Overview:
Sinking Waters Nutrient Bank is a Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) approved nutrient credit project located in Tazewell County, Virginia, approximately 1.7 miles from Dry Fork, a tributary of the Tug Fork River. Approved in June 2022, the bank delivers verified nutrient and sediment reduction credits within the Big Sandy watershed.
Historically operated as a cow/calf farm, the property has been permanently transitioned from agricultural production to forested land use to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff at its source. Through the conversion of pasture and hay fields to native forest cover, the project improves local water quality, enhances downstream aquatic habitat, and supports long-term restoration of the Tug Fork and Upper Levisa river systems.
Tree planting was completed in March 2022 across approximately 48 acres at a minimum density of 400 stems per acre, with a maintained 35-foot fallow buffer between perennial streams and conversion areas. The land conversion areas are permanently protected from future agricultural use, ensuring lasting nutrient reductions. A comprehensive Land Conversion Areas Management Plan, developed in accordance with Virginia Department of Forestry Best Management Practices, governs ongoing maintenance and performance standards. Where necessary, supplemental planting will be conducted to maintain required stem densities and sustain a healthy mixed hardwood forest of native deciduous and coniferous species.
Sinking Waters Nutrient Bank is authorized to generate and trade nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment credits under Virginia’s nutrient credit trading regulations and stormwater nutrient credit program. The bank is approved within the Tug Fork (HUC 05070201) and Upper Levisa/Big Sandy (HUC 05070202) watersheds. Its service area includes all of Buchanan County, nearly all of Dickenson County, and portions of Wise and Tazewell Counties, delivering measurable water quality improvements while offering a dependable nutrient credit option for the Tug Fork and Upper Levisa watersheds.
