The James City County Stormwater Division has posted watershed quality reports for eight of 11 county watersheds and annual water quality reports are available as well. A household chemical collection takes place today. The county is offering a free first-time homebuyer’s class. Volunteers are needed for a community clean up April 20. Read on for more!
Watershed Quality Reports
The James City County Stormwater Division has conducted field surveys through work with voulnteers since 2007 to determine the quality of area streams and to understand how pollution affects the watershed.
The reports are available online for eight of 11 James City County watersheds:
- College Creek
- Diascund Creek
- Gordon Creek
- Mill Creek
- Powhatan Creek
- Skiffes Creek
- Ware Creek
- Yarmouth Creek
Lower county areas tend to have poor drainage, hard clay soil and stormwater infrastructure. Upper county watersheds have better drainage but have erosion issues.
Each watershed is listed on the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s 2012 polluted water list for different pollutants. The Virginia Department of Health puts advisories into effect when there are waterway impairments; the advisories affect swimming, fishing and shellfish harvesting.
Volunteers, or Bug Hunters, assisted staff in analyzing populations of macro-invertebrate –bottom-dwelling insects. Insects indicate water quality because different insects can withstand different levels of water pollution.
Monthly bacteria monitoring will continue, as will bi-annual monitoring for macro invertebrates.
Household Chemical Collection
The next household chemical collection will take place between 8 a.m. and noon today at Lafayette High School at 4460 Longhill Road.
Accepted materials include paints, solvents, glue, gasoline, oil, pesticides, fertilizers, cleaning products, rechargeable batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and more.
Unacceptable items include business or medical waste, explosives, radioactive products, ammunition, gun powder and household trash.
For a full list of accepted and unaccepted items, visit the county website.
JCC Offers First time Homebuyers Class
The James City County Office of Housing and Community Development is offering a First-Time Homebuyer class from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
People who are currently purchasing a home or are considering a purchase in the future could benefit from the class, which covers personal finances, credit stores, applying for a loan, choosing the right home and what happens at loan closing.
Some applicants are required to complete a homebuyer class prior to loan approval. Participants who attend both sessions will receive a completion certificate.
Space is limited; call 757-259-5340 to register. The class will be held in the Community Room at the Law Enforcement Center at 4600 Opportunity Way.
Community Cleanup
Volunteers are needed to help cleanup roadway ditches that empty into Powhatan Creek at the 2nd annual James RiverFest.
The cleanup will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. April 20. Volunteers will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Eco Discovery Park parking lot at 2054 Jamestown Road. Sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty should be worn. Supplies for cleanup will be provided.
Volunteers from James City County, the James River Association and Eco Discovery Park will also participate in the cleanup effort.
Volunteers will be recognized at the awards ceremony at noon.
Pre-registration is required by contacting Amber Ellis by emailing volunteer@jrava.org. -For more information, call 757-229-5375.
JCSA Annual Water Quality Reports
The 2012 annual water quality reports from the James City Service Authority are now available on the county website. The seven reports contain information about the source and quality of drinking water from the Central Water System, as well as six independent systems in Glenwood Acres, King’s Village, Racefield, The Retreat, Riverview Plantation and Ware Creek Manor.
The reports must be available to customers by July 1 under Environmental Protection Agency approval. JCSA water customers will receive notification about the online availability of reports by bill messages, email, social media, the county’s electronic newsletter e-FYI and through JCC TV.
Electronic delivery rather than mass mailing saves approximately $8,500. Customers can request a paper copy by emailing jcsa@jamescitycountyva.gov or by calling 757-253-6859.