Loudoun County has been studying alternatives for the future of Route 15, and while they’ve said they want to preserve the historic and rural character of the road, new county documents show their intent is a four-lane divided expressway, which would attract more traffic.
Gem Bingol
Gem Bingol is a field representative for The Piedmont Environmental Council, focused on land use in Clarke & Loudoun counties. Contact Gem Bingol>>
Loudoun Plans for More Scattered Development
The Loudoun County Comprehensive plan is being revised through a process called Envision Loudoun. It is a particularly important policy framework for a county like Loudoun, which is consistently one of the fastest growing jurisdictions in the U.S…Unfortunately, upon reading the released draft, I don’t believe it represents the majority of Loudoun resident’s values and interests expressed in the Envision Loudoun public input phase.
Floating Island Installation at Broadlands
Working together for cleaner water. Volunteers planted three floating islands that will filter nutrient runoff from a Broadlands stormwater pond. Loudoun County Government stormwater staff launched the islands with weights and needed protection from geese until the plants mature. The protection and weights will then be removed.
The Piedmont Environmental Council collaborated with Broadlands Naturally (through the habitat committee of the Broadlands HOA) and Loudoun County, supported by grants from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Fairfax Water. Thanks to all who made it possible!
School Location Matters
Building a new school, like any major construction project, requires a lot of thought and planning. And with that planning comes the need to address the concerns citizens in the nearby area might have about its impacts — traffic, noise and lights, just to name a few. Which is why it's concerning to hear that Loudoun County is considering changes to the Zoning Ordinance that would allow public schools to be built 'By-Right', pretty much anywhere — removing the public's ability to give input. This text was taken from an email alert sent out on May 21st, 2013:
We Drink This Stuff
Loudoun, like all counties in our area, is considering ways to reduce the pollutants flowing into local streams and creeks, including sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, among others.
What is the Connection Between My Home and My Drinking Water?
Although your property may not have a stream or pond on it, all land is a part of a watershed and has some effect on the condition of waterways. Land and water are intricately connected by the natural water cycle.
Goose Creek Watershed Study
In early 2002, the Center for Watershed Protection, Goose Creek Association and the Piedmont Environmental Council embarked on a three-phase project to study the Goose Creek Watershed.
Limestone Geology and Sinkholes
Limestone geology, also known as Karst, is quite prevalent in the eastern United States. Limestone often dissolves in water, creating voids where groundwater flows like an underground river –gnawing away rock over the eons.
The natural wearing away of limestone over the millenia creates fantastic caves, unique ecosystems and touristic wonders (think Luray Caverns). However, in developed areas, human activities and new development can accelerate the natural pace of erosion–causing sinkholes, threatening buildings and roads, and contaminating groundwater.
The High Cost of Unfocused Development
Loudoun’s 2011 Debt Obligation Tops $175 million
Years of unsustainable land use decisions have left Loudoun with substantial debt. In the next fiscal year alone, Loudoun has a debt obligation of $175.5 million (which equates to 24.2 cents of the tax rate). This astounding figure is expected to peak at roughly $240 million in 2015.