As we manage the grounds at Fort Monroe, we strive to be good environmental stewards. Our staff works closely with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to ensure that our efforts are up to current standards and practices. 

If you have any questions, wish to report potential stormwater pollution concerns, or would like to provide feedback on the program, you may call us at 757 690-8181.

The Fort Monroe Authority (FMA) Invites Public Comment on the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TDML) Action Plan (Phase 3)

The FMA invites the public to provide comments on the Draft Phase 3 Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TDML) Action Plan (Bay Action Plan).  The Bay Action Plan contains strategies for the FMA to meet stormwater pollution reduction targets to help clean the Chesapeake Bay

Bay cleanup targets are mandated through the FMA’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit, which regulates discharges of stormwater from the FMA’s storm sewer system.  The General Permit requires the development and implementation of a Bay Action Plan which includes strategies to reduce pollution entering the Bay from stormwater runoff.  The General Permit can be found here.  

The General Permit is issued in five-year cycles by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ).

The current General Permit requires the development and implementation of a Phase 3 Chesapeake Bay TDML Action Plan to meet 100 percent of the pollution reduction targets on or before June 30, 2028.  Please click the link to review the draft Phase 3 Plan:  Draft Fort Monroe Phase 3 TDML Action Plan 

From now until September 16, 2024, public comments can be made via email to environmental@fortmonroe.org

 Comments may also be dropped off or mailed to;

Fort Monroe Authority–Attn:  Environmental Manager, 20 Ingalls Road, Fort Monroe, VA 23651

The deadline for public comment is September 16, 2024

Once reviewed, the Phase 3 TMDL Bay Action Plan will be finalized and posted on this webpage on November 1, 2024.  

Stormwater Management Program Plan

Our plan is based on six minimum control measures as required by the Virginia General Permit.  The goals and objectives were developed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from Fort Monroe’s Municipal Stormwater Sewer System (MS4) to the maximum extent practical, protect water quality, ensure compliance with water quality standards, and to satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the State Water Control Law and its attendant regulations.  Links to the MS4 full permit, registration statement, program plan and annual reports are below.  

Pollution Prevention and Control

Pollution prevention is any practice that reduces, eliminates or prevents pollution at its source.  By reducing the amount of pollution means we have less waste to control, treat, or dispose.  Less pollution also means fewer hazards are posed to public health and to the environment.  

Under our permit, we must develop, implement, and enforce a program that includes the following six minimum control measures:

1.  Public education and outreach
2. Public involvement and participation
3. Illicit discharge detection and elimination
4. Construction site stormwater runoff control
5. Post-construction stormwater management
6. Pollution Prevention/good housekeeping

These control measures are designed and implemented to control the discharge of pollutants from our stormwater system to the maximum extent practical in a manner that protects the water quality in nearby streams, rivers, wetlands, and the Chesapeake Bay.

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

An illicit discharge is the discharge of any substance into a storm sewer system that is not stormwater.  Some examples include:

• Wastewater
• Concrete washout
• Cleaning supplies
• Construction waste (e.g. debris, sludge)
• Vehicle washing
• Paint
• Fuels and oils
• Pet waste 

The following do not constitute and illicit discharge:

• Discharges or flows from firefighting activities
• Landscape irrigation and lawn watering
• Foundation/footing drains
• Water line flushing
• Discharges from potable (drinkable) water sources
• Street wash water
• Air conditioning condensation

Storm sewers are designed to carry storm water and runoff.  Storm sewers are not treated and lead directly into our natural environment.  Substances that are not stormwater should never be released in the storm sewer system.  The Fort Monroe storm sewer inlets are marked with a “No Dumping –Drains to Bay” medallion.  

Public Education and Outreach

We encourage you to explore the links below to learn more about efforts to prevent pollution in our region:

AskHRGreen.org

Hampton Roads Planning District Commission Environmental Education Resources