RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today congratulated Orbital Sciences Corporation for the successful first launch of its new Antares medium-class launch vehicle from the recently completed Pad 0A at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) on Wallops Island. Pad 0A was developed in partnership with Orbital to support eight resupply missions to the International Space Station, expected to begin later this year.

Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

VIMS and University of Maryland researchers have determined the presence of oyster reefs removes ten times the nitrogen than areas without the reefs. Oysters and mussels are found to convert reactive nitrogen into its pure gaseous form that has almost no contribution to algae blooms that create dead zones in the Bay. The researchers found 47% of the nitrogen conversion is placed into the shells of the animals and that this almost permanantly removes the nitrogen especially if the shells are buried. VIMS calls this process the holy grail of restoration science and has produced an article on the study. For complete details, please read the study.

Nine projects are identified in Accomack County although many like the new Chincoteague Bridge are underway or already complete. A $15,312,000 improvement to Route 709 (Horntown Road) and a $7,808,000 reconstruction of Route 609 (Church Road) are scheduled for construction in fiscal year 2014. No projects were identified in Northampton County.

Ms. Deborah Christie has been appointed by the Governor to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel Commission. She currently is Executive Director of the Wallops Research Park and resides in Onancock.

The City of Riviera Beach, Florida sought to redevelop it’s marina but Mr. Lozman, a resident of a floating home in the city’s marina, challenged the redevelopment plan (Lozman v. City of Riviera Beach, Florida). The city first tried to evict Mr. Lozman for claims that he had municipal ordinance violations such as failing to muzzle his dog. When this effort failed, the city changed marina rules and dockage agreements in June of 2007. Mr. Lozman said he did not receive notice until March 2009 that he needed to be in compliance by April 1st or his dockage agreement would be terminated.

The 2013 session of the General Assembly has consolidated many of the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) programs into the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). DEQ’s State Water Control Board is now responsible for oversight over water quality planning, and regulating stormwater management and erosion and sediment control. The former Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Board (CBLAD) functions, merged with DCR several years ago, are now moving again this time to DEQ. The State Water Control Board will also gain those authorities.

The following three groundwater withdrawal permits are out for public comment. Please refer to each to determine how to comment and view materials on the withdrawal details.

Trails End Utility Company, Inc. Comment period ends May 20, 2013.
Bayshore Concrete Products Corporation. Comment period ends May 20, 2013.
Hermitage Farms Nursery. Comment period ends May 27, 2013.

Pete Terry of H.M. Terry Company, Inc has been awarded Virginia Family-Owned Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. They along with other outstanding businesses will be honored at the Virginia Small Business Week Awards luncheon in Richmond on June 24.