September 17, 2014: The City of Norfolk submitted a permit application for improvements to the existing Western Branch Reservoir Dam. The purpose of the project is to provide reliable water supply storage for Norfolk and other communities; prevent a hazard to downstream residents, structures, roadways, or environment from potential failure of a High Hazard dam; comply with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) dam safety regulations; and comply with the City of Norfolk’s operating permit. Wetland and water impacts for the entire project total 2.629 acres, which include impacts to non-tidal subaqueous land, non-tidal forested wetlands, tidal subaqueous lands, tidal wetlands and intertidal areas. Public comment period ends October 17, 2014.