A state panel adopted regulations today that make Virginia's storm-water controls tougher -- but not as tough as envisioned two months ago.
The Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board adopted the rules 9-0 during a meeting at the Sheraton Richmond West Hotel, 6624 W. Broad St.
The rules are designed to reduce pollution that runs off of subdivisions, offices, shopping centers and other new developments long after they are built.
Environmentalists generally supported today's action. The reaction was mixed among business groups, with the strongest opposition coming from the Home Builders Association of Virginia. The panel's action today relaxed rules the board adopted Oct. 5.
The board relaxed the rules today because new federal information indicates less phophorus, a key Chesapeake Bay pollutant, is flowing from Virginia than previously estimated.
Still, the relaxed rules are more stringent than the 20-year-old regulations they are replacing, state officials said.
-- Rex Springston
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