Hampton Roads VDOT admin signs off

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A week has passed since potholes left more than a dozen drivers with popped tires along Interstate 264. Now, VDOT's Hampton Roads administrator has officially resigned from his post.

Dennis Heuer sent an email to his VDOT colleagues Friday, informing them of his resignation.

"I am certain you are aware of the issues... about the recent potholes on I-264... I take the responsibility of my position very seriously... I have decided to resign my position with VDOT to avoid any further distraction," Heuer wrote.

Heuer was last seen in public Jan. 10 at a groundbreaking for the Midtown Tunnel. He refused to speak with 10  On Your Side Thursday. His  position will temporarily be filled by Mike Estes.

In the resignation letter, Heuer wrote of all that he has accomplished in his nine years as district administrator.

Ironically, not one of them dealt directly with roads and road improvements. Heuer mentioned success in enhanced communication, but it was his failure to communicate and answer questions about his management that may have ultimately led to his departure.

The contracting company Heuer signed on, TME Enterprises, is in hot water of its own. Earlier this week, it was announced TME was charged with illegal dumping into City of Norfolk stormwater. Friday, 10 On Your Side broke the news that Chesapeake Fire Marshals are looking into possible illegal dumping at a site in Chesapeake.

"We look forward to meeting with VDOT officials in the near future... to ensure they receive what they need from TME... helping facilitate the investigation process," TME President Matt Ehrenzeller said.

Sources tell WAVY.com discharged contents of vac trucks including contaminants vacuumed out of storm water structures in tunnels and along roadways of the interstate were found at the Norfolk site.

"We have our Health Safety and Environmental Officer working with management staff to perform this investigation, and if needed we will take swift action to correct any issues," Ehrenzeller said.

Heuer's resignation email:

Fellow Employees,

I wanted to take this opportunity to speak with you directly to let you know that I have made the decision to leave VDOT, effective Friday.  I am certain you are aware of the issues that have been presented in the public about the recent potholes on I-264.  As your District Administrator for the last eight years, I'm sure you know that I take the responsibility of my position very seriously.  As such, I have decided to resign my position with VDOT to avoid any further distraction to the good work performed by the Hampton Roads District and the Virginia Department of Transportation.
I would be remiss if I did not also take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the employees in the Hampton Roads District. During my time as District Administrator, I am proud to say we have accomplished some important goals and enhanced communication throughout the organization.
-In 2006, we established the Workplace of Choice Initiative. Through the dedication of this group and the employees in Hampton Roads, we launched a campaign to encourage open communication, accomplish personal career goals and enhance communication throughout the organization.
-We launched the annual Unity Fair, the only diversity driven event of its kind within the Agency.
-We have endured numerous realignments; the Suffolk Devolution, Norfolk Residency, Area Headquarter realignments, and the Elizabeth River Tunnels transition; all with a committed and successful focus on working with employees to ensure the best possible outcome for their continued employment while treating all with dignity and respect.
It is my hope that ACCELERATE Hampton Roads, our newest venture, will help prepare and unite each of you in this district to experience the most successful future possible.
Everything we have accomplished here, we have achieved together.  I want you to know how proud I am to have been associated with such a fine and dedicated group of professionals.  I wish you all the best in your future career endeavors.