Farmers in Augusta County have plenty of questions about proposed changes in Virginia's clean water efforts.
Only about two dozen people turned out for a public hearing, but some of them said that's because the department of conservation failed to properly publicize it.
Virginia is looking at a new program that promotes voluntary protection of water and soil. Farmers who get their management plans approved could avoid further government regulation for nine years.
"I may qualify now, but after nine years my certificate would run out," said Charles Drumheller, an Augusta County farmer. "Then if the regulations have gotten much tighter, then what do you do? What are the penalties?"
The public comment period on the proposed regulation changes will continue until mid-September. If it gets final state approval, the program will begin early next year.
