Environment

The environmental program of the TJPDC focuses primarily on regional issues, which have included sustainability, water resources, and solid waste. Much work has centered on the Rivanna River watershed, which comprises major portions of four of the PDC's six localities and is 95% contained within the planning district. This work began with and has built upon the TJPDC-sponsored Rivanna River Basin Roundtable and their seminal State of the Basin: 1998 report. Assistance with environmental planning for our localities is also offered and has resulted in such products as the Nelson County Wellhead Protection and Water Resources in Fluvanna County reports.

The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission has submitted the Regional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan to FEMA, the plan includes mitigation actions to reduce the loss of life and property from natural disasters in our region. For example, Hurricane Isabel caused $257 million of damage in Virginia last September. Over half of all businesses that close due to a natural disaster never reopen. more >>

The 2004 Update of the Regional Solid Waste Management Plan has been adopted and is available. It includes a description of existing and projected population, facilities, and a plan for management of the solid waste generated by the population and industrial and commercial activities of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District. The plan details proposed systems for recycling, reuse, collection, disposal and treatment of a large variety of wastes, and establishes general goals and policies. more >>

Rue Gives Lecture For Environment Virginia at VMI

TJPDC's executive director Harrison Rue gave the Plenary Address at the Environment Virginia Conference in Lexington, on "Regional Planning Linking Land Use, Transportation, Economy, and Environment." The event took place on March 30 - April 1, 2004 at the Virginia Military Institute. Watch the PowerPoint presentation Rue gave during his lecture.

Harrison Rue has been appointed to serve as a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT). Rue, Executive Director of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, will serve a two-year term effective immediately. more >>