiful public water supply. Groundwater in Albemarle is not part of an "underwater stream" nor is it located in an aquifer. Water flow below the surface takes place through rock fractures and wells must be drilled fairly deep into the bedrock before a reliable location is found for drawing water to the surface. These wells have the potential for contamination from failing septic systems as well as reduction in yield. Decision -makers, residents and future residents need to know the limitations of the igneous and metamorphic rock formations to provide for a reliable well water supply to support residents who choose to live in the Rural Areas. Clear information on the limitations of local groundwater 4.14 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP supplies can guide future landowners' decisions and can help the County to make better land -use planning decisions. Groundwater quantity can be monitored through collecting and analyzing well drillers reports. In addition, obtaining information from test wells in the County will help to gauge changes over time in groundwater level. It is not always clear why wells sometimes see a reduction in yield. However, in general, groundwater -supply protection can best be achieved by protecting land cover (such as forest), which allows for more recharge and avoiding impervious land cover that prevents recharge. Groundwater quality can be monitored through well testing and analysis of well reports can also provide information on changes in water quality. The water resource management plan should address ways to assess the potential impacts to groundwater resources from the practice of hydraulic fracturing (tracking). Some water quality issues that can show up in an analysis of well water are the effects of septic waste, pollutants from underground storage tanks, or naturally occurring metals in the ground. A recent water quality issue that has been of interest is the relationship between use of alternative septic systems and the rate of residential growth in the Rural Area. Although alternative septic systems were not allowed in the Rural Area until recently, changes to the Virginia State Code make this option available, which could increase the number of Rural Area properties developed residentially. If there is a strong relationship, discussion is needed on whether this issue warrants requests for changes from the General Assembly. Expectations for Stream Quality for all Albemarle County Streams Another aspect of a comprehensive water management plan should deal with pollution prevention and water quality improvement. New State stormwater requirements for dealing with stream impairments are discussed in Strategy 1 b; however, the comprehensive water plan should set quantified goals for water quality, carry out implementation measures designed to achieve those goals, and continue monitoring water quality to evaluate the effectiveness of those measures. Historically, the County has set higher standards than those required by the State. The extent to which the County wishes to clean up streams, restore stream banks, and provide assistance to landowners should be clearly stated. If the County's goal is to exceed State requirements, the level to which it wants to improve stream health must be identified so that programs and staff can be put in place to accomplish this goal. Stream and Stream bank Restoration and Strategies Most streams in the County flow through naturally erosive soils and have been impacted by agricultural and land development uses over many years. Stream bank erosion and steeply cut banks are a common sight. These eroded stream channels are another source of sedimentation to downstream waters. A stream restoration program could work to reverse some of the damage caused by previous generations and existing development. In turn, this would prevent further damage and sedimentation. Such a program would develop a system for identifying candidate streams in need of stream bank and channel reconstruction or improvement, together with watershed strategies to protect such streams in the future. Program implementation strategies would include schedules, funding, restoration types, permitting, staffing, and other considerations. Coordination with Other Water Resource Agencies and Collaboration on Programs As shown in the Reference Documents, at least 20 different regional, State, and federal agencies have a role in or responsibility for water quality in Albemarle County. It is important that the water resources plan recognize the importance of collaboration with these agencies to share and receive data and coordinate activities. In addition, working with the City, UVA, and other local stakeholders will be 4.15 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP important in restoring impaired streams and waterways and protecting healthy ones, as well as addressing new State stormwater mandates. Data collection, sharing, maintenance and use of information should be an integral part of the collaborative work. Other issues that can be coordinated include groundwater quality and quantity, underground storage tank investigations, and septic systems. Coordination of Different County Programs A comprehensive water resource management plan can help identify opportunities to better coordinate the various programs implemented by the County. At present, the Departments of General Services and Community Development are responsible for the majority of water protection -related functions at the County. Through the authority of the WPO, Community Development is responsible for ensuring that land development and other land disturbing activities minimize impacts on water resources and other natural resources. Programs include erosion and sediment control, stormwater management for new development, stream buffer and floodplain protection, and groundwater management. General Services is responsible for various programs designed to minimize or reduce the water resources impacts of existing land uses and activities and of County operations. These programs include planning for and implementing plans to address impaired waters and illicit discharge elimination, long-term maintenance of County -owned stormwater management facilities, and public education. In the Development Areas, General Services has undertaken capital projects such as construction of the Woodbrook lagoon and the Crozet stormwater basin south of downtown to address drainage and water quality issues. General Services also ensures that the County remains compliant with dam safety regulations. There is significant overlap in responsibilities and involvement between staff of these and additional County departments. A water resources management plan could facilitate more effective organization and collaboration between departments and result in more successful implementation of these programs. Implementation of the Plan The success of a water resources protection program is dependent on the level and effectiveness of implementation. Implementation includes education, testing, verification, enforcement of design requirements, enforcement of mandatory construction practices, proper long-term maintenance of constructed facilities, finding and correcting violations, investigating complaints, documentation, and reporting. Sometimes program and environmental benefits can be best realized through increased implementation via funding, staffing, policy changes, or other means, rather than additional studies and regulation. This should be a consideration for future water resource efforts. Strategy Id: Educate the public on how they can help with water resource protection. The RW SA plans for and manages drinking water supplies in the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Water conservation is promoted through the Authority as well as the ACSA. More information on drinking water supply can be found in the Community Facilities Chapter of this Plan. Not all landowners and residents are aware of how their actions, or inaction, affect water. Educational programs for the public are needed and should be included in a water resource management plan. The ACSA and RWSA have roles to play in water conservation education; however, the County should also take a role in this endeavor. The community's need for information on water conservation, stream buffer protection, well testing, and groundwater protection is great. An important piece of education will be helping the public understand the distinctions between pervious and impervious cover. Impervious cover affects runoff. Since surface water and groundwater are interconnected systems, the quality and quantity of one is interdependent on the quality and quantity of the other. The public can help protect and improve water quality by understanding how land use MV Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP and development can work with natural processes to minimize impacts on streams and groundwater. This includes reducing impervious cover and incorporating design features that consider runoff quantity and quality, the integrity of natural stream channels, and aquatic habitats. Another aspect of public education will involve coordination with State agencies to encourage development and transportation design that reduces impervious cover, and that minimizes, by design, adverse impacts on water resources. Also important is education on the significance of having septic systems pumped regularly, well testing, and wellhead protection measures to help prevent public health problems. Programs for land developers on different design options can help them to better work with natural processes to minimize, by design, impacts on streams and groundwater. This includes designing features that reduce runoff quantity and improve runoff quality, improving the integrity of natural stream channels, and promoting robust aquatic habitats. If successful, these education programs can also help the County meet its goals for pollutant reduction in Albemarle's rivers and streams. Volunteers in the community, such as Stream Watch, Rivanna Conservation Society, the James River Association, Envision the James, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation should continue to play an important role in spreading the word on ways to protect water resources. Strategy le: Secure funding for water resource management programs. Funding for water resource management programs is essential to their success. At present, the County is considering a stormwater utility fee to help pay for the higher level of environmental protection required by the State. Grants are available from different State and federal agencies to help with specific projects, such as stream bank restoration. Coordination with the Parks and Recreation Department on greenway development can also open more opportunities for grant money. The water resource management plan should help to identify other sources of funding to help decision -makers with budget decisions as it moves the County forward. Strate-gy 1 f: Continue to allow and manage recreational uses of drinking water reservoirs and adjacent public land only as incidental uses to the primary function of water supply and in such a manner as to prevent cumulative impacts that may impair the primary function. Because many of the County's large lakes are reservoirs for the public water supply, maintaining their quality is essential to public health. Several of the reservoirs allow for minimal recreational use, which is described in the Parks and Recreation: Greenways and Green Systems Chapter of this Plan. Given the importance of clean drinking water to the community, only those recreational uses that do not impair water quality should be permitted in these areas. Details on preservation strategies for public water supply reservoirs are found in Chapter 11. Objective 2: Protect air quality. Many things affect air quality including emissions from combustion of fossil fuels, animal generated gasses, and other vapors emitted as a result of energy use. Emissions that contain sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, lead or particulate matter can injure health, harm the environment, impair visibility of scenic resources, and cause property damage. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) monitors and regulates air quality at the State level. The DEQ also prepares and distributes an annual ambient air monitoring data report where information on air quality in Albemarle can be found. The monitoring site is at Albemarle High School on Hydraulic Road. More information on air quality in Albemarle County and Virginia may be found in the Reference Documents. 4.17 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Strategy 2a: Help protect local and regional air quality by reducing the County's carbon footprint and by promoting alternatives to single -occupancy vehicles, such as walking, bicycle use, ride -sharing, and public transit services. Local air pollution in the form of greenhouse gases comes mainly from the combustion of fossil fuels from the transportation sector. For many years, air quality in Albemarle County has been in the Good to Moderate Category. In general, this means air is healthy for all populations. More information on this strategy may be found in Chapter 10 —Transportation. Figure 3: Charlottesville Albemarle Daily Air Quality Index 4/2008-12/2012 130 120 9110 100 K 90 -0 80 5 70 >. 60 50 OD 40 (� 30 20 Q 10 0 p(b p(b Op0 Opq ppQ ppQ ppQ ONp O,p ONp O,p pNN ONN pNN ONN O,rY ON% ONry O,rY Date Air Quality Levels of Index (AQI) Health V.I.x Concern 0-50 Good 51 - 100 Moderate Unhealthy for Sensitive 101 - 150 Groups Figure 3 shows that the County is beginning to have days of air quality that are categorized as "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups." More than three days in one year of measured air quality in this category will bring the County into "nonattainment." In nonattainment areas, additional plan- ning requirements are needed which can include examining baseline emissions levels to determine necessary control strategies, examining transportation needs for future growth, and, if necessary, creating plans for EPA review and approval to bring the area into attainment with the air quality standards. The extent of the planning requirements depends greatly on the classification of the nonattainment area and the severity of the air pollution problems. Air quality can be maintained or improved by a variety of activities, such as protection of forests and wooded areas, promotion of efficient land use configurations, ridesharing, public transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and energy efficiency in buildings. The County can be a leader in this area by promoting and supporting these activities. As a start, Albemarle County government adopted an Environmental Management Policy in 2004 committing the County to pollution prevention and continual environ- mental improvement in its own facilities and services. Since 2007, County government has reduced its energy consumption by 30%. Objective 3: Recognize the economic value of the County's mineral resources while giving due consideration to the potential harm mineral extraction activities and byproducts can have on human health and property values. The County's geology is made up mostly of metamorphic and igneous rocks. Soapstone, iron ore, slate, 4.1 8 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP clay, sandstone, and limestone have all been quarried in the past. Other minerals known to exist in Albemarle are amethyst, asbestos, barite, copper, felsite, garnet, gold, limonite, hematite, and pyrite. The geologic features are important because they underlie the mountains and because they affect groundwater. At present, natural gas has not been found in Virginia outside of a small area in the southwestern part of the State. However, if natural gas ever were to be discovered in Albemarle County, extraction would not be appropriate due to fracking and its potential impact on water resources. Strategy 3a: Provide educational materials to owners of properties in the Natural Resource Extraction Overlay District about geological assets and limitations on extraction in the Rural Area. The Natural Resource Extraction Overlay District is a zoning district that allows for mineral extraction in areas where the extraction will not conflict with adjacent land uses. Additionally, the quarrying must be carried out without adverse effects on other environmental resources or living systems, or to public health, safety, and welfare. Property often changes hands without new owners fully understanding the assets of and limitations on their purchase. New property owners may not be aware of their own mineral rights or mineral rights leasing. Alternatively, they may be aware and ready to extract those resources without understanding the County's requirements. For this reason, educational materials should be prepared and distributed to owners of those properties on geological assets and limitations of the Rural Area. In addition, the County should study other ways to help inform owners of the need to find out about mineral rights on their properties. One possibility might be to require that a prominent disclosure statement regarding leased mineral rights be indicated on preliminary and final plats. Objective 4: Protect the biological diversity and ecological integrity of the County in both the Rural Area and Development Areas. Biological diversity, or "biodiversity" for short, has been defined as "the diversity of life in all its forms, and at all levels of organization" (Hunter 1996). While there are numerous ways to think about how life and all organisms are organized, the most common ways of viewing biodiversity include species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Biodiversity is sometimes described as the totality of genes, species, and ecosystems of a region. The health of biological systems is often indicated by the amount of native variety they contain. Native species have evolved to live in their current habitats and, generally, the more diverse a system is, the healthier it is. The breadth of species creates strength for all species; when a species is lost, it signals a change that may affect all species. Biodiversity is important to human populations for numerous and diverse reasons. In a narrow but critical sense, we depend on the services that ecosystems, and the living things found in them, provide. Ecosystem services refer to the many benefits that humans receive, at no direct economic cost, from natural environments and functioning ecosystems. Some essential ecosystem services include purification of air and water, pollination of crops and natural vegetation, generation and renewal of soil and fertility, and mitigation of floods and droughts. Healthy, functioning ecosystems provide many other benefits and also contribute greatly to the quality of life of County residents. Protection of biodiversity is important in both the Development Areas and the Rural Area. Because the quantity of resources is much greater in the Rural Area, most of the efforts in protecting biodiversity are focused there. However, Development Areas are very important for conserving biodiversity. They are home to a number of key species and ecosystems. Preservation of environmental corridors, such as those 4.19 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP shown on Parks and Green Systems plans in Development Area Master Plans, helps to maintain biodiversity in the Development Areas. Equally important is the preservation of wooded corridors that extend from the Rural Area into the Development Areas. Developing and maintaining a diverse, connected urban forest can provide important biodiversity resources as well as many other environmental and societal benefits. There are a variety of threats to biodiversity, ranging from the local to the global scale. An ongoing threat in Albemarle County and beyond is habitat fragmentation. When large patches of habitat are fragmented into smaller areas, species dependent on large "interior" habitats or large ranges cannot survive. As shown in Figure 4, which depicts the potential results of a new road or utility right-of-way being constructed, the amount of interior habitat is reduced, minimizing area for food, cover, and movement. This negatively impacts many wildlife species found in the County that rely on interior habitat. Examples include forest interior breeding birds, such as the cerulean warbler and scarlet tanager, that are harmed by nest predators and nest parasites that are common in edge habitat. Some amphibians are also impacted by the loss of interior habitat, including the red -spotted newt and eastern red -backed salamander. Figure 4 also illustrates that the oveall amount of habitat is often reduced by fragmentation. Species that require large areas of habitat, such as the bobcat and river otter, may be negatively impacted. The increase in edge habitat often benefits many commonly occurring species, such as white-tailed deer, raccoon, and opossum. While these and other common species are important components of biodiversity, they can present problems too. Vehicle -wildlife collisions are perhaps the most serious issue. The County and its residents can work closely with agencies and County partners, such as Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, in reducing human -wildlife conflicts. Figure 4: Illustration of Habitat Size and Fragmentation Fragmentation Before After - interior habitat - interior habitat and species decrease - edge habitat - edge habitat and species increase Fragmentation also reduces viability for species. Loss of safe passages between habitats (shown in picture B of Figure 5) prevents species from reaching needed habitats or recolonizing habitats that have lost those species. Connectivity of habitat is critical for healthy, functioning ecosystems. Subdivision of parcels into smaller parcels is conceptually distinct from habitat fragmentation and has been referred to as "parcelization" (Downing 2016). However, parcelization often leads to habitat fragmentation. Parcelization and subdivision of land can result in the size and/or shape of parcels that are generally usable only for residential purposes, thus complicating land management for forestry, agriculture, or conservation. 4.20 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Figure 5: Illustration of Habitat Range and Connectivity A: A well connected landscape. B: A poorly connected landscape. Source: Federal Interagency Stream Restoration Working Group (FISR WG) Conversion of wildlife habitat to land uses that remove the key elements for survival result in many fewer native species and pose the greatest threat to biodiversity. As discussed in the Rural Area Chapter (page 18), there is potential for much residential development in the Rural Area, which could negatively affect biodiversity. Aquatic habitats are also degraded by soil erosion when land is cleared for develop- ment. As a result, aquatic life declines and affects the health of rivers and streams. Any effort to protect the quality of ecosys- tems must include both terrestrial (land - based) and aquatic (water -based) ecosys- tems. Strategy 4a: Implement an Action Plan for Biodiversity that includes protection of significant areas of biological importance in the County. The Natural Heritage Committee (formerly the Biodiversity Committee) was appointed by the Board of Supervisors in 2005 to create and maintain the County's Biodiversity Assessment, advise the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission, and County staff on applying biodiversity information to land - use decision -making, and support biodiversity education in the County. Their mission is to help maintain and restore the County's native biological diversity and provide a healthy environment for the citizens of Albemarle County. After adoption of the 2015 Comprehensive Plan, County staff worked with the Natural Heritage Committee to develop a Biodiversity Action Plan which is included in the Reference Documents section of this document. Included as Reference Documents and part of the plan are an Executive Summary, Appendices, and maps. The Biodiversity Action Plan builds upon work conducted by the Biodiversity Work Group from 2002-2004. The work group was created as a temporary body and developed a biodiversity report for Albemarle County in 2004. That report, a summary report, and appendices are also available in the Reference Documents section. The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) provides both a broad overview and detailed information about biodiversity in the County. A key component of the plan is a spatial analysis of the Albemarle County landscape and the habitat it contains. Figures 6, 7, and 8 illustrate some of the data, analysis, and results of the plan. These figures correspond to Maps 1, 2, and 4 respectively in the BAP. The BAP affirms the need to minimize and reduce habitat fragmentation County -wide by maintaining existing habitat connectivity. It promotes establishing new connectivity where possible and appropriate. It identifies non-native invasive species and climate change as significant threats to biodiversity both locally and on grander scales. It builds and expands upon recommendations in Objectives 1, 5, and 6 4.21 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP of this Chapter that call for protecting and preserving water resources, retaining mountain resources, retaining and improving land cover near rivers and streams, and protecting wetlands. The BAP also highlights the need to restore impaired or degraded ecosystems. Returning these systems to better health and functionality is often possible and a very important conservation tool. The BAP should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis to account for changing conditions and to incorporate new knowledge and data. The BAP was intended to cover a five year period and should be reviewed and updated as needed in 2023. The strategies that follow provide specific ways to protect and conserve biodiversity in Albemarle County. Since most of the County land is in private ownership, a strong community -based stewardship approach toward the County's natural resources will be a tremendous asset in effectively implementing the strategies. Strategy 4b: Use existing tools (e.g., conservation easements), develop strategies, and implement new conservation programs to protect lands in the three conservation focus areas, other conservation targets (e.g., examples of the five key ecosystems described below, large forest blocks or other intact, im- portant habitat), and lands that can serve as habitat corridors or connections among important habitat areas. The BAP identifies three areas of the County that are rich in biodiversity and have significant conservation value (see Figure 8). Conserving lands and resources within the three focus areas — Northwestern Albemarle, the Southern Albemarle Mountains, and the Rivanna River Corridor - prioritizes efforts and should maximize conservation effectiveness. There is significant potential for enhanced conservation through good stewardship and land management in these focus areas. The total acreage of the areas is approximately 156,539 acres. Approximately 1 2% of the land is publicly owned, approximately 88% is in private ownership, and approximately 20% of the privately owned land is under conservation easement. Five types of ecosystems are also identitifed as key for conserving biodiversity: 1 ) forests, 2) outcrops, bluffs, and other xeric habitats, 3) relict Piedmont prairies and grasslands, 4) rivers, streams, and riparian areas, and 5) wetlands. While not as widely recognized as some ecosystems, the biological importance and historical significance of Piedmont prairies and grasslands have become better studied and understood in recent years. These five ecosystems may be important conservation targets regardless of their location. That is, they do not need to be located within the conservation focus areas to merit protection. Similarly, lands that can connect areas of habitat may be important conservation targets regardless of location in the County. In addition to their importance as habitat, rivers, wetlands, and other water features form key connectors that aquatic species, birds, and other wildlife use to move through the landscape. Protecting riparian and wetland areas is very important in supporting healthy, functioning ecosystems and providing good water quality. The County's conservation easement programs, Acquisition of Conservation Easements (ACE) and Albe- marle Conservation Easement Authority (ACEA), can be effective tools for helping conserve biodiversity. In addition to revising the criteria for these programs to include biodiversity values (as stated in Strat- egy 4e of this chapter), these programs should be strengthened. This is consistent with Strategy 5d of this chapter and Strategies 2b, 2d, 2e, and 2f of the Rural Area Chapter. 4.22 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Other land and resource protection tools should be investigated for use in Albemarle County. For example, a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program should be investigated as a possible method for conserving biodiversity. Lands within the three conservation focus areas and other identified con- servation targets could be the focus of TDR programs. Researching a TDR program that is appropriate for Albemarle County is consistent with Strategies 1 a and 2g of the Rural Area Chapter. Strategy 4c: Protect and conserve natural resources on County -owned land to enhance biodiversity. Public lands and the ways they are managed play an important role in protecting open space, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity. Several land management practices, if implemented consistently on County - owned land, will contribute to enhancing biodiversity. Examples include controlling non-native invasive species, using locally native plants in landscaping, promoting natural plant communities on site when possible (e.g., establishing native grassland habitat in place of turf or large lawn areas), maintaining wide riparian buffers along waterways, and reducing stormwater runoff. County parks in particular should play a critical role in conserving biodiversity. Many parks contain examples of the five highlighted ecosystems, and several current and future County parks occur within or near the conservation focus areas. If managed properly, parks can conserve large, intact areas of forest and other habitat types. Management plans for the parks should include strategies to conserve and enhance biodiversity. Simple examples include controlling access to sensitive areas, designating specific locations for non -disturbance (e.g., reducing areas maintained by mowing), and using board- walks and signage to limit access to sensitive areas while providing unique educational opportunities. Where possible, prescribed burning can be used to promote biodiversity. Strategy 4d: Preserve existing vegetation in areas shown as Parks and Green Systems on Development Area Master Plans. Public lands and the ways they are managed play an important role in protecting open space, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity. Several land management practices, if implemented consistently on County - owned land, will contribute to enhancing biodiversity. Examples include controlling non-native invasive species, using locally native plants in landscaping, promoting natural plant communities on site when possible (e.g., establishing native grassland habitat in place of turf or large lawn areas), maintaining wide riparian buffers along waterways, and reducing stormwater runoff. County parks in particular should play a critical role in conserving biodiversity. Many parks contain examples of the five highlighted ecosystems, and several current and future County parks occur within or near the conservation focus areas. If managed properly, parks can conserve large, intact areas of forest and other habitat types. Management plans for the parks should include strategies to conserve and enhance biodiversity. Simple examples include controlling access to sensitive areas, designating specific locations for non -disturbance (e.g, reducing areas maintained by mowing), and using board- walks and signage to limit access to sensitive areas while providing unique educational opportunities. Where possible, prescribed burning can be used to promote biodiversity. 4.23 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Strateav 4e: Revise criteria for ACE (Acgiusition of Conservation Easement Program) and ACEA (Albe- marle Conservation Easement Authority, formerly the Public Recreational Facilities Authority) easement applications to more accurately identify biodiversity resources and conservation needs. Conservation easements typically restrict development and protect agricultural, scenic, historic, and aquatic resources. They could be more effective at protecting specific habitat areas. While recog- nizing the value of biodiversity, current criteria for assessing biodiversity on ACE properties are limited in scope, with biodiversity data coming into play on a very limited basis. The criteria should be revised to include additional information and data sources, including BAP data. Improved criteria will allow biodiversity to be more easily considered in evaluating properties for ACE easements. For all County -held easements, terms and language need to be developed that provide effective meth- ods for permanently protecting specific habitat areas that support biodiversity. Strategy 4f: Evaluate opportunities and take steps to conserve and protect high priority Important Sites in the County. Important Sites are defined as "locations of special plant communities, unusual habitats, or species rare to scarce in the County." An initial list of Important Sites was developed by the Biodiversity Work Group in 2004. The Natural Heritage Committee (NHC) has maintained and revised the list in the ensuing years. Appendix C of the BAP provides descriptions of all 53 sites and a list of the 24 high priority sites. Map 3 of the BAP shows generalized locations of the sites. The Important Sites represent significant opportunities for good stewardship, land management, and enhanced conservation of lands in the County. The total amound of land in the 53 sites is approximately 30,543 acres. Of this total, approximately 7% is public land and 93% is in private ownership. Ap- proximately 23% of the privately owned land is under conservation easement. One of the 53 Important Sites is a landscape scale area of 21,588 acres. If this very large landscape scale site is not included, the remaining 52 sites represent a smaller area of approximately 9,786 total acres. They are com- prised of approximately 21% public land, 79% privately owned land, and 30% of the privately owned land is under conservation easement. Important Sites were evaluated based on their conservation value and the potential for conservation action that can be taken in the five years following completion of the BAP. The NHC intends to serve as an advocate for thirteen of the sites, working with landowners and local residents to raise awareness about them and discuss options for appropriate management and protection. Based on pending ac- tions, the County is well positioned to positively influence activities and land management at nine Important Sites, and should take lead responsibility for them. The pending actions include development of new County parks, joing planning with the City of Charlottesville and Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission on a Rivanna River corridor, and updating the Pantops Master Plan. The County and the NHC should share responsibility for two Important Sites. One site is adjacent to a future County park. The other site is within the Shenandoah National Park. Strategy 4a: Encourage the use of locally native plants in landscaping to to protect and provide habitat for native biodiversity, to save water, and to connect landowners to the local ecosystem. The term `locally native" refers to plants that are native to the central Piedmont region of Virginia. The use of locally native plants in landscaping, land management, and development projects is important to protect native biodiversity against invasive species, to save water compared to plantings not 4.24 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP adapted to the local climate, to provide additional habitat for native species, and to help connect residents to the local ecosystems. In 2012, Albemarle County Department of General Services (since renamed Facilities and Environmental Services) staff developed a native plants database and currently strives to plant at least 80% native plants in County projects. Community Development Department staff should also promote use of native plants in conjunction with the site development process. Strategy 4h: Collaborate with resource management agencies, partners, and landowners to manage non-native invasive species to reduce their impacts and limit their spread. The threat that non-native invasive species pose to biodiversity, agriculture, forestry, and other concerns is widely documented and accepted. Numerous state and federal agencies, nonprofit groups, and other organizations are actively engaged in trying to manage the threat. Examples include the Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Blue Ridge PRISM, Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District, The Nature Conservancy, and the Virginia Na- tive Plant Society. Efforts on this front by the County can be significantly strengthened by collaborating with these and other organizations. Strategy 4i: Include aquatic and riparian habitat enhancement with strategies for water quality when developing the comprehensive water resources plan. Strategy 1 c of this chapter calls for developing and implementing a comprehensive water resources plan for the County. The strategy includes stream restoration needs and strategies, public education efforts, and coordination of different County programs. This represents a logical and practical oppor- tunity to enhance aquatic and riparian habitat as part of the comprehensive water resources plan. Biodiversity and stream health are associated with water quality. The Virginia Department of Environ- mental Quality designates aquatic life, as determined by benthic macroinverteb rate data, as one of six designated uses for surface waters, and thus a standard for assessing water quality. The County's network of rivers, streams, and riparian areas are a vital component of regional biodi- versity, as stated under Strategy 4b of this chapter. Greater efforts should be made to protect these resources, for purposes of both improving water quality and protecting biodiversity. Taking actions for these purposes is consistent with Objectives 1 and 6 of this chapter, Strategies la, 6a, 6b, and 6c of this chapter, Objective 8 and Strategies 8a and 8b of the Development Areas Chapter, and Strategy 3a of the Parks and Recreation, Greenways, Blueways, and Green Systems Chapter. Strategy 4i: Increase the community's awareness of the importance of biodiversity to encourage pro- tection of biological resources. Volunteers and the County can support private conservation efforts by developing and disseminating educational and technical material to the general public, developers, and private land owners, in- cluding residents ofthe Development Areas. The material should contain information on the value of biodiversity, voluntary techniques that can be used to protect biological resources located on their land, and resources available to them. Typical examples that are often appropriate on small parcels and in urbanized areas include creating rain gardens, pollinator habitat, and xeriscaping with native plants. 4.25 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Strategy 4k: Continue to collaborate with federal, state, and regional partners, who have geo- graphic information on biological resources, to help build a biodiversity inventory. Many federal, state, and regional agencies collect data on biological resources and work towards species protection. These data can be used in conjunction with information from the BAP and other County -generated data to develop a broad dataset on biodiversity. Developing and maintaining good working relationships with cooperating agencies and organizations is important. One very useful strategy would be to work with the Virginia Department of Transportation to design and test wildlife overpasses and underpasses to reduce the loss of wildlife to habitat fragmentation by roads, especially between large habitat blocks. A variety of overpass and underpass sizes can contribute to biodiversity protection, including, for example, very small tubes and tunnels that can help amphibians move between upland and wetland habitats as needed for reproduction Strategy 41: Retain a position for a County staff member with expertise in conservation biology. In the years following creation of the Natural Heritage Committee in 2005, County resources were limited and no staff was available to work with the committee. With the hiring of a natural resources staff person in December 2015, a liaison between County staff and the NHC was established. The staff position supports the NHC and made development of the BAP possible. The staff position also strengthens County efforts to improve stream health, helps monitor proposed projects for impacts to biodiversity, provides additional resources for project review, and increases County support, outreach, and education for landowners. Staff is in a unique situation to help make the connections between science, conservation management, and planning in the County. Staff time for conservation enables the County to be more effective and ensure that resources expended on these programs are put to the best use. Strategy 4m: Develop indicators and monitor data that reflect the state of biodiversity in the County. Regularly repeat the land use/land cover data gathering process (as begun in 2009) for the purpose of monitoring landscape changes. The state of biodiversity in Albemarle County is continually evolving. Indications of change are im- portant in monitoring and assessing the current state, for tracking changes through time, and for effective conservation planning. Indicators may directly or indirectly reflect biodiversity resources. Examples of indicators could include the amount of land and landscape areas that are protected, the level of protection provided, indices of habitat connectivity and fragmentation, water quality and stream health data, and the status of threats to biodiversity (e.g., non-native invasive plants). In 2007, Albemarle County, along with the Nature Conservancy, the Rivanna River Basin Commission, and Stream Watch (merged with the Rivanna Conservation Society in 2016 to form the Rivanna Con- servation Alliance) funded mapping of land cover in the County and the rest of the Rivanna River watershed. The first map was completed in 2009 and is provided as a layer on the County's GIS web application. Because it is such a useful tool to track change over time, it is essential to repeat because 4.26 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP it provides feedback on the effectiveness of conservation programs and allows conservation programs to adapt to trends in landscape changes. CITATIONS: Downing, A. 2016. "The Fragmented Forest." Virginia Forest Landowner Update. Volume 30, Number 4, Fall 2016. Virginia Cooperative Extension Program. Hunter, M. L. 1996. Fundamentals of Conservation Biology. Cambridge, MA: Blackwell Science. 4.27 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Page intentionally left blank. Sw Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Figure 6: Forest Blocks and Tree Cover in Albemarle County } Airport(CHO) K Lar9e Farest Block �a IDO acne of inbnarbreeQ �i Major Roads K Small Formt Blook(10 99aortsofirdenorforeaQ Railroads Other Tree Cover(.I.di09 pine plantations) Major Water Bodies Forest Block partied outside County bou ndary) - — Major Streams Figure 6 illustrates forested areas and tree cover in Albemarle County based on 2009land cover data. Pine plantations were not included as forest or tree cover in this analysis. 4.29 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Page intentionally left blank. 4.30 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP � EaNraSille \-\-\. seem cen� 1 Rlvanna�lre -r\ \-\ Fe g Wlnie�m' i am Pmfld ( n % 1.) / i tit \ N29 w,ka ae \\ J aearae �.nx. ® tohe an \ lr� uo ib Keswlau� tithes ✓ 19 p yt a p / vas /i GovJb \i Keene EI UVANNA Esmant 1 / 1 Town of sccttsvina Cornpositescoreereflecttheconservabon value • J 1 of large !crest books. Composite scams range in value from 0 to 10. Higher scores indicate higher m lea conserva0on value. Brological value accounts for =m. / 90% of a composite score. Resilience to climate •'.:ew�c�; "s!Wesel change accounts for 10% of a composite scare. „.air> Cour.uw..a Figure 7: Ranking the Conservation Value of Large Forest Blocks } A."it (CHO) Large Forest Blacks (by composits•com) Forest Block (proton outside County boundary) '\. Major Roads al points ..Railroads 3.1 .3 points Major Water Bodies K 3.1 <points Major Streams K d.1 6polo K >B points Figure 7 illustrates the composite scores of large forest blocks (blocks containing 100 or more acres of interior forest). Forest blocks were identified using 2009land cover data. 4.31 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Page intentionally left blank. 4.32 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP MADIS0N ORANGE Frea xo Sony ProRlt Pornl 1 s rw as e, f �{ Keswick FLUVANr,A IDrra of � Scoftsviue I Composite scores refiedthe conservation value •��"�.�� of large burst blocks. Composite scores range in value finch 0 b 10. Higher scores indicate higher conservation value. Biological value accounts for 90%of a composite score. Resilience to climate change aci for 10%of a wityl lte store. Figure 8: Conservation Focus Areas + wrport(CHO) Lame Forest Blocks (by compmite score) Forest Black (p Mon outside County boundary) Major Roads <p points Conservation Focus Area Railroads 21.3paints Major Wafer Bodies 3.1-4 points Major Stream. K 4.1.6 points K s6 points Figure 8 depicts the three areas in Albemarle County that should be a focus of conservation activity and attention. Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 4.33 BACK TO TOP Page intentionally left blank. 4.34 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Objective 5: Retain mountain resources. Albemarle County's mountains are the source of important natural functions, such as providing clean water, contributions to healthy air, and habitats for many of the County's plant and animal species. The mountains are also the source of many agricultural and forest products and add to the County's appeal to tourists. To many residents, the mountains give the County its "sense of place in the State and country." Mountain resource protection efforts began in 1971 with the adoption of the County's first Comprehensive Plan, which delineated the mountains as "conservation areas:' The 1977 Comprehensive Plan contained a map of conservation areas that included hilltops, major ridge lines, and slopes over 15%. Hillside development standards were proposed on slopes exceeding 15%, which included road construction, grading, and drainage standards. The mountains of the County are mostly in forest cover, but also include orchards, pastures, dwellings, and farm buildings. These forests provide habitat for many plants and animals. The principal threat to the County's mountain forests and farms has now become fragmentation and conversion to residential land use. Forest sizes below 40 acres are difficult to manage economically. As parcel size declines, both timber harvesting and forest conservation become more difficult. The proximity of houses and other structures exacerbates the problem. Soil retention is important for protecting water quality as well as for slope stability. The isolated locations of development sites in mountain areas necessitate longer driveways and access roads over more highly erodible soils. Driveways and access roads may disturb many times more land area than a dwelling itself. Improper attention to soils may result in accelerated soil erosion and sedimentation, ground or surface water pollution, landslides, flooding, drainage problems, failed septic systems, construction problems, and unproductive agricultural and forestal lands. Forest cover is the most effective land cover for minimizing soil erosion and protecting water quality. Forested land cover also slows runoff and retains water, allowing it to more slowly flow to streams and groundwater supplies. Strategy 5a: Continue to protect mountain resources identified for protection in the Mountain Contour List. In 1996, a Mountain Protection Plan was completed and adopted into the Comprehensive Plan. While the Board of Supervisors decided not to adopt the plan's recommended ordinance, this Comprehensive Plan continues to recommend protection of mountains which are identified on the Mountain Contour List in the Appendix. A map showing the areas for mountain protection is provided in Figure 9. The 1996 Mountain Protection Plan may be found in the Reference Documents. Strategy 5b: Continue to protect critical slopes in the Rural Area. Critical slopes are areas with a slope of 25% or greater. Protecting these slopes improves soil retention, helps to retain forests, and enhances water quality. In the Rural Area especially, clearing, grading, building, cropping, and overgrazing of critical slopes can result in extensive erosion and landslides or sloughing of soil and rock; excessive stormwater runoff, increased siltation and sedimentation (which affects the health of aquatic ecosystems); loss of aesthetic resource; and, in the event of septic system failure, a greater travel distance for septic effluent (which affects both drinking -water quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems). Protection measures for critical slopes include: continuing to prohibit construction on critical slopes except where necessary to build or access the first dwelling on a parcel; 4.35 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP providing education materials to the public about critical slope protection. Standards for designing public roads and building County projects are found in the Appendix. Strategy 5c: Protect slopes of 25% or greater in the Development Areas that are shown for preservation on Development Area Master Plan maps. Steep slopes also are important in the Development Areas. The most important slopes are in continuous bands that are part of stream systems, contiguous areas of slopes or large groupings of slopes, slopes that are part of a hillside system, and slopes of significant value in the Entrance Corridor Overlay zoning district. These slopes have been identified on Development Area Master Plans for preservation. Recently updated zoning standards provide additional protection for these slopes. Respect for terrain is one of the principles of the Neighborhood Model. Guidance is provided in the Appendix on ways to carefully grade slopes that are not part of stream systems when grading cannot be avoided. Strategy 5d: Encourage voluntary measures, such as conservation easements, agricultural and forestal districts, and use value taxation to protect mountain resources. Voluntary measures can be used to help with mountain protection. County efforts should focus on the mountain areas identified in the Mountain Contour List found in the Appendix. In those areas, land use planning and conservation decisions should be focused on reducing development impacts, protecting and restoring forest cover, protecting water quality, and preventing erosion. Approaches include developing education materials on sensitive site design for mountain areas; encouraging terrain - sensitive designs and use of the Rural Preservation Development (RPD) option for proposed subdivisions in the Rural Area; and increasing the acreage of conservation easements in the mountains (and crafting the terms of those easements to protect forest cover and prevent erosion). In addition to using existing measures, the County should look for additional protection measures to protect mountain resources and to promote public safety in these areas of exceptional critical slopes and higher elevations. A transfer of development rights (TDR) program, if adopted, could help to protect mountain resources. 4.36 Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Ma ison fi Co Greene Counry f k' y Orange iCounty ysa G� PW qai 1� v td R cklls LapSB bby Ce` is� pe Louisa is ss County I M ss.A.u.e•aR" by p.. µa b.,�hR+ rva Fluvanna County ''"•n ae 1 Nelson - County oW. P,.p.ma�lcn SeMmpC., 1 ry P,=d, 10/1/2015 s.:Maaai.P,o�.ma...a Buckingham Figure 9: Mountain Protection Areas Elevation 800 ft Development Areas Major Streams 0 Not in Protection Area 900 h Primary Roads f Major Water Bodies (Less than 700 ft) 10004t Secondary Roads 700 ft 1200 ft Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 4.37 BACK TO TOP Page intentionally left blank. Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 91M. BACK TO TOP v Maths u Ccu—ry G-eene Cou o�ar,x� �or�nry Q © Louisa County Fluvenne County Nelmn �0 ❑nJ— C��nry e a 1 2 4 1 n.v Miles v `im„�,na, e>psao a mn/sms ,sm. rta,a.a.m.a � Buckingha County Figure 10: Debris Hazard Zones Debris Flow Hazard Areas Primary Roads Development Areas Secondary Roads S Major Water Bodies — --- Major Streams Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 4.39 BACK TO TOP Page intentionally left blank. Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Objective 6: Retain and improve land cover near rivers and streams and protect wetlands. Retaining and restoring land cover near streams is important to biodiversity and water quality. Restoration can be expensive and complex, so retaining existing buffers should be the priority. When restoration is considered, priorities should be established to make the best use of technical and financial resources. Strategy 6a: Continue to use the Water Protection Ordinance, critical slopes regulations, and other measures to preserve designated river and stream valleys in their natural state, to protect significant resources associated with river and stream valleys, and to provide buffer areas. The amount of vegetated land cover along a stream valley directly affects the stability of slopes. More vegetation generally decreases erosion and thereby protects water quality. The Water Protection Ordinance and critical slopes regulations help to preserve land cover near streams and protect wetlands. Land along streams and rivers can also provide for greenways or access to blueways. More information on the benefits of greenways is found in Chapter 11 - Parks and Recreation, Greenways, Blueways, and Green Systems. Chapter 11 also provides information on a proposed joint City -County initiative along the Rivanna River corridor. In addition to the initiatives in Objective 1 to help improve water quality and stream health, the County should assess stream buffers to see which streams need restoration. Aerial photography and land cover data can be used to help create a map showing the quality of stream buffers along streams in the Development Areas. From this map, a priority listing of streams in need of restoration can be prepared. The County can then look for ways to undertake ecosystem and stream bank restoration projects for high priority areas. Stream bank restoration can also be used to restore floodplains for their ecological function. Strategy 6b: Protect wetlands from inappropriate uses and protect or restore them, where possible, to maintain surface water quality and other benefits. Wetlands are areas such as swamps, floodplains, marshes, and bogs that have saturated soil conditions and that support certain wildlife habitats, spawning areas, and plant life adapted to saturated soil. Wetlands are important both as habitats and for the way in which they help to filter pollutants from runoff. The County has many wetlands along rivers and streams (especially in floodplains), as well as scattered wetlands in woodlands and elsewhere. Larger wetlands and floodplain wetlands are well mapped, but smaller wetlands are usually found only by examining specific sites. Wetland regulations are enforced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, not the County. The County's Water Protection Ordinance protects some wetlands indirectly by protecting vegetated stream buffers. The County's policy is to protect wetlands wherever possible, including assisting landowners with voluntary conservation measures, such as use of conservation easements. Strategy 6c: Use Development Area Master Plans to identify important streams and wetlands that should be protected. Development Area Master Plans identify important areas for preservation, and these typically include wetlands and systems of steep slopes along streams. Master Plans are used for guidance for legislative decisions in the Development Areas. Rezonings and special use permits can and should be used to help ensure that important stream and wetland systems are preserved. Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 4.41 BACK TO TOP Objective 7: Protect residents and properties from damage that can be prevented when natural hazards are present. Natural Hazards Natural hazards are included in the Natural Resources Chapter because, under the right circumstances, the combination of resources can become natural hazards, such as flooding and debris flows. Hazard preven- tion and hazard mitigation are two important ways to prevent damage to people and property. Flooding Flooding occurs regularly on all major County streams, and especially near Scottsville. The region experienced catastrophic floods in 1969 during Hurricane Camille and in 1972 during Hurricane Agnes; along Route 29 North after an unusually severe localized storm in 1982; and along the Moormans River in June 1995. Floodplains are the land areas that are inundated by moving or standing water during floods. Encroachment by development into floodplain lands and inappropriate uses on floodplain lands can result in increased danger to life, health and property, public costs for flood control measures, rescue and relief efforts, soil erosion, sedimentation and siltation, pollution of water resources, and general degradation of the natural and man-made environment. If not properly mitigated, stripping land and paving over soil increases the rate and amount of storm water runoff and can increase flood levels. The County's Zoning Ordinance regulates structural uses, wells, septic systems, storage facilities, water and sewer facilities, and renovation/restoration of structures/facilities in the floodplain. It also allows filling in the floodplain by special use permit, and stream crossings, which can significantly constrict floodways. The County Zoning Ordinance flood hazard overlay district section is an implementation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain management program, which allows for federally subsidized flood insurance in the County. Through this program, the County is required to review and limit development and changes to its floodplains. FEMAs responsibilities are limited to ensuring that the County has an adequate ordinance to regulate floodplain and mapping verification. FEMA ensures the maps are correct and up-to-date, but will allow any floodplain alteration that has been approved by the community. Therefore, it is important that the County be clear in its expectations development in the floodplains. In 2014, the County updated its Flood Hazard Overlay District regulations to include requirements for developers who wish to build in a dam break inundation zone. According to the Virginia Code, a dam break inundation zone is "the area downstream of a dam that would be inundated or otherwise directly affected by the failure of a dam." Dam owners are required to conduct a dam break analysis to support the appropriate hazard classification of the impounding structure in accordance with Virginia Administrative Code 4VAC50-20-40. Developers are expected to prevent effects to existing spillways by either changing their plans to avoid impacts or paying 50% of the costs for necessary upgrades to a dam attributable to the development. These changes are expected to improve dam safety, prevent flooding, and better protect the public. Strategy 7a: Through continued application of the Flood Hazard Overlay District, protect floodplains from uses that impair the function of the floodplain. Floodplains provide floodwater storage and conveyance, reduce flood velocities and flood peaks, and curb sedimentation. When vegetated, they filter nutrients and impurities from runoff, process organic wastes, and contribute to groundwater recharge. However, floodplains can be dangerous places when Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 EW4 BACK TO TOP flooding occurs. Protecting floodplains from development is important and County regulations prohibit residential development in all floodplains. To help protect residents and property from future flooding, the County requires a special use permit for disturbance of the floodplain. Floodplains across the County are shown on the map in Figure 1. The 2005 update of the FEMA floodplain maps showed expansions of the floodplain of major streams and rivers in the County. When the County reviews a request for development in the floodplain or fill in the floodplain that would raise land out of the floodplain, it looks at many things. The most important of these is whether the change to the floodplain will cause downstream flooding and danger to life or property. As part of its review, it is essential that the County consider the cumulative effects of floodplain crossings, filling, clearing, and other forms of alteration. Typical site -specific studies and models will almost always show that predicted flooding changes are minimal. However, the cumulative effects of reducing floodplains or building within them will reduce habitat, reduce floodwater storage, and increase the frequency of flooding for adjacent properties. Cumulative effects also increase the velocity of floodwaters, and have other adverse impacts that must be weighed against the gains of filling or developing the floodplain. Also, the County must remain aware that floodplains change. Most often they expand as more impacts occur upstream which sometimes occurs in adjacent localities or counties. As part of floodplain protection the County should continue to: • Manage floodplain activities through the Flood Hazard Overlay District; • Find ways to restore natural floodplain functions where they have been altered; • Encourage the planting of appropriate native vegetation as part of BMPs and in conjunction with replanting stream buffers; • Discourage requests for fill in the floodplain for new construction that results in raising land elevations above the floodplain; and • Encourage landowners to put floodplains into conservation easements that protect (or permit the restoration of) forested land cover. Strategy 7b: Continue to maintain County -owned dams. The County also owns and maintains six dams, such as the dam at Chris Greene Lake and Hollymead that are regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation Dam Safety Division. The County owns one more dam in the Key West subdivision that is too small (in height) to be regulated. Mainte- nance by the County should be continued to ensure public safety. Debris Flows Debris flows (also called mudslides, mudflows, or debris avalanches) are fast-moving landslides that occur during periods of intense rainfall. These events are infrequent; however, they can be extremely dangerous. In 1969, floods from Hurricane Camille took 150 lives in adjoining Nelson County and produced more than 3,793 debris flows. The storm also contributed to the eventual abandonment of most of the Albemarle village of Howardsville. In 1995, major rainfall occurred in adjoining Madison County and the western part of Albemarle County causing mudslides and debris flows. After the event, 61 debris flow scars were counted in Albemarle. The debris slides converged into the Moormans River to create a powerful debris torrent that scoured the valley walls, creating major scarps and depositing a delta of debris into the Sugar Hollow Reservoir. Debris hazard zones are shown on the map in Figure 10. Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 4.43 BACK TO TOP Strategy 7c: Increase awareness of areas which are prone to debris flow in the County. The first step in debris flow prevention is to map areas of susceptibility. Slopes where debris flows have occurred in the past are likely to experience them in the future, according to U.S. Geological Survey reports. After mapping, property owners should be informed that they are in an area of debris flow susceptibility so that they can take precautions. The second step is to prevent building in these areas. County regulations already require that buildings be located away from streams and rivers. Expanding those requirements to areas near intermittent stream channels and the mouths of mountain streams can help prevent debris -flow impacts. It is especially important that waivers to allow building on critical slopes not be allowed in areas where debris flows are prone to occur. This is also true for placement of roads and driveways. The best way to help avoid debris flow impacts is to avoid building in these areas and instead plant dense vegetation and maintain forest cover. Hazard Mitigation In 2012, the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) updated the Regional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (RNHMP) (last adopted in 2006). In addition to being approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the 2012 update to the Plan has been approved by Albemarle County and the other local governments that are part of the TJPDC. The purpose of the RNHMP is to prepare for natural disasters before they occur, thus reducing loss of life, property damage, and disruption of commerce. As indicated in the RNHMP, global climate change is occurring that likely will affect the incidence and severity of storms, snow, and flooding. Changes in weather patterns, including hotter summers and colder winters will potentially impact all sectors of the community. Agriculture may be affected by drought conditions. Stormwater infrastructure has the potential to become overwhelmed by unusually heavy rainfall. Severe storms can create vulnerabilities in the energy sector. These storms have the ability to threaten power supply to homes and businesses as well as to medical facilities. The County should continue to participate in regional efforts to predict changes that add to hazard vulnerability and be prepared to respond to emergencies resulting from hazards. Strategy 7d: Continue to participate in hazard mitigation planning as part of the Regional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. FEMA requires such a plan as a condition for eligibility in certain mitigation grant programs. Imple- mentation of the action items in the plan will be in effect for five years, and a Hazard Mitigation Working Group (which includes Albemarle County staff) convenes annually to assess progress toward meeting the goals of the plan. The Plan is an essential part of preparation for natural disasters and should continue to be updated and revised as goals are achieved. A copy of the 2012 Regional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan may be found in the Appendix. Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 BACK TO TOP Objective 8: Recognize changes occurring to the earth's climate to anticipate and mitigate impacts to the County. Climate change is happening and its effects are being felt throughout the world. Overall, greenhouse gas emissions have contributed to global warming, which will ultimately result in impacts to weather, energy use, forests and agriculture, and ecosystems. While it is not yet known what changes a warming climate may bring to central Virginia, there is potential for harm to human and biologic life and road and utility infrastructure. In 2010, members of the community and representatives of the County, the City, and UVA began a local planning process to find ways to lower the community's energy consumption and, thus, greenhouse gas emissions. The Committee, known as the Local Climate Action Planning Process (LCAPP) Steering Committee, recommended that the City, County, and UVA: Continue to demonstrate leadership in energy and carbon reductions at the local level; • Build on existing synergies by continued collaboration of City, County, UVA, and community partners; • Integrate the role of energy and carbon emissions in projects and planning; • Equip the community at all levels to make informed decisions about the impacts of carbon emissions and energy; and • Identify and promote actions that enable the community to reap the health, economic and environmental benefits that accompany sound energy -based decisions. The LCAPP Report, recommended to the City, County, and UVA, was approved by the County on September 7, 201 1. It can be found in the Reference Documents along with additional information on ways to deal with and adapt to future climate change. Many parts of the Comprehensive Plan address ways the County and its citizens can help modify behaviors to potentially slow down climate change. Natural resource preservation, hazard prevention, reduction in energy use, retaining tree cover, preventing soil erosion, and conservation of water are but a few ways to help. Preparation for future impacts will also be essential. Strategy 8a: Study the expected effects of climate change on Albemarle County and develop a Community Resilience Plan to prevent harm to human and biologic health. The LCAPP Report provided excellent information on ways to reduce energy consumption and particulate emissions. These activities will help the community do its part to slow and stabilize the concentration of greenhouse gases. However, tools to deal with climate change will be needed, and a Community Resilience Plan can help the community plan for potential increased demands on public health systems, public safety services, and public assistance programs for the elderly. In addition, it can help localities identify infrastructure most at risk of flood damage or other weather related change. Development of a Community Resilience Plan will need extensive public engagement and should result in identification of areas most vulnerable to change and recommendations on how to deal with that change. Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 4.45 BACK TO TOP Page intentionally left blank. Albemarle Comprehensive Plan AMENDED July 3, 2019 WEV BACK TO TOP