§ 3. Objectives.

This ordinance is intended to protect, enhance and restore the quality of waters within the Southern Rivers Watershed of the city. In order to protect, maintain, and enhance both the immediate and the long-term health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Virginia Beach, this ordinance has the following objectives:

(a)

To encourage productive and enjoyable harmony among agricultural, recreational, developmental and conservation interests, and the natural resources of the city;

(b)

To enhance, restore and protect the chemical, physical and biological integrity of waters within the Southern Rivers Watershed;

(c)

To encourage the construction of drainage systems which maintain or functionally approximate existing natural systems and to prevent the alteration of existing drainage systems where such activities may adversely affect water quality or natural heritage resources;

(d)

To encourage the protection of watercourses and the use of them in ways which do not impair their beneficial functioning;

(e)

To minimize or reduce the transport of pollutants to the waters of the Southern Rivers Watershed;

(f)

To protect groundwater;

(g)

To minimize or reduce erosion and sedimentation;

(h)

To prevent damage to wetlands and critical-edge habitat;

(i)

To prevent damage from flooding, while recognizing that natural fluctuations in water levels are beneficial;

(j)

To protect, restore and maintain plant and animal, including fish, communities in the Southern Rivers Watershed;

(k)

To improve drainage systems in a manner which promotes bank stabilization, utilizing both structural and nonstructural methods; and

(l)

To sustain and accelerate accomplishments in protecting water quality by continuing education, community involvement and incentives as appropriate.

(Ord. No. 2562, 9-14-99; Ord. No. 3370, 9-16-14)

(Ord. No. 2562, 9-14-99; Ord. No. 3370, 9-16-14)