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, you may call us at 757 690-8181.
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:
- Public education and outreach
- Public involvement and participation
- Illicit discharge detection and elimination
- Construction site stormwater runoff control
- Post-construction stormwater management
- 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:
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission Environmental Education Resources
- MS4 Full Permit: 2018 MS4 General Permit re-issuance package VAR040130 2018
- MS4 Registration Statement: Registration Statement VAR040130
- MS4 Program Plan: FMA MS4 Program Plan 4 30 19
- Annual Reports as required: VAR040130_FMA_MS4_Annual_Report_2019_PY1_Revised20200421 VAR040130_FMA_MS4_Annual_Report_2020_PY2_FInal (002); VAR040130_FMA_MS4_Annual_Report_2021_PY3 (Signed) VAR040130_FMA_MS4_Annual_Report_2022_PY4_PKG signed
- Chesapeake Bay TMDL Action Plan: Phase2_TMDLActionPlan_20180530 DRAFT
- Nutrient Management Plan: Fort Monroe Nutrient Management Plan 2021 (Final)
- If you observe a significant pollution incident that presents an imminent threat to human health or the environment, report the pollution event to the local 911 and then to the Fort Monroe Authority Offices at 757 690-8181 during business hours and 757 628-5094 after business hours.
