Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act/Areas

Resource Protection Areas

Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas are composed of Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) and Resource Management Areas (RMA's). The RPA consists of perennial streams, tidal shores, tidal wetlands and certain non-tidal wetlands and the required 100-foot buffer.

The RMA is contiguous to and extends 500-feet landward of the RPA. Development in the RMA is less restricted; however, water quality measures may be necessary. The RPA buffer is intended to be left in its natural state with all development occurring in the RMA. York County staff and the Chesapeake Bay Board may grant exceptions to allow development in the RPA under certain conditions.

Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department (CBLAD)

CBLAD is the state department that is a part of the overall program established to eliminate pollution and protect the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.  Contamination of local waterways can occur in various ways, including failing septic tanks, illicit discharge, and waste disposed of in storm sewer systems.  These contaminates are then transported to the Bay through stormwater run-off and ground water movement.  The DPW Stormwater Division manages the local program designed to eliminate this contamination.

Septic tanks/pump chambers must be inspected at least once every five years.  Receipts for this action should be sent to 757-890-3759 (fax), emailed to septic@yorkcounty.gov, or mailed to:

York County Department of Public Works
Septic Tank Pump-Out
P.O. Box 532
Yorktown, Virginia 23690

For more information, please call DPW at 757-890-3750.

Please enjoy our award-winning video, "Vegetated Buffers: Protecting a Vital Resource," which serves as a great learning tool providing valuable information on the steps that can be taken to protect the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding lands and tributaries.