What is the primary purpose of the Virginia Stormwater Management Program?

The primary purpose of the Virginia Stormwater Management Program is focused on managing both the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff in the state. This is essential because stormwater runoff can lead to increased flooding, erosion, and water pollution, impacting both natural waterways and human communities.

By establishing guidelines and practices for stormwater management, the program aims to reduce the harmful effects of runoff, particularly in urban areas where impervious surfaces like roads and buildings can exacerbate these issues. Effective stormwater management helps maintain water quality by implementing best management practices (BMPs) aimed at treating and controlling runoff before it reaches local water bodies, thereby protecting aquatic ecosystems and drinking water supplies.

This program is critical for promoting sustainable development and ensuring that land use practices do not negatively impact water resources. Other options, although they address important aspects of community and environmental planning, do not directly align with the specific focus of stormwater management, which is fundamentally about controlling water runoff.