Which legislation authorizes the Virginia Stormwater Management Program?

The Virginia Stormwater Management Act is the legislation that specifically authorizes the Virginia Stormwater Management Program. This act was enacted to improve and enhance water quality in Virginia by regulating stormwater runoff. It outlines the framework for local governments to develop and implement stormwater management programs tailored to their specific community needs and environmental conditions.

The act establishes a statewide framework for managing stormwater, including the requirement for permanent control measures, design standards, and maintenance practices to minimize the impacts of stormwater on water quality and aquatic habitats. This legislation emphasizes the importance of protecting water resources by controlling the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff, ensuring compliance with both state and federal water quality standards.

While the Clean Water Act and other mentioned acts address water quality and preservation in broader terms, it is the Virginia Stormwater Management Act that directly governs the management of stormwater within the state. Therefore, its specific focus on stormwater management makes it the correct choice as the authorizing legislation for the Virginia Stormwater Management Program.