What is the primary purpose of the Virginia DEQ Storm Water Management Program?

The primary purpose of the Virginia DEQ Storm Water Management Program is to control stormwater runoff to protect water quality. This program focuses on implementing practices and regulations that help manage the quantity and quality of stormwater, which is critical in preventing pollutants from entering local water bodies. By managing stormwater effectively, the program aims to protect the health of aquatic ecosystems, safeguard public water supplies, and reduce flooding hazards.

An essential aspect of stormwater management is understanding how runoff can carry various pollutants—such as sediments, fertilizers, oils, and heavy metals—into rivers and streams, causing harm to both water quality and aquatic life. The Virginia DEQ's initiatives are designed to mitigate these risks through best management practices (BMPs), permitting processes, and monitoring, ensuring that the natural water cycles are preserved and restored where necessary.

In contrast, managing urban traffic and promoting agricultural efficiency do not directly address the specific requirements of stormwater management, while establishing wildlife habitats, although important, is more of a secondary benefit that may stem from effective stormwater practices rather than the program's main goal.