The Status of Stream Assessment Protocols Last December the US Army Corps of Engineers (COE) Norfolk District and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) published a new Stream Assessment Methodology which provided a quantitative process to determine the functions and values of streams proposed to be impacted by development. The evaluation was slated to be used to determine appropriate compensation for stream impacts effective January 15, 2004, but was delayed due to public comment. A revised methodology was presented to the public in June during workshops held by the COE and DEQ with the consulting community. As a result of the workshops, it was determined that additional revisions were necessary. Written public comments on the protocols are being accepted by the COE (Attn: Mike Schwinn, 803 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1096 or via EMAIL) and DEQ (Attn: Mike Keeler, 629 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23240 or via EMAIL) until August 30, 2004. At this time, it is uncertain when the final Stream Assessment Methodology system will be implemented, but it easily could take 6 to 12 more months. So in the short term, the confusion and variability of stream mitigation requirements on a project-by-project basis will continue. If you have any questions or concerns about stream impacts on your site, contact Mike Rolband, P.E., P.W.S., Brian Chromey, P.E., or Frank Graziano, P.E.