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.

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