12 ENVIRONMENT
2030 Vision Statement
There are no ozone episodes on the hot, hazy days of summer because the air in Hampton Roads is cleaner than Federal standards. Quality rapid transit, bikeways and walkways are enjoyable alternatives to the automobile and alternatives to hydrocarbon fuels are common.
Substantial progress has been made to clean up the James River and the Chesapeake Bay, so that abundant wildlife and marine resources provide local watermen with continued employment. City residents have recreation and attractive living opportunities near the water. Stormwater retention basins surrounded by landscaped areas are peaceful havens for wildlife and provide open space parks in proximity to homes, employment and shopping. The U.S. Maritime Administration has disposed of the deteriorated vessels in the James River Reserve Fleet that contain substances hazardous to our natural environment.
Our neighborhoods are protected from the normal sounds of an active, productive, vital city through noise abatement regulations for transportation and land uses that provide an improved quality of life.
Sustainable, green building practices are common in the site development and construction of public and commercial buildings.
The Environmental Management System Program is embedded in all City operations departments, achieving the highest certification possible from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Environmental Excellence Program.