Review of Upper Swift Creek Watershed plan delayed
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Most of northwestern Chesterfield drains into the Swift Creek Reservoir. The planning commission is expected to review the Upper Swift Creek Watershed plan in February, which will determine the amount of runoff that's allowed into the reservoir. The plan is intended to protect the reservoir as a source of drinking water for county residents.

A review of the Upper Swift Creek Watershed land use plan has been delayed by the Chesterfield Planning Commission until February. CH2MHill, a county consultant, is still compiling its data for phosphorous runoff during 2005.

For 2003, the consultant predicted that the in-lake phosphorous runoff would be .036 milligrams per liter, but the actual results were slightly better at .032. A county ordinance sets the maximum standard for the Swift Creek Reservoir at .05.

"I've looked at the monitoring data for 2005, and it will be considerably less than .05," predicted Tim Hare, consultant project manager.

But he added, "There has been a gradual increase over time."

The runoff could limit the amount of development allowed in the watershed, which includes most of northwestern Chesterfield that drains to the manmade reservoir. Asked what happens if the runoff levels are approaching the .05 limit, Environmental Engineering Director Dick McElfesh said, "We'll supply the data to those who will make the decision." Some in the county believe Virginia may enact a .04 standard statewide next year, which would impact decisions on land use planning in the watershed.

After Hare's presentation to the commission on Nov. 16, Midlothian Planning Commissioner Dan Gecker questioned the results and asked to see data, rather than a summary, for himself.

More development in the watershed usually increases the runoff due to more roads, paved driveways and rooftops that reduce the amount of porous surfaces that can absorb rainfall naturally. Too much rain can also increase the runoff. In 2003, Chesterfield received 61.6 inches of rain, about 20 inches more than normal, making it difficult for the soil to absorb the rainfall.

Runoff may also increase in the summer when much of the county rainfall occurs during thunderstorms. Hurricanes, like Isabel in September 2003, also increase runoff.

Too many comprehensive plans

Assistant Planning Director Glenn Larson recommended that the planning department not undertake any more comprehensive plan reviews during FY08 (starting in July) due to limited staffing. Currently, 12 plans are under review.

The Midlothian Village plan is not being reviewed because the Village of Midlothian Volunteer Coalition has not yet raised $50,000 to share in the expense. Gecker said he wants that plan "kept on track."

The North Courthouse Road plan is scheduled to come to the commission for action in January. That plan has been delayed numerous times because of the gradual shift from residential to commercial along the divided highway. Many residents oppose changes in zoning, particularly toward retail uses.

Fees may rise

Planning Director Kirk Turner said fees charged by the planning department may increase. Those fee recommendations will be presented to the commission next month.

Violations at Sunrise Apartments

The prospective new owner of the Sunrise apartment complex off Midlothian Turnpike has notified the planning department that what was built over 30 years ago doesn't comply with county codes. Due to the cost of bringing the complex into compliance, the county will hold a public hearing in January to give county residents the opportunity to voice support or opposition for allowing the complex to operate unchanged. As constructed, the complex's setbacks and number of parking spaces violate county codes.

Matoaca Planning Commissioner Wayne Bass shook his head, saying, "We screwed up [back then by not catching the violations] and now we're going to change the rules so there aren't any violations."