How must potentially harmful sheet flow runoff be managed?

The management of potentially harmful sheet flow runoff is critical for protecting water quality and preventing erosion. Diverting this runoff to the stormwater conveyance system is an effective strategy because it helps in the controlled transport of water, minimizing the impact on natural water bodies. This system is designed to manage the flow of stormwater efficiently, reducing the risk of contamination from pollutants that may be carried by the runoff.

By channeling the runoff into a stormwater conveyance system, it can be treated and managed before it reaches larger bodies of water. This system often includes features like sediment traps, swales, or bioretention areas designed to filter out pollutants and reduce sediment load. Utilizing this approach not only helps mitigate harmful impacts but also aligns with sustainable stormwater management practices that are essential in compliance with regulations set forth by the Virginia DEQ.

In contrast, allowing sheet flow runoff to infiltrate could lead to the introduction of contaminants into the groundwater supply, which is not advisable. Diversion into vegetated areas, while beneficial for some scenarios, requires careful planning to ensure that the vegetation can handle the volume and type of runoff being diverted, and it may not be sufficient for more contaminated flows. Storing in temporary basins could help manage runoff volume, but