EPA review of Virginia Final Phase II WIP finds progress, but still work to be done.

On May 30, 2012, the EPA forwarded its Evaluation of Virginia’s Final Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan and 2012-2013 Milestone to Douglas Domenech, Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia. In its evaluation, the EPA recognized the state’s efforts in reducing pollution and moving forward with Phase I WIP commitments, but found that key areas still need to be addressed. In particular, the EPA found that the Final Phase II WIP does not include specific local plans or provide clear local area targets to help localities understand their role within the statewide WIP strategies. The “menu” of local strategies submitted by the state in its final form was not enough.