Lucas Farm Nutrient Bank

The Lucas Farm Nutrient Bank project, implemented by RES, marks a significant milestone as the first living shoreline nutrient bank in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This pioneering initiative aims to restore and enhance coastal habitats while addressing the pressing issue of nutrient pollution in the bay.

The project has successfully generated nutrient credits, making a tangible impact on water quality and ecosystem health. By establishing a living shoreline nutrient bank, RES developed a sustainable solution that mitigates nutrient pollution, provides valuable ecosystem services, and enhances the resilience of coastal areas.

Recognizing the significance of this project, RES actively collaborated with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to develop a Nutrient Reduction Implementation Plan for living shoreline and stabilization projects, which includes items like a monitoring and maintenance plan and long-term stewardship plan. This collaboration established a robust framework to guide future initiatives in the region’s nutrient trading and ecosystem restoration efforts.

The Lucas Farm Nutrient Bank showcases RES’ expertise in environmental restoration, regulatory compliance, and collaborative partnerships. By pioneering this new approach and collaborating with DEQ, RES is positively impacting the local environment and contributing to the overall restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

This project sets a precedent for future living shoreline projects. It serves as a model for innovative and sustainable solutions to address nutrient pollution and protect the invaluable coastal ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay. RES remains committed to advancing environmental stewardship and driving positive change in coastal communities.