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.

Green Infrastructure Study Released

Green infrastructure is an interconnected network of green spaces that conserves natural ecosystem values and functions and provides associated benefits to human populations. Typically, a green infrastructure network consists of large habitat areas linked together by corridors, also known as greenways. The benefits include enhanced quality of life for residents, economic development and increased property values, maintenance of water quality and quantity, and protection of wildlife habitat.

The Green Infrastructure Study, funded through the Virginia Department of Forestry, and produced by the TJPDC is now complete. The purpose of the study was to define green infrastructure, identify areas particularly suitable for green infrastructure within the planning district, and provide a list of potential implementation measures. The full plan is available here.

The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission 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. 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 >>