Accotink Creek Tag

Fairfax County Sues EPA in Challenging Stormwater Rule

As Virginia's most populous county and the second highest population density, Fairfax County is regularly looked to for the way that it manages growth while using its significant resources to manage and protect the environment. Last week, the County found it necessary to challenge an EPA ruling which recently established rules governing Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) limits for Accotink Creek.  The County argues that proposed TMDL limits cannot ensure that intended stormwater flow reductions will be achieved across the Accotink Creek watershed. Fairfax County, which by many accounts has demonstrated an exceptionally strong environmental commitment, is one of several localities who find themselves under EPA's scrutiny. “This is a new type of stormwater enforcement action,” says James Patteson, director of Public Works and Environmental Services. “While we are not sure why we and a handful of localities in the country were selected, we feel an obligation to other municipalities, businesses and entities...