(RICHMOND, VA)—Last week, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a second notice of violation to Virginia True Corporation, the Fones Cliffs developer. The first violation notice from DEQ, dated February 15, came after developers illegally cleared 13.5 acres of forest last fall. Since then developers have not taken required steps to address the damage, which led to the second violation notice on April 4. In light of the second notice, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Director Rebecca Tomazin released the following statement.
"The developer's failure to take required protective measures during construction activities would be dismaying anywhere. But at Fones Cliffs, a site of immense environmental and historical significance, the developer's continuing errors are outrageous.
"This project has gotten off to a terrible start after false promises from the developer to protect the environment. Fortunately, DEQ is taking enforcement action. We urge DEQ to impose stiff penalties that will deter future violations at Fones Cliffs."
