Virginia Law

A. Each local government within the regional planning area shall provide information documenting existing geologic, hydrologic, and meteorological conditions to assist in the development of the regional water supply plan. A regional water supply plan shall include a description of existing geologic, hydrologic, and meteorological conditions within the planning area, and in proximity to the point of withdrawal if it is outside the planning area.

B. A regional water supply plan shall include a description of existing environmental conditions that pertain to or may affect in-stream flow, in-stream uses, and sources that provide the current supply. This description of conditions may be provided in a distinct section of the plan document or as a part of the existing water sources information required pursuant to 9VAC25-780-70. This information may be derived from existing, readily available sources of information, and information provided by the department. Additional studies shall not be required. The description of conditions shall include the following items, as they are applicable:

1. State or federal listed threatened or endangered species or habitats of concern;

2. Anadromous, trout, and other significant fisheries;

3. River segments that have recreational significance, including state scenic river status;

4. Sites of historic or archaeological significance;

5. Unusual geologic formations or special soil types;

6. Wetlands;

7. Riparian buffers and conservation easements;

8. Land use and land coverage, including items such as percentage of impervious cover within a watershed and areas where new development may impact water quality of the source;

9. The presence of impaired streams and the type of impairment;

10. The location of point source discharges; and

11. Water availability based on in-stream flow necessary to support fish and wildlife resources and habitat.