Virginia Offshore Pipeline Plan Rejected

State lawmakers in Virginia recently rejected plans proposed by the city of Virginia Beach, Va., for building a $15-million, 940-ft pipe that would carry contaminated storm water from residential areas to the open ocean.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission has approved three other offshore pipelines in the past, and approved this one with a unanimous vote. Members requested, however, that the pipe extend at least 2,000 ft from shore to minimize potential human contact.

City staff will now go back to the drawing board and determine whether doubling the length of the proposed pipeline, an idea proposed in light of increasing beach contamination and closures, is affordable and feasible, according to Virginia Beach Chief Coastal Engineer Phil Roehrs.

"Taking massive amounts of runoff and thrusting them into the ocean is simply not a good idea," said Kevin Martingayle, an attorney and resident of the portion of Virginia Beach under which the proposed storm system would be centered.

"I think we're doing everything practicable to deal with this issue while also protecting our taxpayers' interests," Roehrs said.

Source: Newport News