Council approves 212-acre Myrtle mitigation bank; staff say it will restore and protect wetlands

On July 15 the City of Suffolk Council approved a conditional use permit authorizing a wetlands mitigation bank — known in staff materials as the Myrtle Mitigation Bank — covering roughly 212 acres that will be restored and protected under a conservation easement.

Kevin Wine, director of planning and community development, told council the proposal includes two subprojects: a roughly 204-acre mitigation bank area and an approximately 8-acre ecological restoration project. The sponsor, Clearwater Ventures, and project representatives said the plan will restore wetland functions, plant hundreds of acres of woody wetland species and put the restored resource into perpetual conservation with federal and state oversight.

Beth Cross of the Nansemond River Preservation Alliance told council the group supports the restoration work but urged discernment about how future credits might be used so that restoration does not become an excuse for future wetland impacts. James Parker, who identified himself as the property owner and sponsor through Clearwater Ventures, said the project complies with the 2045 comprehensive plan and would improve water quality, habitat and long-term conservation of the site.

Staff told council the planning commission recommended approval 7-0 with conditions listed in the staff report. Council member Butler Barlow moved to approve; Council member Wright seconded, and the council approved the conditional use permit 8-0. The permit includes standard conditions and references compliance with Army Corps of Engineers and Virginia DEQ permitting for mitigation banks.