
WILLIS WHARF, Va. (AP) Virginia is adopting a new wastewater-disposal regulation to protect clam and oyster production in the waters off the Eastern Shore.
Gov. Timothy Kaine said Wednesday the regulation approved by the State Water Control Board requires that businesses and localities analyze alternatives to new or increased wastewater discharges that would result in the condemnation of the water for shellfish harvesting.
Such an analysis will determine whether a wastewater-discharge method would prevent pollutants from entering seaside waters, as well as whether the method is cost-effective. This process is aimed at reducing condemnations, in which the waters' shellfish are declared unfit for market because of potential bacterial contamination.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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