Bull Run Watershed Exploration

Is mitigation a myth or miracle?      This week I wanted to research and discuss Mitigation as a tool for reducing the impact of development on water resources. Wetlands and streams are important parts of the watershed system. Yet, developmental needs can conflict with these resources, and when this occurs developers must find a way to meet their needs with the least impact to wetlands and streams. WHAT IS WETLAND MITIGATION?  Summary:       Wetland mitigation/compensatory mitigation is the reducing or negating the impact or destruction of aquatic and wetland systems through the creation new systems, enrichment of current systems, or restoration of previously impacted systems.  Wetland Mitigation: Clean Water Act       Mitigation is encompassed under section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) compensatory mitigation. The act is an important part of the United States's protection of Waters of the United States (WOUS).  Like many environmental law the CWA is administra

LEEDing The Way to Sustainability  The Developing Development Problem      Northern Virginia (NOVA) is subgroup of counties in Virginia that includes Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun Counties, and are often considered part of the Washington District of Colombia's metropolitan surroundings. These three counties along with a handful of cities such as Manassas, Reston, Arlington, and Alexandria account for roughly a half of Virginia's 8 million people according to the 2010 census. The areas population has increased since 2010 and the need to house and accommodate the the rising population has resulted in increased development in all counties and cities. The area surrounding Bull Run has experienced large growth with current estimates indicating a 15.9% increase in county population and a 16.5% and a 9.5% increase in Manassas city park, and Manassas city respectively. The primary problem with the large and rapid population growth is the dramatic loss of green spaces and p