What role does the Virginia DEQ play regarding stormwater permits?

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) plays a crucial role in overseeing stormwater management permit compliance. This involves ensuring that entities that operate under stormwater permits are adhering to regulations designed to protect water quality and manage the impacts of stormwater runoff. The DEQ's responsibilities include reviewing applications for stormwater management plans, conducting inspections, and enforcing compliance with the conditions set forth in the permits.

By overseeing compliance, DEQ helps to mitigate the effects of stormwater pollution, which can contribute to issues like waterway degradation, habitat loss, and urban flooding. This regulatory function ensures that localities and developers implement the necessary best management practices (BMPs) to manage stormwater effectively.

While funding, monitoring public drainage systems, and community education are important aspects of stormwater management, they do not specifically reflect the direct oversight of permit compliance, which is a fundamental role of the DEQ in maintaining environmental standards and public health.