Interactive water quality map for beaches

Thanks to CBF for the tip about this site.

Maps at NRDC website.

In the early 2000s, Virginia expanded the beach monitoring program to include all major beaches in the state. The VDH recognizes that contamination of beachwater due to sanitary sewer overflows, breaks in pipes, boat discharges, stormwater runoff, and wildlife poses a risk to human health. The goal of the program is to inform the public and protect recreational swimmers from contaminated water.

Screenshot of interactive map

Screenshot of interactive map

Emphasis ours.

Arson investigation in Cape Story

From Cape Story Neighborhood Watch:

The following was received from a resident on Tuesday, June 25:
“Today upon arriving home at (2200 block of) Beech St. I found an American Flag on a pole that had been burned and tossed into my front yard. After I regained my composure I made a police report and an arson report. The fire investigator is Robert F.Putz and his office no. is 385-4228. He has the flag and you are encouraged to call him with any info or to possibly retrieve your flag. No clue who or why.”

Please remember to call 911 if you see a crime in action and call 385-5000, option 1, to report crimes after they have occurred or to report any suspicious activity. Also, please call or email the NW Coordinator so crime reports and suspicious activities can be shared with all of our residents.

Regina W.
Neighborhood Watch Coordinator
Cape Story by the Sea

20130627-141740.jpg

Get the Scoop on CBF’s Brock Environmental Center. Come out for ice cream and information on construction of Brock Environmental Center at Pleasure House Point.

Tuesday, July 16, 6 p.m. Ocean Park Rescue Squad 3769 E. Stratford Rd.

Download 2 page PDF about presentation PHP Open House Flyer

See ya there!

See ya Tuesday July 16th!

See ya Tuesday July 16th!

ATTEND OUR MEETING MONDAY! “Come hear the City’s interim plan to fix stormwater problems for areas east of the Lesner Bridge. There will also be an $80+ million project that could impact homes and businesses. You will definitely want to attend and learn the study details.”

Meeting at:

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad

STARTS 730pm

VIEW MEETING AGENDA at SDCC.info

Dave L. Hansen – Deputy City Manager will be making the presentation.

As article below mentions, City Council will be voting on the recommendations in August 2013.

They plan to present the idea to the Shore Drive Community Coalition on Monday before taking it to the council in August, Hansen said…But [Todd Solomon] said the city should explore some less-expensive solutions, such as using inflatable pipe plugs to prevent tidal flooding, like the one installed in Ocean Park before Hurricane Sandy.” at SDCC.info

They plan to present the idea to the Shore Drive Community Coalition on Monday before taking it to the council in August, Hansen said…But [Todd Solomon] said the city should explore some less-expensive solutions, such as using inflatable pipe plugs to prevent tidal flooding, like the one installed in Ocean Park before Hurricane Sandy.”

Read entire article at Pilotonline.com:

Solomon, who lives on First Landing Lane in Cape Story, said he thinks it is. He estimates 130 homes could benefit from the interim project, especially in clearing roads for access by emergency vehicles.

But he said the city should explore some less-expensive solutions, such as using inflatable pipe plugs to prevent tidal flooding, like the one installed in Ocean Park before Hurricane Sandy.

3 Comments at article:

As a long time resident of Lynnhaven Colony who is blessed to live on higher ground, I have witnessed my neighbors deal with the annual flooding along Lynnhaven Drive and Cape Henry Drive. These are not high end residences in most cases but one story brick homes built as Virginia Beach developed into a City many years ago. Many of the residents in the flood zone, are older or retired and are unable to simply pick up and move as one poster suggests. Mr. Hanson and his team met with the Civic League some years back and throughly explained the proablem facing residents when double nor’easters back up the tides in Broad Bay causing the flooding in LC and other neighborhoods. These are taxpayers and something needs to be done to help them.

A great deal of the issue is rainwater, but a floodgate would be a huge help in my mind, and it would seem easier. Especially since Lesner is way overdue on replacement anyway

Let them all move. They live/moved there for proximity to water views and waterfront property and now they have it. The bay was there first. The City should NOT spend once cent on helping those who made poor choices in where to live.

Map Credit: Pilotonline.com

Map Credit: Pilotonline.com

Previously at SDCC.info:

    Catastrophic storm plug for Crab Creek outfall prevented widespread tidal flooding in Ocean Park.
    Flooding in Cape Story caused by backflow through First Landing outfalls
    SDCC.info/HOT.

City Engineers Present “Eastern Shore Dr. Interim Drainage Improvement Proposal”

On Thursday June 20th at the Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC), City Engineers presented the “Eastern Shore Drive Interim Drainage Improvement Proposal”.  This proposal was the result of an engineering study performed by City engineers and engineering consultant Kimley-Horn.  The study was performed as part of the community’s on going request (since 2009) to fix tidal flooding issues in neighborhoods east of the Lesner Bridge.  The presentation, studies and recommendations can be found on the City’s Public Works website.  Click here to access

The City’s Engineering results on interim flooding fixes has been summarized on Slide 33 of their presentation shown below.  This presentaiton will be made to City Council at which point they will decide whether to fund the interim projects.  Please note that the housing and garage impacts are based on a 4.0 foot tide occurence.

Return On Investment

  • Total Cost of Interim Improvements: $1.2 M
  • Benefit is some reduction in flooding frequency for:

– 5 houses

– 15 Garages

– 570 L.F. of Street

  • Comprehensive improvements are budgeted and initial phases could begin in 2016
  • A decision on whether to fund the Interim Improvements is needed

 

Virginia Natural Gas replacing main line at Lesner

Update:
Tunnel for pipe already dug.
Pipe on west side pulled, most likely this Saturday morning. Then attached on east side.

No delays for boaters during work.
Thanks for question Rick!

+++

They’ll be welding new main line and burying it under inlet to replace aged line exposed on the bridge.

They’ll be pulling it underground from old Duck In side – the east side.

Photos of equipment & work on west side.

20130620-103531.jpg

20130620-103548.jpg

“Police are asking for help to find the driver in a hit-and-run crash that killed a bicyclist in Ocean View.”

Tragic.

Coverage at Pilotonline.com.

Police were looking for a small, red sedan with extensive front-end damage.

Coverage at WVEC including video.

Coverage at WTKR.

If you have seen the vehicle, you are asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

This is a reminder to share Shore Drive safely, cycle, walk and drive carefully and stay focused on the road – particularly as we begin our busy, bustling summer season.

Please share Shore Drive safely!

Please share Shore Drive safely!

SDCC General Meeting Notice and Agenda – Monday June 24th at 7:30pm

Come hear the City’s interim plan to fix stormwater problems for areas east of the Lesner Bridge.  There will also be an $80+ million project that could impact homes and businesses.  You will definitely want to attend and learn the study details.

For a printable version of the agenda, click here SDCC Agenda June 2013 (1)

Shore Drive Community Coalition

Monday 24 June 2013

SDCC General Meeting

SDCC General Meeting- Monday, 24 JUNE- 7:30- 8:30

 Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Station- (Intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford Rd.)

 

Call to Order 

Meeting topic: Storm Drainage Improvements for East Shore Drive – Deputy City Manager Dave Hansen and City Public Works Engineers 

Officer’s Reports: 

          President’s Report                  David Williams

          Vice President’s Report                    Rick Mercadante

          Secretary’s Report                  Todd Solomon- May Minutes

          Treasurer’s Report                 Ann Williams (Acting Treasurer)

 

Old Business

New Business

Adjourn

 NEXT SDCC Meeting- Monday JULY 29, 2013

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Center

FIREWORKS ON THE CHESAPEAKE BAY ARE THE BESTEST! HELP US PUT ON A GREAT SHOW!

VISIT OCEAN PARK CIVIC LEAGUE WEBSITE TO DONATE AND LEARN MORE!

The goal, for a major fireworks show on the 4th of July, 2013 is $16,000. The last two shows were spectacular and were enjoyed by some of the largest crowds ever assembled on our beach.

VISIT CAPE STORY BY THE SEA WEBSITE TO DONATE AND LEARN MORE!

This year’s fireworks show will be presented by the local Virginia Beach company, VA Pyro. The display will consist of 625 shells and will be launched around 9:20 pm on Thursday July 4th from the beach at First Landing State park.

THAT’S RIGHT FOLKS, SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE LESNER BRIDGE!

JOIN US IN SAFELY CELEBRATING THE 4TH!

Note: Sorry for SCREAMING but the Fireworks on Shore Drive are THE BEST!

Bayfront Advisory Committee to Meet June 20

View Press Release about Meeting held at Resort & Conference Center June 20 from 330p-530p.

You can also view the Bayfront Advisory Committee’s newsletter here with this and more information –  VisionNewsletter 3.6

A study to address flooding and storm water issues in the Bayfront by the Department Of Public Works is near completion. The results of the study and a plan of action will be presented at the June 20th meeting of the Bayfront Advisory Committee. The public meeting will be held at Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference at 3:30 pm.

Everyone is invited to attend.

Emphasis ours.

Learn about flooding & storm surge issues and more at SDCC.info/HOT.

Photo Credit:  Friends of Lynnhaven Colony in Facebook. Starfish & Cape Henry. Photo taken ~1130 Monday during Super Storm Sandy Oct 2012.

Photo Credit: Friends of Lynnhaven Colony in Facebook. Starfish & Cape Henry. Photo taken ~1130 Monday during Super Storm Sandy Oct 2012.

“Local gourmet food chain Taste Unlimited could begin construction by the end of the summer on a new shop and restaurant at its Shore Drive location…”

Read the entire article at Pilotonline.com:

You can also view the Conditional Use Permit that was reviewed by the Planning Commission by clicking here.  This is a large file and may take a minute or two to download based on your internet connection. – Taste Unlimited CUP

The business is currently a tenant but plans to purchase the property on which it sits from Bayville Farm Associates LLC. Taste Unlimited has had its Bayside shop since 1983, and President Jon Pruden said the building has reached the end of its life.

Photo Credit: TasteUnlimited.com

Photo Credit: TasteUnlimited.com

“Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Department is working with Lynnhaven River Now on ways to protect the diamondback’s nesting habitat from human and dog traffic at Pleasure House Point.” Links to more info, & video of a Diamondback laying her eggs.

Read Mary Reid Barrow’s article at Pilotonline.com:

Only folks who have natural shorelines or natural areas like Pleasure House Point still provide nurseries for these turtles.

Yet another reason why it is vital to always, always keep your dog on a leash so they do not disturb these precious creatures whilst nesting this summer on Pleasure House Point.

Please help protect the Diamondback Terrapins currently nesting on PHP!

From LRNow Field Guide on the Diamondback Terrapin

From LRNow Field Guide on the Diamondback Terrapin

Learn more at LRNow.org about how, with your help, they’re working to protect the Diamondback Terrapin and it’s vital nesting habitat at Pleasure House Point:

Lynnhaven River Now is happy to be working with the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Department on ways to protect the diamondback terrapin’s nesting habitat from human and dog traffic at Pleasure House Point.

Visit this link to download the 2 page Diamondback Terrapin Field Guide PDF at LRNow.org.

Visit this Google map of Pleasure House Point, where folks can leave the location, date, time and details of any sightings.

MORE HELPFUL LINKS

  • Learn more at VIMS.
  • Make Your Own BRDs link at VIMS.
  • Visit the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group.
  • Visit Chesapeake Bay Program Diamondback Terrapin page.
  • Terrapin Conservation at the Wetlands Institute
  • Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
  • “A September 2011 survey of Pleasure House Point found at total of 113 diamondback terrapin nests along the entire property.” So CBF is protecting them.
  • Photo credit: Kevin Dubois

    Photo credit: Kevin Dubois


    Photo Credit: Kevin Dubois

    Photo Credit: Kevin Dubois

    Photo Credit: Leah Graham.  Terrapin Hatchling on the Poplar Island Environmental Restoration Project, Talbot County, MD

    Photo Credit: Leah Graham.
    Terrapin Hatchling on the Poplar Island Environmental Restoration Project, Talbot County, MD


    You can obviously see how vulnerable a Diamondback Terrapin hatch-ling is!
    PLEASE LEASH YOUR DOG!

    WATCH A DIAMONDBACK HATCH HER EGGS

    A Diamondback Terrapin nest was on the cover of SDCC's final legal argument v. Indigo Dunes

    SDCC’s final legal argument v. Indigo Dunes


    A photo of a Diamondback Terrapin nest was on the cover of SDCC’s final legal argument v. Indigo Dunes.

    This document included hundreds of pages of our legal argument, graphs, charts, photos and more which helped stop Indigo Dunes from receiving any permits eventually leading to PHP’s permanent preservation as a Natural Area.

    Interestingly, this Diamondback Terrapin nest was located where one of the proposed 11 story towers for Indigo Dunes were to go.

    “The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health has lifted a swimming and wading advisory that was issued for the Chesapeake Bay from Starfish Road to Rockbridge Road. Lab results showed bacteria levels in the water meet the State Water Quality Standards.”

    Read entire News Release at VBGov.com:

    Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria using indicator organisms such as enterococci, the indicator of choice for estuarine and marine waters. Enterococci are a group of organisms used to determine the extent of fecal contamination of recreational waters.

    Learn more about Enterococci at EPA.gov:

    Enterococci are a subgroup within the fecal streptococcus group. Enterococci are distinguished by their ability to survive in salt water, and in this respect they more closely mimic many pathogens than do the other indicators. Enterococci are typically more human-specific than the larger fecal streptococcus group. EPA recommends enterococci as the best indicator of health risk in salt water used for recreation and as a useful indicator in fresh water as well.

    Human Gut Microbe (Enterococcus faecalis)

    Human Gut Microbe (Enterococcus faecalis)

    “The city’s Department of Public Health has issued a swimming and wading advisory for the Chesapeake Bay between Starfish Road and Rockbridge Road.”

    Read entire article at Pilotonline.com.

    20130612-182040.jpg

    “The new meters at the Oceanfront accept coins, credit cards and payments by Parkmobile, according to a city release.”

    Read the Pilotonline.com article about the new phone apps accepted for parking at the OceanFront.

    Parkmobile.com and Parkme.com mentioned in article and the Resort Area Parking at VBGov.com and the Directions and travel support page at the Official Virginia Beach Tourism website.

    Screen shot of resort parking interactive map.

    Screen shot of resort parking interactive map.

    “A September 2011 survey of Pleasure House Point found at total of 113 diamondback terrapin nests along the entire property.” So CBF is protecting them.

    From CBF Blog:

    With construction of CBF’s Brock Environmental Center set to begin this summer, it was important to put the barrier in place prior to the nesting season in order to allow the terrapins to find another location at Pleasure House Point that will not be disturbed by future construction activities.

    Please do not disturb the terrapins if you see them and leash your dog!

    20130606-165236.jpgPhoto Credit: Mary Reid Barrow

    20130606-165337.jpgPhoto Credit: Tim Solanic

    20130606-165452.jpgPhoto Credit: Tim Solanic

    Incident Involving Young Child

    From Cape Story Neighborhood Watch:

    An incident occurred this afternoon around 3:00 on Wake Forest St. that needs to be shared. A young boy had gotten off the school bus at the bike path. As he was walking towards his home, a grey car slowed down beside him and a young female in the passenger seat stuck her arm out the window and offered him something (he thought she said “candy”). He ignored her and continued walking to his home and arrived safely. He told his mother it was a car (not a SUV or truck) and the woman looked “nice” but he couldn’t see who was driving. The car was travelling towards Shore Drive. The police have been notified.

    Needless to say, this could have been very serious so please remind your children to always be aware and not to talk to strangers.

    Please remember to call 911 if you see a crime in action and call 385-5000, option 1, to report crimes after they have occurred or to report any suspicious activity. Also, please call or email the NW Coordinator so crime reports and suspicious activities can be shared with all of our residents.