RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - An analysis of non-tidal Virginia localities that are part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed found wide variations in the adoption of development codes intended to keep sediment and runoff from entering rivers and streams.

The analysis was contained in a report by conservation groups concerned with the well-being of three Virginia rivers: the James, the Potomac and the Rappahannock.

The groups examined local development codes and ordinances of 41 cities, towns and counties to assess how well they're embracing "low-impact development" practices.

The scores ranged from 3 percent to 72 percent, with the average locality scoring 27 percent.

Bill Street is executive director of the James River Association. He said the study "shows that there's a lot of opportunities" to improve on those practices.

STEVE SZKOTAK
Associated Press